LOST DOG WASH TRAILHEAD - DON'T MISS IT!!
Hiking and Mountain biking are a couple of my favorite outdoor activities here in Scottsdale and all around Arizona. Unfortunately my busy life seems to have left less time for these many adventures lately. When I have a hour and a half, the Lost Dog Wash Trail provides a great little hike with a nice workout and tremendous views.
Lost Dog Wash Trailhad can be found by going north on 124th St. from Shea Boulevard in Scottsdale. You can't miss it, 124th St simply dead-ends into the entrance and parking area. The trailhead is actually an award winning development that is an extra highlight to your hike. The Lost Dog Wash trailhead building exemplifies environmentally conscious desert modern architecture. The landscape is also award-winning for its detailed re-creation of the natural landscape.
Then on to the hike - don't forget your water!! Lost Dog Wash Trail begins by criss-crossing the wash itself, experiencing the Sonoran desert tree bosques and riparian landscape. Soon you'll find the trail gaining elevation and moving out of the wash habitat. Now I recommend catching the Sunrise Trail after just 0.5 miles on the Lost Dog Wash Trail itself. The Sunrise Trail heads east and up to Sunrise Peak where views can be enjoyed back over Scottsdale to the south.
Your other choices while hiking from the Lost Dog Wash Trailhead include the Ringtail Trail or continuing west on Lost Dog Trail itself. Ringtail Trail is an approximately 3 mile loop starting and ending at the Lost Dog Wash Trailhead. This trail
only ascends about 230' above the wash and simply doesn't have an adequate sense of accomplishment for me. Lost Dog Trail proper continues north and west toward Taliesen, WestWorld and views into North Scottsdale. My clear recommendation is for Sunrise Trail because of the more direct incline into the McDowell Mountains where you feel further separated from the city, ascend to superior views, and enjoy the sense of accomplishment I seek out.
At 2.0 miles from Lost Dog Wash Trailhead, you reach the top of the steepest incline. Views are tremendous and you will have experienced the joy of Lost Dog Wash's trails. If time permits, continue another approximately 1.1 miles to Sunrise Peak itself where dramatic views can be enjoyed to both the east and the west valley where you began. Thus you have reached the summit and will enjoy an outstanding Sunrise or Sunset if you have timed your hike for it. Once you've adequately enjoyed the summit, head back to the trailhead and within a reasonable time you will have fallen for this tremendous experience available at Lost Dog Wash Trail.
For Mountain Bikers, the trails of Lost Dog Wash Trail and Sunrise Trail are fun and all the challange you can ask for.
The trail and views of Lost Dog Wash are quite enjoyable for any location. To have this experience available from right in the heart of Scottsdale is a tremendous opportunity, you must not miss. Camelback Mountain, Squaw Peak, and Pinnacle Peak will not soon lose their spots as the most popular Scottsdale and North Phoenix area native trails. But to escape the crowds without a long drive, park the vehicle at Lost Dog Wash Trailhead and experience an escape into the beauty of the Sonoran Desert you won't soon forget!
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