4.2 Miles
1114 feet
Medium
A+ Views
Sunrise Trail Hike Overview
On the south side of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve snuggled up on Fountain Hills, you will find the Sunrise Trail Hike. This hike has some elevation, so expect to get a bit of a workout. As you climb, the views get better and better.
Map & Elevation Profile
Max elevation: 3052 ft
Min elevation: 1938 ft
Total time: 02:11:15
Map for The Sunrise Trail Hike
There aren’t many trails in this area but it’s always good to have a map with you. And this map is excellent.
McDowell Mountains Greentrails map
You definitely won’t regret having this map for your McDowell Sonoran Preserve hikes (affiliate link)!
Parking
Park at the Sunrise Trailhead. This lot is pretty small. There is overflow parking but this isn’t very large either. Note there is no restroom at this trailhead.
Sunrise Trail Hike Notes
We have been getting bored with all the flat hikes we have been doing recently. Because it is so hot, we have been keeping it low key to avoid dying of heat exhaustion. Fall please hurry up and get here!
This hike taught us that we do not have our hiking legs. This was tough! We were on struggle street climbing up to Sunrise Peak. I could really tell how weak my legs are right now on the way down. My legs were jello-y.
Other than the 1100 feet of elevation kicking our butts, the Sunrise Trail Hike is awesome. My favorite part is the views. You don’t have to climb very high for it to start opening up. If you need to take lots of breaks, that’s ok because it means more time to enjoy the views.
I felt great after being on this hike. It’s peaceful and beautiful.
So, should you do this hike?
This is one of the exercise hikes (where the locals go to get some quick exercise in). If the locals like to go on this hike, there’s probably a reason for it. Plan on getting a workout and enjoying beautiful views. So yes, you should do this hike. It’s definitely worth it!
Other hikes close by
Over at the Lost Dog Wash Trailhead, you will find the Taliesin Overlook trail. You can also approach Sunrise Peak from this side. If you want more options, head on over to the Gateway Trailhead: Inspiration Point Hike, Horseshoe Trail Hike, Bell Pass Hike, the Gateway Loop Hike, and the Levee Trail.
A Photo Gallery to Inspire you to do the Sunrise Trail Hike
