We couldn’t get enough of that Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve—so much so that we returned the following weekend. The Lost Dog Wash trailhead is yet another jewel in the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy’s crown. In addition to hiking and mountain biking, the seven-acre site’s amenities include public restrooms, shade ramadas, horse-trailer parking, and an accessible nature trail. Oh, and dogs are welcome—on a leash, of course.

Sunday, hike day, was cold and damp. Grey skies and heavy clouds lined the horizon. Yet, there was none of that familiar winter haze in the Valley—a bonus in anyone’s book.

The Lost Dog Wash Trailhead connects to over 17 miles of pristine desert. We took the counterclockwise route up Anazazi Spur to the Old Jeep Trail and then connected to the Lost Dog Wash trail. 

From the saddle, we took a side trip to the Taliesin Overlook.

The 5.2-mile loop was somewhat rocky but moderate, with an elevation gain of about 520 feet—an ideal outing for a Sunday morning.

The wildflowers of spring will turn this hike from impressive to spectacular.

As Dave and I turn toward spring, we will miss our beloved Dota—who tragically left us in mid-February. Born on the streets of Houston, our grand dame’s travels spanned from Texas to Arizona to her favorite spot in the Canadian Rockies. Run free little one; we will always love you.