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McDowell Mountain Regional Park Just north of Fountain Hills lies the 21,099 acre McDowell Mountain Regional Park, one of the largest parks in the Maricopa County Park System. With nearly 55 miles of desert trails, the park is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. Here you will find hikers, bikers, horseback riders, campers, family picnics, and nature enthusiasts enjoying and discovering the beauty of the Sonoran Desert. The trail system connects the park to Fountain Hills and Scottsdale via Wingate Pass, a saddle on the McDowell Mountains. Elevations within the boundaries of McDowell Mountain Park range from 1600 feet to 3000 feet along the park's west boundary near the base of the McDowell Mountain Range. McDowell Mountain Park lies along a stretch of McDowell Mountain Road, believed by many to be one of the most picturesque country highway drives in all of Maricopa County. The scenic highway is popular among bicyclists, motorcyclists and leisure drivers. Naturally, McDowell Mountain Park is a common attraction along the route. Passing through the park gates opens the way to several miles of paved roads within the park leading to camping, picnic areas, and trailheads throughout the area. Two campgrounds are available for visitors. A 76-site family and group campground with hookups, restrooms and grills is located along the main road in the park. In winter the family campground is a popular destination for "snow birds," winter visitors who make the annual pilgrimage from their northern homelands to escape the cold weather. There is also a wilderness campground which is accessible by a hiking trail from the family campground. The wilderness campground is visited primarily by overnight backpackers. Horse enthusiasts enjoy the park trail system with access from a designated equestrian staging area. Other trails within the park are dedicated to mountain bikers. One such area called the "Competitive Track" was specifically designed for mountain biking. The one-way track features climbs and descents often with banked curves. The track and other trails in the park are the home to the McDowell Roundup, an annual professional mountain bike race held each January. Be prepared to pay an entrance fee at the park gate. Current rates are $5.00 for cars while a $1.00 fee is charged for visitors who enter on foot, horseback, or bicycle. The park officials impose a 14-day limited stay for campers. The rates are $15.00 per night. There is no off-road vehicle travel allowed in the park. Limited hunting is allowed with the proper license. In 1995 approximately 14,000 acres of the park was devastated by a blaze called the Rio Fire. The fire, ignited by lightning in north Scottsdale, caused great destruction to native vegetation and wildlife habitat. With some restoration and strict guidelines in certain areas, park officials are beginning to see nature bounce back. Though there are still obvious signs of the fire, visitors may likely see deer, javelina, birds, coyotes, mountain lions, and other wildlife while visiting the park. The land within park boundaries also holds a place in history worth noting. Several known archaeological sites are believed to be that of nomadic big game hunters, Hohokam Indians, and immigrants from Mexico who occupied the area throughout the last 2,000 years. Further, the arrival of the Spaniards in the early 1500's under the leadership of Coronado passed through the area which was occupied by thousands of Hohokam Indians at the time. Seven-and-a-half miles of The Stoneman Historical Trail passes thorough the park as well. Named after Colonel George Stoneman, a military commander who was appointed to the Arizona Territory by Ulysses S. Grant in 1870, Stoneman toured Arizona's army forts at that time including Fort McDowell. While exploring the possibilities of a shorter route to Fort Whipple in Prescott, Stoneman, with some troops, followed an Indian trail that passed through the area. Later, he ordered troops to widen the trail into a wagon road. The route became a major supply line between Fort Whipple and Fort McDowell. This information is based on a brochure published by the Maricopa County Recreation and Services Department. Be sure to ask for one when visiting the park. For further information about McDowell Mountain Regional Park call the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department, McDowell Mountain Park offices, or visit the park's official web site online. Download a map of the park: (File Size: 1.7MB) Maricopa County Parks Online: McDowell Mountain Regional Park Online:
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