New Wilderness Trail Opens in Fountain Hills, AZ

A Rugged New Hiking Experience in Adero Canyon

Fountain Hills continues to expand its outdoor recreation offerings with the completion of the new Wilderness Trail, located in Adero Canyon and accessed from the Adero Trailhead. This exciting addition to the Fountain Hills trail system was recently completed by the dedicated Sonoran Conservancy of Fountain Hills Trail Blazer volunteers, whose hard work continues to enhance hiking opportunities throughout the community.

Designed to be rugged, narrow, and adventurous, the Wilderness Trail truly lives up to its name and offers a more challenging hiking experience for those looking to explore a quieter, more remote side of Fountain Hills.

 About the Wilderness Trail

 The Wilderness Trail is approximately 1.8 miles long and is intentionally built to feel primitive and secluded. Hikers can expect:

• Narrow, rocky single-track paths
• Steep inclines and descents
• Exposed sections along the mountainside
• Stunning views of the McDowell Mountains and Fountain Hills
• A quieter, less-traveled hiking experience

This is not an easy hike, and trekking poles are strongly recommended due to uneven terrain and elevation changes. Hikers should be comfortable with heights and narrow trail edges.

 How to Access the Wilderness Trail

To reach the Wilderness Trail, start at the Adero Trailhead in Fountain Hills:

1. Begin your hike heading toward the Western Loop
2. Follow the trail up and over the loop
3. Watch for Wilderness Trail signage midway through your descent
4. Turn onto the Wilderness Trail and begin the 1.8-mile traverse

The trail winds along the shaded side of the mountain, offering a welcome break from the sun especially appreciated during warmer months.

 Scenic Views & Seasonal Beauty

Thanks to recent rains, the Wilderness Trail is currently surrounded by lush grasses and blooming wildflowers, creating a striking contrast against the desert rock. This section of the McDowell foothills feels peaceful and remote, making it an excellent choice for hikers seeking solitude and natural beauty.

 Trail Options & Route Planning

Once you reach the end of the Wilderness Trail, you have several options to complete your hike:

• Return via the Sonoran Trail (just under 2 miles back to the trailhead)
• Return via the Mesquite Trail (also just under 2 miles)
• Continue on the Sonoran Trail to explore additional Sonoran Loop trails

Our route continued along the Sonoran Trail, resulting in a total hike of just under 6 miles, completed in approximately 3 hours, including plenty of breaks for photos and rest.

A New Gem in the Fountain Hills Trail System

The Wilderness Trail is a fantastic addition to the Fountain Hills hiking scene, offering a more technical and adventurous option for experienced hikers. It highlights the ongoing commitment of the Sonoran Conservancy of Fountain Hills and its volunteers to preserving open space while providing diverse outdoor experiences.

If you’re looking for a hike that’s scenic, challenging, and less crowded, the Wilderness Trail in Adero Canyon is well worth adding to your list. For more information on the Sonoran Conservancy of Fountain Hills trails and plan group hikes, https://www.scfh.org/