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Lost Dog Wash Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 141 Google reviews · Running trail in Scottsdale, Arizona · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Lost Dog Wash Trailhead'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.
Popular park offering hiking trails (several moderate) with mountain views, as well as parking, restrooms, water and bike trails.
What runners say about Lost Dog Wash Trailhead
“The trails are well maintained and easy to follow, which makes it a solid choice whether you’re a regular hiker or just looking to get outside and move a bit.”
“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Beautiful Trail with Great Wildlife and Volunteers The Lost Dog Wash Trail is a fantastic hike with stunning desert scenery, diverse cacti, and plenty of wildlife.”
“The trails are well maintained and easy to follow, which makes it a solid choice whether you’re a regular hiker or just looking to get outside and move a bit.”
“The trails are well maintained for easy walking.”
“Dogs on leashes are welcome, and there was plenty of dog poop bags at the entrance leading up to the restrooms and at the Trailhead itself.”
Flatter trail with smaller inclines. LONG or short. You have many options to make a small loop or a large loop at multiple points. Small loops can be a half mile and longer hikes can be up to 6 miles. Bathrooms and filtered water bottle fill station at the trailhead. Plenty of parking.
Clean trails with multiple options for all ranges of hikers. We found a shorter loop via the Ringtail trail (ending at Anasazi Trail) > Sunrise Trail > Lost Dog Wash to the parking lot which was just the right distance for our 3 year old hiker. No fee for entry and there was plenty of parking, in a large parking.
Best location to hike from in Scottsdale. Usually not too busy compared to other spots. Lots of hiking options. In and out, loops and long connections deeper into the McDowell mountains. Easy and moderate options at a variety of lengths.
Lost Dog Trail is one of those hikes that just feels right. There are multiple paths and loop options, so you can keep it easy or push a little farther depending on the day.
Trail conditions & character
“It's also good that the trailhead actually has restrooms there too to keep people from going out in the trail”
“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Beautiful Trail with Great Wildlife and Volunteers The Lost Dog Wash Trail is a fantastic hike with stunning desert scenery, diverse cacti, and plenty of wildlife.”
“As well as restrooms (indoor plumbing), plenty of shaded seating, and a water fountain with a spigot for refilling water bottles.”
“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Beautiful Trail with Great Wildlife and Volunteers The Lost Dog Wash Trail is a fantastic hike with stunning desert scenery, diverse cacti, and plenty of wildlife.”
“There are multiple paths and loop options, so you can keep it easy or push a little farther depending on the day.”
“It's very accessible because it doesn't have high hills, making the walk enjoyable and safe for the whole family.”
“The trail is well-marked, but be sure to wear good hiking shoes – the dirt on the rocks can get slippery.”
“There's a nicely groomed short dirt trail that meanders near the restrooms/parking lot with signs describing the area that some would definitely enjoy.”
“As well as restrooms (indoor plumbing), plenty of shaded seating, and a water fountain with a spigot for refilling water bottles.”
“It's very accessible because it doesn't have high hills, making the walk enjoyable and safe for the whole family.”
Plan your run at Lost Dog Wash Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- 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.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitemcdowellsonoran.org
- Phone(480) 998-7971
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6:25 AM–6:25 PM |
| Tuesday | 6:25 AM–6:25 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:25 AM–6:25 PM |
| Thursday | 6:25 AM–6:25 PM |
| Friday | 6:25 AM–6:25 PM |
| Saturday | 6:25 AM–6:25 PM |
| Sunday | 6:25 AM–6:25 PM |
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