Lunch where we could see the fountain from Fountain Hills
An easy hike of approximately 5.5 miles total, out and back, to the mine at The McDowell Mountain Regional Park. We park outside of a gated community and walk about 10-15 minutes to the trailhead. Parking is limited to about 22 spaces so we have some concern there, but we have never had a problem in the past! No pit toilets, however many bushes once on the trail. The trail setting is really beautiful and the trail is generally smoother than most. Small hills with interesting rock formations and many saguaros. At about the halfway point in the hike, we will eat lunch on a hill overlooking the valley and be able to view the fountain at Fountain Hills spew 300-560 feet into the air. On our way back, we will view the old mine from the top looking down into it, then see the mine entrance itself and some petroglyphs. There is a $2.00 cash fee to hike this trail. The forecast for Fountain Hills on Friday is 69 degrees and sunny!
Directions:
With the construction on I-10 in the Phoenix area, we will try a little different route. From Florence Ave., take I-10 north 19 miles to exit 175 for Az-587 North toward Chandler. After 0.2 miles, turn left onto 587 N. Continue 12 miles to the 202. Use the 2 left lanes to turn left and merge onto the 202 ramp and head west 2.1 miles. Use the right 2 lanes to take exit 50A for the 101 loop north. Continue 21 miles to exit 41 for Shea Blvd using the right 2 lanes to turn right onto E Shea Blvd. and signs for Fountain Hills. Travel 7.8 miles to N Palisades Blvd and turn left. This will turn into Sunridge Dr and after 2.7 miles, turn left onto Golden Eagle Blvd, which is also Mountain Parkway and parking is straight ahead. The total distance is approximately 72 miles.
Dixie Mine Parking - turning off I-10 at exit 175.
Please Note:
Friday's hike will be the last hike for November due to the Thanksgiving Holiday and it was thought that many people might have family activities or company, so our next hike will be Friday, December 2, 2022! This will also give John Robichaud, who just arrived at Palm Creek and is getting settled in, time to have everything ready for the club. Remember, if a hike must be cancelled, you will, or should, receive an email by 6 a.m. Friday morning and you can go back to bed!
For questions, call John 207-446-0650 or Jerry at 307-630-0252.
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