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Lost Dog Wash Trailhead: Gateway to McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Explore the Sonoran Desert at Lost Dog Wash Trailhead: hiking, education, and sustainable design in Scottsdale's McDowell Sonoran Preserve.

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Lost Dog Wash Trailhead, a major access point to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale, Arizona, offers a variety of hiking trails amidst the stunning Sonoran Desert landscape. With amenities like parking, restrooms, and educational programs, it's a perfect starting point for exploring the natural beauty of the preserve.

A brief summary to Lost Dog Wash Trailhead

  • Monday 6 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 6 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 6 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 6 am-6 pm
  • Friday 6 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 6 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 6 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Hike during the cooler months (October-April) to avoid the extreme desert heat.
  • Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and wear appropriate hiking shoes.
  • Be aware of rattlesnakes and other desert wildlife.
  • Check the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy website for trail maps and information on guided hikes.
  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Scottsdale, access the trailhead by heading north on 124th Street from either Via Linda or Shea Boulevard. 124th Street dead-ends at the trailhead. There is ample free parking available for both vehicles and horse trailers. Note that parking can be limited during peak season.

  • Public Transport

    While there is no direct public transportation to the trailhead, Valley Metro offers bus and light rail services throughout Scottsdale. From a Valley Metro bus stop, you could take a taxi or ride-sharing service (Uber/Lyft) to the trailhead. A taxi from central Scottsdale to the trailhead would cost approximately $15-$25. Scottsdale also offers a RideChoice program for eligible residents, providing subsidized transportation via taxi or rideshare.

  • Walking

    If you are staying in the nearby residential areas of North Scottsdale, you can walk to the Lost Dog Wash Trailhead. From Anasazi Elementary School, continue north on 124th Street until you reach the trailhead. Be aware that there are no sidewalks for the final portion of the walk. Ensure you have sun protection and water, as the area offers little shade.

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Discover more about Lost Dog Wash Trailhead

Lost Dog Wash Trailhead serves as a welcoming gateway to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, a vast expanse of protected desert landscape in Scottsdale. This award-winning trailhead provides access to a network of trails suitable for hikers, bikers, and equestrians of all skill levels. The area is characterized by rocky terrain, scenic views, and diverse Sonoran Desert flora and fauna. The trailhead itself is a model of sustainable design, featuring solar power, composting toilets, and rainwater harvesting. It acts as an outdoor education facility, offering guided interpretive hikes and programs that highlight the area's history and ecology. Visitors can learn about the native plants and animals, as well as the cultural history of the region. The trails from Lost Dog Wash Trailhead meander through a natural desert wash, offering relatively shorter and easier hikes compared to some other trailheads in the preserve. Popular trails include the Kovach Family Nature Trail, Ringtail Trail, and Taliesin Overlook, which provides a distant view of Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West. The area is particularly beautiful during the winter and spring months when wildflowers bloom. However, hikers should be aware of potential hazards such as rattlesnakes and the intense desert heat, especially during the summer.

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