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Latigo Trail – Maverick Trail loop from McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Latigo Trail – Maverick Trail loop from McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Moderate

4.7

(3830)

18,194

riders

Latigo Trail – Maverick Trail loop from McDowell Sonoran Preserve

01:40

18.5km

190m

Gravel riding

Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: May 26, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

419 m

Latigo Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Latigo Trail is a relatively flat easy trail with a few little hills and bumps to keep things interesting. However, the incredible desert scenery will keep you interested as you ride under the blue skies.

Tip by

1.32 km

Latigo Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

This trail offers a diverse array of flora and stunning views throughout. The relatively flat terrain and smooth pebbled path ensure a comfortable and enjoyable run. With sections that gently …

Tip by

9.58 km

Granite Mountain Loop viewpoint

Highlight • Viewpoint

The Granite Mountain Loop offers spectacular views along the way. This particular viewpoint can be found by taking a small spur trail off of the main trail. The viewpoint looks out into Tonto National Forest.

Tip by

9.61 km

View of Tonto National Forest

Highlight • Viewpoint

This spot offers the perfect place to pause, catch your breath, and relish in the awe-inspiring view of the Tonto National Forest.

Tip by

15.6 km

Maverick Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Maverick Trail is one of the smoother paths in the trail system and has a lot of open straightaways where you can pick up speed. Make sure to control your …

Tip by

18.5 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

18.2 km

195 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

18.1 km

249 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (910 m)

Lowest point (790 m)

Weather

Thursday 25 June

38°C

26°C

22 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 23.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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Description

If you're looking for a quintessential Sonoran Desert gravel biking experience, the Latigo Trail – Maverick Trail loop from McDowell Sonoran Preserve is a solid choice. This moderate 11.5-mile (18.5 km) route, with 618 feet (188 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 1 hour and 40 minutes, making it a popular option for local gravel biking enthusiasts who want to explore the desert without heavy vehicle interference.

What to expect on Latigo Trail – Maverick Trail loop from McDowell Sonoran Preserve

The trail winds through an abundance of towering saguaro cacti and diverse desert flora, set against a backdrop of surrounding mountain ranges. You'll ride on compacted soil mixed with loose, crushed granite, and some sandy washes. While the Latigo Trail portion offers a wonderful singletrack with pretty easy terrain, the Maverick Trail segment introduces more challenging elements, including some strenuous sections around the western mountains. This combination elevates the overall difficulty to moderate, requiring good fitness to enjoy the varied terrain, from smooth flowing sections to moderate climbs and descents.

Planning your visit

This loop starts from the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, a well-regarded area known for its extensive network of multi-use trails and commitment to preserving the desert habitat. While specific parking details aren't noted, the preserve is generally accessible. As with any desert ride, carrying ample water is crucial, especially outside of the cooler winter months.

Trail details