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Western Loop Trail South

5 ★★★★★ 6 Google reviews · Running trail in Fountain Hills, Arizona · Open 24 hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Loop distance
Not reported
Shape
Loop
Shade
Not reported
Access
Open 24 hours

Confirmed from Western Loop Trail South'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.

Western Loop Trail South — running trail in Fountain Hills, AZ, photo 1
Western Loop Trail South — running trail in Fountain Hills, AZ, photo 2
Western Loop Trail South — running trail in Fountain Hills, AZ, photo 3
Western Loop Trail South — running trail in Fountain Hills, AZ, photo 4
Western Loop Trail South — running trail in Fountain Hills, AZ, photo 5
LoopOpen 24h

What runners say about Western Loop Trail South

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (6 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

McDowell Mountain Magic. We saw lots of wildflowers and a ribbon snake. A wonderful loop trail up and over the southern terminus of this East Valley gem.

★★★★★ — Eric , Mar 2022

Great hike as there's not a lot of traffic, it is steep but nothing too crazy. The views are outstanding, highly recommend.

★★★★★ — Josh , Feb 2026

Quiet and beautiful- can walk on a ATV sized trail or take smaller trails.

★★★★★ — John , May 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 6 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🔁 Loop trail

“A wonderful loop trail up and over the southern terminus of this East Valley gem.”

More trails like this →

Plan your run at Western Loop Trail South

The practical stuff

  • AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
  • 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.
  • Websitetrailforks.com

Hours

Monday Open 24 hours
Tuesday Open 24 hours
Wednesday Open 24 hours
Thursday Open 24 hours
Friday Open 24 hours
Saturday Open 24 hours
Sunday Open 24 hours

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Western Loop Trail South

McDowell Mtn Preserve, N Eagle Ridge Dr, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

Get directions

Running trails near Fountain Hills

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Fountain Hills McDowell Mtn Preserve

5 ★★★★★ 2 reviews

Fountain Hills, AZ

under a mile away

Adero Canyon Trailhead

4.9 ★★★★★ 108 reviews

Fountain Hills, AZ

LoopScenic

Outdoor recreation area featuring mountains, canyons, scenic views and various fitness trails with restrooms and picnic tables.

under a mile away

Western Bike Loop Trail

Fountain Hills, AZ

LoopPaved

under a mile away

Sunrise Peak

4.9 ★★★★★ 98 reviews

Scottsdale, AZ

ScenicDog-friendly

Popular peak hike with panoramic vistas of the city and skyline from the summit.

under a mile away

Dixie Mine Trail

4.5 ★★★★★ 37 reviews

Fountain Hills, AZ

4 miCrushed gravelScenic

1.3 miles away

Sunrise Peak Trailhead

4.9 ★★★★★ 59 reviews

Scottsdale, AZ

Natural surfaceScenic

1.9 miles away

All running trails in Fountain Hills, AZ →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.