McDowell Mountain Loop Road Trip

McDowell Mountain Loop is considered by many to be the ideal road trip to discover the beauty of the Sonoran Desert. In fact, concierge at the most prestigious resorts in the Valley suggest this route to visitors staying in their hotels from all over the world. The route is also ideal for those with only one afternoon available for sightseeing.

It is no surprise that such a scenic, leisure ride would be found out Fountain Hills back door. Leaving the community via northbound Fountain Hills Boulevard the road turns into McDowell Mountain Road. Open stretches of pristine desert are just beyond the borders of Fountain Hills. As the route leads drivers across the Sonoran Desert, McDowell Mountain Road passes between the borders of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Indian Community and McDowell Mountain Regional Park. For a little extra adventure, take a short side trip through the park. The roads are paved and there are several picnic areas along the way. Note that even if no park ranger greets you at the booth, visitors are required to pay an entrance fee. See McDowell Mountain Regional Park under "Attractions" found elsewhere on this web site.

The route continues north and then curves east as the road descends down the long western slope of the Lower Verde River Basin. On the right side of the road notice the endless rows of Pecan trees in the fields of the Fort McDowell Farm.

At Forest Drive turn left into the golf community of Rio Verde. Watch speed limit signs here. After driving normal highway speeds on McDowell Mountain Road it is easy to miss the 35 mile per hour signs. Also watch for the occasional golf cart crossing the road.

Just as the route leaves Rio Verde in your rear view mirror the golf community of Tonto Verde appears. Just after Tonto Verde, Forest Drive intersects with Rio Verde Drive. For another side trip, go straight through the intersection. This is the entrance to Needle Rock Recreation Area, a fee area. The three-mile road is not paved and can be a bit rough at times, however, the area offers terrific views of the Verde River and an occasional bald eagle

To continue on the route, turn left at Rio Verde Drive. The road ascends up a long slope for several miles before it intersects with Alma School Parkway. Turn left here driving through the residential area of Troon and Desert Highlands. There are several notable landmarks in this area. The most obvious and well known is Pinnacle Peak on the right side of the road. Also the old west town of Reata Pass, the popular dining attractions of Grease Wood Flat and Pinnacle Peak Patio, and Four Seasons, a luxury resort. Any of these are great stops for lunch or a cool drink. Take caution visiting Pinnacle Peak Patio with a tie on. The establishment makes a habit out of cutting them off. Thousands of ties have become added decor over the years as can be observed by looking at the ceiling.

Continuing along the route Alma School Parkway intersects with Happy Valley Road. Turn right on Happy Valley Road, and at Pima Road make a left. Follow Pima for several miles until it intersects with Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard. Golf enthusiasts will want to stop off at the Tournament Players Club of Scottsdale, which can be found by making a right turn on Bell Road prior to Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard. TPC is the home to the renowned Phoenix Open held each January and is considered one of the premier golf events on the PGA Tour.

At Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard turn left. Another notable attraction along the route is the world famous Taliesin West located at the intersection of Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard and Cactus Road. Taliesin West was Wright's the long time winter home and is now the location of Frank Lloyd Wright's school of architecture.

When Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard meets Shea Boulevard, the route turns eastbound (left). Follow Shea Boulevard as it passes by the world renowned Mayo Clinic Scottsdale. Shea makes a few twists and turns as it climbs through the mountain pass toward Fountain Hills. At the crest of the mountain be sure to stop off at the scenic overlook on the right. The views stretch for miles across the Salt River Indian Reservation, the southeastern communities of Mesa, Gilbert, and Chandler and on down to the Santan Mountains south of the city. In the foreground is The Golf Club at Eagle Mountain. The mountain in the near distance is called Sawik Mountain.

At Palisades Boulevard turn left to head back into Fountain Hills along a scenic drive through town