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Mountain Bike Rides: Some radical mountain biking is available just north of Fountain Hills at McDowell Mountain Regional Park. Managed by Maricopa County, the park features miles and miles of singletrack through the saguaro covered foothills of the McDowell Mountains. One of the most popular trails, the Pemberton trail is a 17 mile single track that, for the most part, is traveled one-way. The route has many radical climbs and descents and a several-mile gradual downhill about half way into the ride. The possibility for viewing wildlife, even when cruising along on a bicycle, is entirely possible. Coyotes, mountain lions, javalinas, rattlers, and more can be seen on the trail. Some areas of the park were devastated by the 1995 Rio Fire that scorched nearly 14,000 acres of the park. The 21,099 acre park still features some pristine areas and inspite of the fire, beauty, solitude, and wildlife still abound in the park. Always stay on the trail when riding in the park. There is also a series of one-way, high speed, competitive tracks designed strictly for mountain bikers. The 14 miles of single-track are the home of an annual professional mountain bike race.
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. Also be sure to see Attractions within this web site. Download a map of the park: (File Size: 1.7MB) Maricopa County Parks Online: McDowell Mountain Regional Park Online:
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