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Fraesfield Trailhead - Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 47 Google reviews · Running trail in Scottsdale, Arizona · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- 230 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Fraesfield Trailhead - Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Fraesfield Trailhead - Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve
“I only had about on hour here so I didn't get to go very far down any trails but it is so beautiful here.”
“Pretty peaceful - only came across a handful of mountain bikers and hikers (on New Year's Day observed).”
Nice flat trail for a short easy afternoon hike in the heat. On the Morning Vista trail we came across this massive rattlesnake hiding in the grass who was nice enough to give us a warning before we got to him as he was close enough to the trail edge to strike passers by. Never ran so fast.
Spectacular part with miles and miles of MTB trails. Really just a fun and awesome ride for a couple of hours. If you're an MTB Rider, it's a must do. Strongly suggest you booking with a good guide, like REI. Our trail host was an MTB racer and super fit and very accommodating.
There is a gravel parking lot of the left when you first turn in for horses, and if you continue straight- you will pass by a few turnouts where you can park, however you will want to keep on driving toward the very end where the main parking lot is. Plenty of parking.
Explored this park on a chilly day with a lot of cloud cover that was very picturesque. The trail is easy to follow and mostly flat. A few puddles here and there but the recent rain didn't do much damage. Pretty peaceful - only came across a handful of mountain bikers and hikers (on New Year's Day observed).
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful trailhead to explore the sonoran desert whether hiking, biking or horseback riding”
“I only had about on hour here so I didn't get to go very far down any trails but it is so beautiful here.”
“Many options, but I like Black Hill, Lower Terpentine, 136th St Express, Loop.”
“There are restrooms at this trailhead, however, I don't recall seeing any water fountains.”
“Pretty peaceful - only came across a handful of mountain bikers and hikers (on New Year's Day observed).”
“Nice flat trail for a short easy afternoon hike in the heat.”
“There are restrooms at this trailhead, however, I don't recall seeing any water fountains.”
“It's a 5.5 mile loop, with Cactus Slaloms, and lots of fun, fast Flow.”
Plan your run at Fraesfield Trailhead - Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- Loop distance230 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitescottsdaleaz.gov
- Phone(480) 312-7013
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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