McDowell Mountains

Sunset in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains

The McDowell Mountain Range (Yavapai: Wii Kajessa) is located about twenty miles north-east of Phoenix, Arizona, and may be seen from most places throughout the city. The range is composed of miocene deposits left nearly five million years ago. The McDowells share borders with the cities of Fountain Hills, Scottsdale, and Maricopa County. The city of Scottsdale has made its share of the McDowells a preserve, and has set up a wide trail network. The highest peak in the McDowells is East End Peak, at four thousand two hundred feet. This mountain range also serves as a sacred marker to the Yavapai people. The boundaries of the range are generally defined by Saddleback Mountain in the South and Granite Mountain as the Northern boundary. The McDowells also comprise popular landmarks such as Pinnacle Peak and Tom's Thumb. Although technically a stand alone, Mt. McDowell (referred to as Red Mountain by Phoenix residents), not to be confused with McDowell Peak, is sometimes listed on maps as a part of the McDowell Mountains.

Summits

• East End Peak
• Thompson Peak (Arizona)
• McDowell Peak
• Sunrise Peak
• Rock Knob

References

• Thompson, C. (2004), Valley 101.

External links

• McDowell Mountain Regional Park
• Pictures and information about hike to natural spring and petroglyphs in the McDowell Mountains

Coordinates: 33°39′43″N 111°48′44″W / 33.6619868°N 111.8120865°W / 33.6619868; -111.8120865