24.3 miles
Distance
990 ft
Climb
-990 ft
Descent
2,955 ft
High Point
0 ft
Altitude change
2,500 ft
Altitude min
2,541 ft
Altitude start
2,539 ft
Altitude end
-14.1%
Grade max
22.2%
Grade min
8 miles
Distance climb
8 miles
Distance down
9 miles
Distance flat

Long perimeter loop around the preserve.

Detailed Description
McDowell Perimeter Loop is a 24 mile popular intermediate route located near Scottsdale Arizona. This mountain bike only route can be used both directions and has a moderate overall physical rating. This route includes 10 trails. This route climbs 990 ft with a max elevation of 2,955 ft then descends -990 ft.
Tags

Trail Issues on Route

  • Minor Issue / Yellow: 1 trail (newest: Oct 1, 2026)

Local Trail Association

Local trail association
Desert Foothills Mountain Bike Association (www.dfmba.org)
Please consider joining or donating to the local riding association to support trail development & maintenance.
Donate to earn trail karma!

Stats

  • Distance
    24 miles
  • Avg time
    2 hr 55 min
  • Altitude min
    2,500 ft
  • Altitude start
    2,541 ft
  • Altitude end
    2,539 ft
  • Climb
    990 ft
  • Descent
    -990 ft
  • Grade max
    -14.1%
  • Grade min
    22.2%
  • Distance climb
    8 miles
  • Distance down
    8 miles
  • Distance flat
    9 miles

20 Reviews & Comments

LongStebe
Anybody wanting to do those loop should redraw the route. This one is an example of either not drawing enough points or just laziness. The route is actually drawn, in places, where there is not trail. I rode it today and was very glad I had my phone and my Garmin working on the route. Zooming in on the Trailforks route showing what I was just saying about the route

We hope you've been enjoying Trailforks!

Create a FREE account to view all route reviews and much more.

Details

  • Riding area
  • Primary Activity
    Mountain Bike
  • Difficulty rating
    Blue
  • Route Type
    Loop
  • eBike Allowed
  • Bike type
    XC
  • Direction
    Both Directions
  • Physical rating
    Moderate
  • Activity Logs
    24
Avg: 5 (1 votes)
close
Trail transparency
  • Singletrack
  • Unpaved
Renegade trail at Browns Ranch, Scottsdale Arizona
mtb
Renegade trail at Browns Ranch, Scottsdale Arizona
trail: Renegade
4:00 | 281 | comments: 0 | favs:
Jan 30, 2023
Social Distancing Ride in the McDowell Sonoran...
mtb
Social Distancing Ride in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve!
313 | comments: 0 | favs:
Mar 22, 2020

Recent Trail Reports Along Route

statustraildateconditiondescription
Hawknest Trail (North)
Oct 1, 2026 @ 8:39am (America/Phoenix)
1 day
Renegade
Oct 1, 2026 @ 8:39am (America/Phoenix)
1 day
Cloudburst
Sep 26, 2026 @ 6:55am (America/Phoenix)
Sep 26, 2026
Whiskey Bottle
Sep 19, 2026 @ 6:29am (America/Phoenix)
Sep 19, 2026
High Desert DT
Sep 10, 2026 @ 6:52am (America/Phoenix)
Sep 10, 2026
more reports »
  • By idc22TF Pro & contributors
  • #7167 - 3,325 views

Hit the Trail

Open in App

Get this route on your phone instantly.

Download Route

Save to wishlist, Garmin & download.