more stats
7.9 miles
Distance
584 ft
Climb
-585 ft
Descent
01:03:02
Avg time
1,561 ft
Altitude min
1,770 ft
Altitude max
1,642 ft
Altitude start
1,640 ft
Altitude end
-33%
Grade max
25.2%
Grade min
3 miles
Distance climb
3 miles
Distance down
3 miles
Distance flat
01:03:02
Avg time

Long Loop Details

  • Activities
    • Mountain Bike
    • E-Bike
    • Adaptive Bike
  • Riding Area
    McDowell Mountain Regional Park
    Fountain Hills, Arizona
  • AKA
    McDowell Mtn Park Long Loop
  • Difficulty Rating
  • Voted Difficulty
    Blue (2 votes)
  • Local Popularity
    50 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • 65 in E-Biking
  • Global Ranking
    #12593 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • #7698 in E-Biking
  • Trail Type
    Singletrack
  • Bike Type
  • Climb Difficulty
    Blue
  • Physical Rating
    Moderate
  • Trail Visibility
    Always easy to follow
  • Season
    year long
  • Dogs Allowed
    Yes
  • eBike Allowed
    Yes up to Class 1
  • Land Owner

Long Loop is a one-way XC trail with some flowy sections, fairly short, but in some cases challenging, climbs and descents, and a few sandy wash crossings. In addition, it is significantly rockier than most of the other trails in the park, and probably more technical and the Technical Loop. For your efforts you'll be rewarded with very nice open views of the surrounding wilderness. About halfway through the loop there is a step you can session for a bit if you like, or you can turn left across a very small bridge and take the (still challenging) bypass.

Access Info

16300 McDowell Mountain Park Dr, Fort McDowell, AZ 85264 head to the competitive loops first left after the entrance

Adaptive Bike Info
aMTB Blue Rating: Intermediate features and steeper terrain.

A couple narrow sections, a 36" bridge and one ledge climb

Traditionally Indigenous Territory

Recent Activity on Trail

Past Week
  • 0 rides
  •  
6 Months
  • 36 rides
  • 15 miles avg distance
All
  • 621 rides
  • Last: Jun 23, 2026
c1c2c3c4
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Long Loop Trail Reports

statusdatedescription
Feb 16, 2026 @ 10:27am (America/Phoenix)
Feb 16, 2026
Jan 9, 2026 @ 1:18pm (America/Phoenix)
Jan 9, 2026
Nov 30, 2025 @ 11:35am (America/Phoenix)
Nov 30, 2025
May 17, 2025 @ 10:14am
May 17, 2025
Good physical challenge. Quite loose and very rocky for a majority of the loop. Has some steep/loose/rocky climbs that will test your skill and...
Jan 1, 2025 @ 1:44pm
Jan 1, 2025
more »
Status:
on Feb 16, 2026
Ideal
Avg: 3.91 (18 votes)
Your vote: 0

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Trail Conditions
  • Unknown
  • Snow Groomed
  • Snow Packed
  • Snow Covered
  • Snow Cover Partial
  • Freeze/thaw Cycle
  • Icy
  • Prevalent Mud
  • Wet
  • Variable
  • Ideal
  • Dry
  • Very Dry
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  • Description & Photos
  • Videos
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Slope Aspect
Direction the slope faces
Flat N NE E SE S SW W NW
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        Directions to long-loop-14907 trailhead (33.667100, -111.699150)

        Photos

        15 more »
        mtb
        310 |
        Mar 8, 2018 @ 5:58pm
        Mar 8, 2018
        mtb
        239 |
        Mar 8, 2018 @ 5:58pm
        Mar 8, 2018
        mtb
        518 |
        Mar 6, 2015 @ 12:47pm
        Mar 6, 2015
        mtb
        51 |
        Oct 5, 2024 @ 1:43pm
        Oct 5, 2024

        Videos

        5 more »
        youtuber The McDowell Loops  | 4K |  McDowell Mountain...
        mtb
        13:26 | 500 | Apr 9, 2021 , Fountain Hills
        McDowell Meltdown Course Preview
        mtb
        16:18 | 408 | Dec 9, 2020 , Fountain Hills
        youtuber McDowell Mountain Long Loop Trail | Scottsdale, AZ
        mtb
        4:02 | 1224 | Jan 4, 2018 , Fountain Hills
        youtuber 2018 McDowell Meltdown MBAA
        mtb
        21:15 | 905 | Jan 18, 2018 , Fountain Hills

        Routes with this trail

        5.0 46 miles 3,874 ft 36 Loop
        Off-road portions of the Fountain 50 Race.
        38 miles 4,592 ft 36 Loop
        A nice long ride connecting both sides of the McDowell Mountains.
        23 miles 1,614 ft 22
        Nice long ride with a few very technical areas - about 100' total of possible hike/bike

        9 Reviews & Comments


        We hope you've been enjoying Trailforks!

        Create a FREE account to view trail comments and much more.

        • By toddTF Pro Trailforks & contributors
        • #14907 - 6,112 views

        Frequently Asked Questions About Long Loop

        Where is Long Loop located?
        Long Loop is located in McDowell Mountain Regional Park, Fountain Hills, Arizona, United States. It is part of the McDowell Mountain Regional Park trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 33.6671, -111.69915.
        How hard is Long Loop?
        Long Loop is rated as Blue difficulty. The physical rating is Moderate. The climb difficulty is rated Blue.
        What is the elevation gain for Long Loop?
        Long Loop has 584 ft of elevation gain. The trail has 585 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 1,561 ft to 1,770 ft.
        How long is Long Loop?
        Long Loop is 7.9 miles long. The trail type is singletrack.
        Are dogs allowed on Long Loop?
        Yes, dogs are allowed on Long Loop. Please keep dogs on a leash where required and clean up after them.
        When is the best time of year to ride Long Loop?
        Based on activity log data, the most popular months to ride Long Loop are:
        • February (63 activities)
        • November (51 activities)
        • January (41 activities)
        Check the reports page for current trail conditions.
        How do I access Long Loop? Where is the closest parking trailhead?
        The closest parking and trailhead locations to Long Loop are: View all parking locations in the area.
        How long does it take to ride Long Loop?
        Based on recorded activities, it takes an average of 1 hour 7 minutes to ride Long Loop. The trail is 7.9 miles long. Actual times will vary based on fitness level, conditions, and pace. View recent activity logs for more details.
        How busy is Long Loop?
        Long Loop is a moderately popular trail. There have been 2,402 recorded activities on this trail. The trail has received 2,429 check-ins. View recent activity on this trail.

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