more stats
2.6 miles
Distance
740 ft
Climb
-388 ft
Descent
00:40:50
Avg time
352 ft
Altitude change
2,163 ft
Altitude min
2,762 ft
Altitude max
2,163 ft
Altitude start
2,516 ft
Altitude end
2.6%
Grade
-42.9%
Grade max
47.8%
Grade min
2 miles
Distance climb
3,980 ft
Distance down
1,099 ft
Distance flat
00:40:50
Avg time

Sonoran Details

  • Activities
    • Mountain Bike
    • E-Bike
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
  • Riding Area
    McDowell Mountain Regional Park
    Fountain Hills, Arizona
  • Difficulty Rating
    Black Diamond Rate
  • Local Popularity
    20 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • 35 in E-Biking
    • 5 in Trail Running
    • 30 in Hiking
  • Global Ranking
    #78032 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • #214784 in Trail Running
    • #119443 in Hiking
  • Trail Type
    Singletrack
  • Bike Type
    AM, XC
  • Direction
    Both Directions
  • Climb Difficulty
    Black Diamond
  • Physical Rating
    Hard
  • Season
    Year round
  • Dogs Allowed
    Yes
  • eBike Allowed
    Yes up to Class 1
  • Land Owner
    Sonoran Conservancy of Fountain Hills

This trail was built to bypass the Eagle Ridge neighborhood, connecting Promenade and Dixie Mine Trails. Sonoran crosses multiple ridges and washes, and especially on the south end, was not designed with mountain bikes in mind. Steep/sharp switchbacks dominate until the trail peaks around midway. The north half of the trail makes a nice climb or descent.

Access Info

Sonoran is accessed from Promenade (south end) or Dixie Mine (north end)

Traditionally Indigenous Territory

Recent Activity on Trail

Past Week
  • 0 rides
  •  
6 Months
  • 4 rides
  • 23.8 km avg distance
All
  • 39 rides
  • Last: May 28, 2026
c1c2c3c4
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Sonoran Trail Reports

statusdatedescription
Jan 6, 2024 @ 10:38am
Jan 6, 2024
Jan 18, 2022 @ 5:14pm
Jan 18, 2022
 A little rough, but it wasn’t too bad
Mar 9, 2019 @ 7:36am
Mar 9, 2019
 Not sure this should be rated a black, blue perhaps, but no drops or anything really tricky, only tight switchbacks.
more »
Status:
on Jan 6, 2024
Ideal
Avg: 3.76 (3 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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Slope Aspect
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Flat N NE E SE S SW W NW
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        Directions to sonoran trailhead (33.644230, -111.775340)

        Photos

        6 more »
        295 |
        Apr 26, 2015 @ 5:49pm
        Apr 26, 2015
        282 |
        Apr 26, 2015 @ 5:49pm
        Apr 26, 2015
        330 |
        Apr 26, 2015 @ 5:49pm
        Apr 26, 2015
        313 |
        Apr 26, 2015 @ 5:49pm
        Apr 26, 2015

        Videos

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        Routes with this trail

        130
        McDowell Madness
        ★ 4.0 • 47 miles • 9,391 ft • 14 • Loop •
        This route goes over all the passes & saddles in the McDowell Mtns. including all 3 trails to Tom's...
        286
        AES: McDowell Mtns Long 2015 (Defunct)
        ★ 3.0 • 63 miles • 6,191 ft • 32 • Loop •
        This is the of the AES McDowell Mountains course, at approximately 63 miles. No longer on the AES race...
        194
        Quadruple Bypass
        ★ 1.0 • 29 miles • 5,270 ft • 23 • Loop •
        5-8 hour loop through the mountains. Bring plenty of water and food. You can bail after the doing the...

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        Frequently Asked Questions About Sonoran

        ▼ Where is Sonoran located?
        Sonoran 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 33.64423, -111.77534.
        ▼ How hard is Sonoran?
        Sonoran is rated as Black Diamond difficulty. The physical rating is Hard. The average grade is 2.6%. The climb difficulty is rated Black Diamond.
        ▼ What is the elevation gain for Sonoran?
        Sonoran has 740 ft of elevation gain. The trail has 388 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 2,163 ft to 2,762 ft.
        ▼ Is Sonoran a point to point trail?
        Sonoran is not a point to point trail. The direction is Both Directions. The trail type is singletrack.

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