With guests coming into town and the weather perfect, the Pemberton Trail at McDowell Mountain Regional Park is the ideal place to hike, bike or horseback ride. The 15-mile trail is ideal for beginning mountain bike riders in terms of terrain, and a fun workout for more experienced riders.

There are many trails that intersect with the Pemberton, so shorter rides or hike-worthy distances can easily be planned. I have seen long-distance runners train for races by running the entire length of the trail. Other trails head west from the Pemberton toward Windgate Pass and into Scottsdale for riders and hikers who can’t get enough. The trail is wide enough for equestrians and other trail users to coexist easily.

Next weekend the Pemberton will be closed for a cycling event but check the website for updates on many other events you can enjoy at the park, including the full-moon night hike at 6:30pm on Thursday, Dec. 8. There is always something going on at the park, whether for birders, campers or campfire singers and smores eaters.

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