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Showing posts with label sunrise trail. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sunrise trail. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Sunrise Peak - McDowell Sonoran Reserve


Taylor at the top.
Staring at what was supposed to be my Chewy Bar

Hello Everybody!

One of the first Trails Taylor went on when we arrived in Scottsdale was the Sunrise Trail. (We went at 3pm, I suppose we were late) I chose it because it was rated as one of the more difficult hikes on the South Mountains in the Sonoran Reserve. That being said, it wasn't that difficult. The first 1.8 miles are an easy hike up a slow winding trail. It's the last little bit that steps it up. It becomes pretty steep about the last .2 miles. 

This is the first trail where the pup was breathing pretty heavily. She wasn't too happy she had to leap up a rock or two. The only trail we had done before was the Gateway Loop, lets just say there were old ladies with walkers and women pushing strollers on that one. Decent scenery but a bit boring. (Gateway)

Steeper portion of the trail

Overall the trail is one of my favorites. A nice incline most of the way up, we usually jog it, and a fun little climb at the end. Views are nice and the peak makes a nice place for a snack. Taylor was kind enough to share her granola bar with me. It was a peanut butter Chewy... fantastic.

Distance: about 4 miles to the peak and back.
Time: about 45-50 minutes up and 45 minutes down (usual a fast walk/very light jog)
Location: I took FLW Blvd south to Via Lina. East on Via Linda for about 4 miles. Trailhead on the left. Parking available. Google Map

I have gone back to this one a few times. It is my go to trail when I don't have time to drive to a new one. It is more fun than you would expect


Panoram from the top