Lost Dog Wash and Ringtail Loop

A loop from the Lost Dog Wash Trailhead at the south end of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, over a low ridge and through small washes with views back over the Valley.

The loop leaves from the end of 124th Street on an old jeep track, crosses a few washes and climbs a low ridge with views over the Valley before dropping back to Lost Dog Wash. 10Adventures rates it moderate but good for all skill levels. The Lost Dog Wash Trailhead is one of the preserve's best equipped, with restrooms, water and shade ramadas.

Parking

A full trailhead with restrooms, water, shade ramadas, horse-trailer parking and an accessible nature trail.

Trailhead: Lost Dog Wash Trailhead (12601 N. 124th St.).

Fee

Free

Dogs

Dogs on leash

Shade

Not confirmed yet

Hazards

• No specific hazards recorded beyond desert heat.

Best months

1. J
2. F
3. M
4. A
5. M
6. J
7. J
8. A
9. S
10. O
11. N
12. D

October to April, when the average high in Phoenix is under 90°F.

Trail map

McDowell Sonoran Preserve south trail map · City of Scottsdale (PDF)

Sources

4 sources · last verified Oct 16, 2026. Report a change

Photo: Alysa Bajenaru · CC0

Where each fact comes from

• McDowell Sonoran Preserve south area trail map — City of Scottsdale (PDF) checked 2026-10-16
• McDowell Sonoran Preserve — City of Scottsdale checked 2026-10-16
• Lost Dog Wash to Ringtail Loop — 10Adventures checked 2026-10-16
• Best months: normal high under 90°F, Phoenix Sky Harbor 1991–2020 (NOAA NCEI) checked 2026-10-16