more stats
4.3 miles
Distance
1,097 ft
Climb
-934 ft
Descent
00:57:51
Avg time
163 ft
Altitude change
1,784 ft
Altitude min
2,841 ft
Altitude max
1,784 ft
Altitude start
1,946 ft
Altitude end
0.7%
Grade
-59.7%
Grade max
51%
Grade min
3 miles
Distance climb
2 miles
Distance down
456 ft
Distance flat
00:57:51
Avg time

Sunrise Trail Details

  • Activities
    • Mountain Bike
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
  • Riding Area
    McDowell Sonoran Preserve
    Scottsdale, Arizona
  • Difficulty Rating
    Black Diamond Rate
  • Voted Difficulty
    Black Diamond (1 vote)
  • Local Popularity
    45 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • 70 in Trail Running
    • 85 in Hiking
  • Global Ranking
    #53444 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • #48516 in Trail Running
    • #21727 in Hiking
  • Trail Type
    Singletrack
  • Bike Type
    AM, XC
  • Direction
    Both Directions
  • Climb Difficulty
    Black Diamond
  • Physical Rating
    Extreme
  • Season
    Year round
  • Dogs Allowed
    Yes
  • eBike Allowed
    No
  • Ride in Rain
    Yes
  • Land Owner
    McDowell Sonoran Conservancy

Sunrise is one of the more popular trails in the McDowell range for both hikers and bikers. Great scenery and views are part of the reason, and close access to 2 trailheads are another. The trail is most rideable from west to east, featuring a 45-60 minute rocky climb, followed by a steep and switchback-filled descent (packed with hikers, especially on weekends). Reversing course requires a climb that is too steep for most riders, so some return on Via Linda or alternatively via the Andrews-Kinsey trail. Completing the latter option, however, requires trespassing a neighborhood that has declared itself off limits to bikers.

Access Info

Direct access from Lost Dog Trailhead (preferred for bikes) or Sunrise Trailhead.

Local Trail Association
Traditionally Indigenous Territory

Recent Activity on Trail

Past Week
  • 0 rides
  •  
6 Months
  • 12 rides
  • 18.9 km avg distance
All
  • 130 rides
  • Last: May 23, 2026
c1c2c3c4
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Sunrise Trail Trail Reports

statusdatedescription
May 2, 2026 @ 9:36am (America/Phoenix)
May 2, 2026
Apr 5, 2024 @ 8:50pm
Apr 5, 2024
 In good condition for the Lost Dog to A-K climb (rode as part of big loop, didn't ride down the east half).
Mar 17, 2023 @ 10:59am
Mar 17, 2023
 Basically unrideable heading down to the east. More walking than riding. The climb up from the west is good until you get to the hiking parts.....
Jan 18, 2022 @ 3:33pm
Jan 18, 2022
 Tons of wash out, lots of hike a bikes.
Sep 9, 2020 @ 8:12pm
Sep 9, 2020
more »
Status:
on May 2, 2026
Dry
Avg: 3.99 (11 votes)
Your vote: 0

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  • Snow Covered
  • Snow Cover Partial
  • Freeze/thaw Cycle
  • Icy
  • Prevalent Mud
  • Wet
  • Variable
  • Ideal
  • Dry
  • Very Dry
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        Directions to sunrise-trail trailhead (33.602340, -111.809570)

        Photos

        22 more »
        86 |
        Apr 27, 2023 @ 2:32pm
        Apr 27, 2023
        82 |
        Apr 27, 2023 @ 2:32pm
        Apr 27, 2023
        98 |
        Apr 27, 2023 @ 2:32pm
        Apr 27, 2023
        165 |
        Oct 13, 2020 @ 9:25am
        Oct 13, 2020

        Videos

        5 more »
        Sunrise - McDowell Mountains - Scottsdale, Arizona
        12:58 | 251 | Jan 13, 2024 , Scottsdale
        McDowell Mountain | Epic climb, crowded...
        12:43 | 678 | Dec 29, 2019 , Scottsdale
        Sunrise Trail (west side) - Scottsdale AZ
        4:31 | 838 | Dec 10, 2019 , Scottsdale
        Sunrise Trail
        14:17 | 815 | Feb 14, 2018 , Scottsdale

        Technical Trail Features (TTF)

        Routes with this trail

        286
        AES: McDowell Mtns Long 2015 (Defunct)
        ★ 3.0 • 63 miles • 6,191 ft • 32 • Loop •
        This is the of the AES McDowell Mountains course, at approximately 63 miles. No longer on the AES race...
        194
        Quadruple Bypass
        ★ 1.0 • 29 miles • 5,270 ft • 23 • Loop •
        5-8 hour loop through the mountains. Bring plenty of water and food. You can bail after the doing the...
        158
        McDowell's climbing training suffering route
        ★ 2.0 • 21 miles • 3,522 ft • 22 • Loop •
        Great 21 mile loop in the McDowell's for a little bit of everything. Very tough climbs, some fun descents...

        6 Reviews & Comments


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        Nearby Trails

        McDowell Sonoran Preserve

        Frequently Asked Questions About Sunrise Trail

        ▼ Where is Sunrise Trail located?
        Sunrise Trail is located in McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Scottsdale, Arizona, United States. It is part of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 33.60234, -111.80957.
        ▼ How hard is Sunrise Trail?
        Sunrise Trail is rated as Black Diamond difficulty. The physical rating is Extreme. The average grade is 0.7%. The climb difficulty is rated Black Diamond.
        ▼ What is the elevation gain for Sunrise Trail?
        Sunrise Trail has 1,097 ft of elevation gain. The trail has 934 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 1,784 ft to 2,841 ft.
        ▼ Is Sunrise Trail a point to point trail?
        Sunrise Trail is not a point to point trail. The direction is Both Directions. The trail type is singletrack.

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