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Bicycling Road Trips: This route is ideal for a shorter ride and can easily be completed in a half day. Like the McDowell Mountain Loop, this route leaves from Fountain Hills on Fountain Hills Boulevard heading northbound which becomes McDowell Mountain Road (seen above). The entrance to the park is just a few short miles north of Fountain Hills. For bicyclists, the entrance fee is $1.00, a small price to pay for such a beautiful ride through some awesome open range. Beyond the main gate, McDowell Mountain Park Drive gradually climbs for a few miles through the foothills of the McDowell Mountains until reaching the main family campground. Be sure to occasionally stop and look behind you at the panoramic views of the Mazatzal Mountains, Four Peaks and the Superstition Mountain Range. Beyond the campground the road begins a twisting and turning descent toward the northeast boundary of the park. Just beyond Ironwood Picnic Area the road ends at the Palo Verde Picnic Area and Youth Group Area. This is a great place to stop and rest. Views here and everywhere else in the park are outstanding. 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 despite the burned areas, beauty, solitude, and wildlife still abound in the park. Once rested, begin the trek back to Fountain Hills along the same route. 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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