Pemberton Loop - Mountain Bike near Fort McDowell, Arizona
Fort McDowell,Arizona
33.68973209, -111.71760801
4.4 miles NW of Fort McDowell, Arizona
GPS: 33°41'23.0"N 111°43'3.4"W
Maps | Directions
State: Arizona
Trail Length: 15.00 miles
MTB Difficulty: Beginner
Trail Type: Loop
MTB Trail Type: Singletrack

Mountain Bike

There are many places to start this loop from really as it crosses other trails and the main road twice. The 15 mile loop can be cut in half or about more by either the Tonto Tank tr or the Bluff tr (very fun) that bisects the main loop. Most of this trail is pretty wide open desert riding, fun and fast it has a bit of a roller coaster feel to its flow. From the Pemberton there are several trails that lead out like spokes from a hub, the Scenic Loop tr is a 3 mile loop that is popular with the equestrian group. The Rock Knob tr, the Coach Whip trail is access to the Windmill tr that goes up and over the mountains to the Gateway Trail system. The Dixie Mine tr leads to the site of an abandon mine and also joins trails that lead to the Bell Pass (Lost Dog area) and also into the community of Fountain Hills.These trails are all well signed however it is advisable to pick up a free map at the Visitors Center for all the side trails but the Pemberton Loop itself is easily done without a map. If you happen to run across horse crap on the trails we cant really blame the equestrian folks as there are about a dozen wild horses roaming the park here too. They are friendly and sometimes approachable but I don't think we are going to potty train them any time soon. Courtesy of Singletracks.com

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Never modify trail features. Ride trails when they're dry enough that you won't leave ruts. Speak up when you see others on the trail and always yield to hikers, horses, and others coming uphill. Always ride on the established trail.

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  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
  2. Travel & camp on durable surfaces
  3. Dispose of waste properly
  4. Leave what you find
  5. Minimize campfire impacts
  6. Respect wildlife
  7. Be considerate of other visitors

Directions

From Fort McDowell, Arizona

  1. Head west on Ba Hon Nah Rd toward N Ft McDowell Rd (72 ft)
  2. Turn left at the 1st cross street onto N Ft McDowell Rd (1.1 mi)
  3. Turn right onto E Yavapai Rd (1.2 mi)
  4. Continue onto E San Marcus Dr (390 ft)
  5. Turn right onto N El Pueblo Blvd (1.2 mi)
  6. Turn right onto N Fountain Hills Blvd (0.3 mi)
  7. Continue onto E McDowell Mountain Rd (3.6 mi)
  8. Turn left onto McDowell Mountain Park Dr (3.1 mi)
  9. Turn right onto N Shallmo Dr (0.8 mi)
  10. Turn right
    Destination will be on the left
    (269 ft)
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