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Long Loop

Intermediate Intermediate
 3.9 (42)
  1. Areas
  2. AZ
  3. …Phoenix Metro
  4. …Fountain Hills
  5. McDowell Mountain Regional Park
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“The longest of the competitive tracks at McDowell Mountain, offering a variety of terrain. ”

C R John
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Map Key

8.0

Miles

12.8

KM
Singletrack

1,751' 534 m

High

1,560' 475 m

Low

457' 139 m

Up

450' 137 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

10%

Max Grade (6°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Allowed

There is a $7.00 per vehicle park entry fee.

Description

At almost eight miles, the Long Loop is (obviously) the longest of the three competitive loops. The features are a step up from the Sport Loop more of an intermediate level ride. The track is long enough to give some more variety than the other loops, with some nice drops down hills, a sandy wash crossing, and some rocky sections. There are several signs naming some of the features, like Boss Pick Drop, The Step, Cactus Corner, Convict Corner, etc. Connect all three competitive tracks together to make for fun and worthwhile 14-mile ride.

There are many other trails in the park for more casual exploring, especially in the springtime when the wildflowers are in bloom. With campsites, restrooms, and showers, McDowell Mountain Park can make a great destination for winter-time out-of-towners looking for a mountain biking vacation, especially with trails connecting to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.

Contacts

Land Manager: Maricopa County Parks

Shared By:

C R John with improvements by Jay Holsten and 1 other
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  3.9 from 42 votes

#2

in McDowell Mountain Regional Park

#409

Overall
  3.9 from 42 votes
5 Star
19%
4 Star
60%
3 Star
17%
2 Star
5%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#2

in McDowell Mountain Regi…

#23

in Arizona

#409

Overall
71 Views Last Month
5,932 Since Mar 29, 2014
Intermediate Intermediate
3%
5%
80%
8%
5%
0%
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Photos

Sun about to rise.
Sep 23, 2018 near Fountai…, AZ
Looking northwest from the east side of the trail.
Dec 6, 2019 near Fountai…, AZ
Pemberton Wash crossing is pretty straightforward.
Feb 27, 2017 near Fountai…, AZ

2 Comments

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 7 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Apr 17, 2024
Serena Mangus
Dec 9, 2023
Daniel Cashero
8mi — 59h 30m
Oct 23, 2023
Atsuko Ohtake
Feb 27, 2023
Will Day
8mi — 1h 22m
Nov 26, 2022
Omar Rodriguez
Feb 9, 2022
Lisa Tyler
Mar 25, 2021
England
Same as I remember it in 2000. 8mi — 0h 56m
Mar 24, 2021
Richard Schmiedeke
First third and last third are good. The second third is very rocky with some pretty technical sections thus blue/black rating.

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