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Summit Panorama

Panoramic View East from Sunrise Peak summit towards distant Superstitions

December 18, 2021

Sunrise Peak is very scenic half-day trip in North Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve.  Several trails lead to the summit;  official Sunrise Trail comes in from the east, while I opted for longer, but more scenic approach starting from Lost Dog Wash trailhead to the west.  With 2 cars traverse is logical and recommended option;  distance between trailheads in ~5miles, so it can also be cycled.  There is also "136th Street Spur" that joins Lost Dog Wash trail at lower saddle, but is apparently quite rough & not recommended.  On my trip I hiked in/out from Lost Dog Wash and found whole trip to be very pleasant, in particular awesome sunset colors on descent.  Note that Sonoran Preserve closes the gate after the sunset (time posted), but outbound drivers won't get locked out as gate sensor will open for exiting cars;  this might change in the future, so don't rely on this info 100%.  Also note that I've done the hike in December, which is prime desert hiking time.  In summer heat conditions are much different;  mid-day trips are out of question and only early morning / late afternoon might be feasible.  Take plenty of water; water filling stations are available at Lost Dog Wash trailhead.

Quickest access to Lost Dog Wash parking is from Ring Road 101;  take east Shea Boulevard exit, then after ~5-6 miles on Shea 124 St North to the end.  First part of trail rises gently in typical desert environment towards obvious saddle on horizon.  Peak to the right is unnamed and not the summit.  At saddle (45 min to an hour from trailhead) trail swings to the left and contours desert slopes dotted with Saguaro cacti towards second saddle;  direct trail from the east joins here. Final bit is short rise to Sunrise summit;  last bit is bit more rough and steeper, but short lived.  This is popular peak but most people will converge on west side;  I found that by dropping a bit to the east more solitude can be found.  Summit panorama is fantastic;  sunset/sunrise are likely quite spectacular too. 

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