Fountain Hills hiking: the views will steal your heart
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just someone who likes to stretch their legs occasionally,
there’s a scenic trail not far from you in Fountain Hills. Here are just a few of our easy hiking
favorites, featuring iconic views, a close look at the Sonoran Desert’s unique plants and geology, and an occasional encounter with wildlife.
Fountain Park Loop
Those looking for a paved walking trail will likely enjoy the 1.2-mile loop that winds around the
World Famous Fountain in Fountain Park. In addition to a variety of public art and different
species of waterfowl, visitors can pause and reflect in the Veteran’s Memorial, play a few chimes at the Musical Instrument Park, or people watch from the comfort of the park benches strategically placed along the trail.
Lake Overlook Trail
This 1.5 mile urban trail, which begins just across Panorama Blvd from the parking lot in Fountain Park, contains some elevation and a few switchbacks. If you plan it right and reach the highest part of the trail at the top of the hour, you can rest on a park bench and enjoy an elevated view of the World-Famous Fountain. In addition to views of the nearby McDowell Mountains, hikers can also catch a 360-degree panorama of the Superstition Mountains, Four Peaks, Mount Ord, and the Matzatzals.
Fountain Hills Desert Botanical Garden
Nature enthusiasts will love this .6 mile trail, located on Fountain Hills Boulevard between
Emerald Drive and Kingstree Boulevard. Sonoran Desert plants are identified all along the
meandering trail with easy elevations, which also allows for interesting views of rock formations,
an abandoned P-Bar ranch campsite and a dam wall constructed in 1941.
Adero Canyon
A wide range of trails can be explored from the Adero Canyon trailhead, located off of Palisades Boulevard and North Eagle Ridge Drive. Novice hikers will appreciate the .6 mile Easy Access Trail and may feel comfortable venturing out on the Promenade Trail which takes you to the Sonoran Trail and back (1.6 miles).