If you’re an avid hiker buying a home for sale in DC Ranch (or if you already live in this spectacular community), you’ll love knowing that there are several amazing hiking trails nearby. We’re minutes from the Tonto National Forest, Four Peaks Wilderness Area and Superstition Wilderness Area, where you’ll find plenty of pathways – but these are our five favorites.
5 Must-Try Hikes Near DC Ranch
We haven’t put this list in any particular order. Check out these amazing hikes for enthusiasts of various skill levels:
- Camelback Mountain through Echo Canyon Park (Hard)
- Tom’s Thumb Trail (Hard)
- Gateway Loop Trail (Moderate)
- Sears Kay Ruins Trail (Easy)
- Ringtail Loop (Moderate)
Camelback Mountain Through Echo Canyon Park
|
Distance |
Difficulty |
Elevation Gain |
Type |
|
2.4 miles |
Hard |
1,423 feet |
Out and back |
Camelback Mountain is one of Arizona’s most popular hiking destinations, but this hike through Echo Canyon Park is typically only trafficked by locals. You can get to the summit via the Echo Canyon Trail or the Cholla Trail. Both trails are tough with little to no shade, and the last half-mile includes a rock scramble.
Tom’s Thumb Trail
|
Distance |
Difficulty |
Elevation Gain |
Type |
|
4 miles |
Hard |
1,236 feet |
Out and back |
Tom’s Thumb Trail is a beautiful, worthwhile challenge. You’ll get amazing views of the southern McDowell Mountains and the city of Phoenix from the summit. Leashed dogs are permitted on Tom’s Thumb Trail – just bring extra water, because there’s none at the trailhead.
Gateway Loop Trail
|
Distance |
Difficulty |
Elevation Gain |
Type |
|
4.2 miles |
Moderate |
715 feet |
Loop |
The Gateway Loop Trail is a fantastic hike. It’s only moderately challenging, and the summit is about halfway in. You’ll find a shady spot to cool down in at the top, but it’s a heavily trafficked hike (especially on the weekends), so be prepared. You’ll get amazing views of seasonal wildflowers on the way up, and leashed dogs are welcome.
Sears Kay Ruins Trail
|
Distance |
Difficulty |
Elevation Gain |
Type |
|
1.6 miles |
Easy |
364 feet |
Out and back |
The Sears Kay Ruins Trail lets you take a self-guided tour of ancient Hohokam ruins from about 1500 CE. The site, nestled in the Tonto National Forest, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You can bring your leashed dog with you on the Sears Kay Ruins Trail, too.
Ringtail Loop
|
Distance |
Difficulty |
Elevation Gain |
Type |
|
2.4 miles |
Moderate |
301 feet |
Loop |
Ringtail Loop is a beautiful hike winding through saguaro, prickly pear and many other cactus types, as well as wildflowers and other plant life. There’s not much traffic on Ringtail Loop, but the path is rocky so proper footwear is a necessity. Note that you can get on the Ringtail Trail from the Lost Dog Wash Trail or at the corner of East Cactus Road at North 127th Street.
Are You Buying or Selling a Home in DC Ranch?
Call us at 480-360-0281 to find out how we’ll aggressively market your home to all the right buyers – or you can call us to talk about what you want from your new home in DC Ranch.
While you’re here, check out our:
- Country Club Village homes for sale
- Desert Camp Village homes for sale
- Desert Parks Village homes for sale
- Silverleaf Village homes for sale
Don Matheson
Realtor | Founder
The Matheson Team
RE/MAX Fine Properties
21000 N. Pima Rd., #100, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
866-613-8356
don@scottsdalerealestate.com
