FOUNTAIN HILLS, ARIZONA

McDowell Mountain Preserve & Trails

Trail Hours-Dawn to Dusk

Adero Canyon Trailhead Access

After more than 20-years of planning, land acquisition, and construction, visitors are now able to drive directly to the Adero Canyon Trailhead entrance on a paved road. The trailhead is accessible from dawn to dusk each day, seven days a week. To access the Town of Fountain Hills Adero Canyon Trailhead, located at 14800 N. Eagle Ridge Drive, follow N Eagle Ridge Drive from Palisades through the Adero Canyon neighborhoods. In addition, many trails are adjacent to homes and communities and all hikers should respect private property and observe social distancing guidelines.

Updates about trail access or to view more information regarding trails, mileage, difficulty, and more, please visit www.scfh.org.

Upcoming Guided Hikes

The McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission and the Sonoran Conservancy of Fountain Hills are proud to present a full schedule of guided hikes. 

Please check www.scfh.org for updated information on guided hikes and sign up as a subscriber to receive important Conservancy information. Registration is required for all hikes. All hikes are FREE! Register at www.fh.az.gov/recreation.

Looking for Hiking Ideas?

All local trails remain open.  We encourage you to visit the Fountain Hills Desert Botanical Garden and walk the Lake Overlook trail. You can enjoy longer hikes nearby in the Fountain Hills McDowell Mountain Preserve, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, and the McDowell Mountain Regional Park.  If you are searching for hiking ideas, consider downloading an app, such as All Trails, to your smartphone so you can easily access information on nearby trails. Check out the Sonoran Conservancy of Fountain Hills website - www.scfh.org - for updates and additional information.

McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission Master Plan

The purpose of this Trail Master Plan is to determine and specify what, if any, additional trails may eventually be added to the Preserve over time, while maintaining an appropriate balance of the criteria specified by the Town, the 2004 Preserve Master Plan, and the McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission (MMPC) Guidelines. See the Master Plan.

Programs & Activities

Participate in a sport or learn a new hobby and enrich your learning! Fountain Hills Community Services' programs can help you learn a new language, bring out your athletic, artistic, and musical talents, and much more! We offer a variety of community programs for toddlers, youth, teens, and adults! See a full list of our course offerings here: Course Catalog. 

Sports Leagues

Thanks to our Youth Sports Alliance, your children can participate in various sports leagues throughout the year. The Fountain Hills Soccer Club runs a Fall league for Pre-K through 6th graders. Fountain Hills Little League runs baseball and girls' softball leagues for kids ages 5 through 14 in the spring. You can also find flag football and basketball ball leagues, run by our local Boys & Girls Club.  

Senior Softball

Fountain Hills Recreation has a thriving Senior Softball community, and we run 3 seasons of organized team play each year. Every team is 65+. Drop-in play and Tournaments are also featured throughout the year. Find more information on our Senior Softball page. 

Community Center Memberships

A membership providing engaging programs and activities that enrich the lives of mature individuals who live in our community or visit our beautiful Town.

The Community Center encourages all adults to take part in these activities and programs. Stop by today to get involved! You can also learn about our programs and register online by visiting our Program Catalog and Registration page.

In addition to educational seminars, classes, presentations and support programs, the Center offers various games, travel opportunities, line dancing, men's and women's discussion groups, Spanish classes, exercises, Home Delivered Meals, and much more.

Scholarships

Fountain Hills Parks and Recreation offers a Fee Assistance Program to Fountain Hills residents only. The program is designed to provide residents in Fountain Hills an opportunity to participate in quality recreation programs that they may not be able to without assistance. Eligibility for the program is determined by completing an application and supplying the correct documentation. Find more information, including how to apply on our Scholarship Page.

Serving the Community

Like our fountain, which stands at the heart of the community, so too does the Community Center. Its mission is to serve the Fountain Hills residents by providing an opportunity to enhance the quality of life for its citizens by:

• Providing a gathering place for civic, non-profit and community events
• Promoting the arts
• Developing a conference and convention trade

As we work together to make the community center the "height of desert living."

Summer Kick Off

May 17, 2025, 6 - 9:00 pm

Join our Community Services team as we kick off the summer with a wet and wild party (and movie) in the park! Beat the heat with cool water slides or goof off in the foam pit. Hungry? Batchelor Pad will have some delicious dinner options, and Pop Daddy Kettle Korn and Shaved Ice will cover your movie snacking and icy treat needs.

Summer Games

Wednesdays, June 4, July 16 & 30, 2025, 1 - 3:00 pm

Connect with the community through games and activities. This FREE open house format allows all ages to enjoy board games, ping pong, cornhole, video games, and more. Snacks and beverages will be provided.

Videogame Tournament

June 12, 2025, 5 - 7:00 pm

Get ready to dominate at the Teen Video Game Tournament. Come and compete in thrilling Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros. tournaments with a bracket-style setup. Win fantastic prizes, enjoy snacks, and stay refreshed as you battle to victory. Pre-registration is required.

Wacky Wet Wednesdays

June 11 & July 23, 2025, 11 am - 12:30 pm

Come beat the heat with us at Four Peaks Park. Kids can cool off and enjoy slip and slides, water games, and cool off from the Fountain Hills Fire Department as they spray the water from their truck. Make sure to wear your swimsuits and be ready to have a good time.

Fourth at the Fountain

July 4th, 2025, 6:30 - 9:30 pm

Put on your red, white, and blue and join friends and neighbors at Fountain Park to celebrate Independence Day at our Fourth at the Fountain celebration! This FREE event includes a live concert beginning at 7:30 p.m. culminating with a spectacular fireworks display at 9:00 p.m.

Ice Cream Social

July 8th, 2025, 12 - 1:00 pm

You are invited to join us Tuesday, July 8th for an Ice Cream Social. The event is FREE and open to the public. Sponsored by Spooner Physical Therapy. Spooner will be providing balance screenings- please sign up at the Community Center front desk prior to July 8th.

Family Fun Night

July 18, 2025, 6 - 8:00 pm

Beat the heat and join us at the Community Center! This Circus-themed party has carnival-type games, crafts, food, and family fun. Play a game, get your face painted, grab a hot dog, and get ready to have a great time.

Back to School Bash

August 8, 2025, 6 - 8:00 pm

Celebrate the new school year with waterslide inflatables, a dunk tank, Food Trucks, Firetruck, & Sheriffs' vehicles! A DJ will be onsite to keep the party rocking.

Fountain Hills Parks

The Town’s Park facilities are currently comprised of 119 acres of 5 developed parks. The largest, Fountain Park, has become an Arizona icon and attracts residents as well as visitors from around the Phoenix metropolitan area and beyond. While Fountain Park and as an extension, the Avenue Linear Park, serve as the iconic anchor to the system, the remaining three community-focused parks: Desert Vista Park, Golden Eagle Park, & Four Peaks Park provide a wide array of facilities and amenities for residents. In addition, the Community Center provides critical and many beloved programs and outreach for the community. Fountain Hills is fortunate to be surrounded by dramatic scenery. The two major trailheads within the town, the Golden Eagle Trailhead, and Adero Canyon Trailhead offer trail access to the McDowell Mountains and provide first-class trailhead facilities for hikers & bikers.

Park Reservations

Request a reservation online at www.fountainhillsaz.gov/REC or call us Monday-Thursday 7:00 am-6:00 pm 480-816-5100.

Alcohol permits can be purchased when renting a ramada, amphitheater, or park space. Alcohol permits require the permit holder to be 21 years of age.

All park rentals require a 24-hour advanced booking. Online rentals require 3-day advance notice. Rentals for Friday-Sunday must be done before 6:00 pm on Thursday.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions at 480-816-5100 or email customerservice@fh.az.gov

Online Alcohol Permit Request

Park Wedding Request

Film Permit Application

Insurance Requirements (Inflatables and Vendors)

Insurance Example (Inflatables and Vendors)

Tournament Bookings

Would you like to host a tournament at our pristine ballfields? Visit our Tournament Inquiry page for details. 

Park Rules

Pet Requirements:

• Dogs on physically restrained by a leash not to exceed six feet in length at all times
• Must clean up after all animals
• Arizona State Leash Law
  Arizona Revised Statutes 11-1012. Item D
  D. No person in charge of any dog shall permit such dog in a public park or upon any public school property unless the dog is physically restrained by a leash, enclosed in a car, cage, or similar enclosure, or being exhibited or trained at a recognized kennel club event, public school or park sponsored event.

Permits are required for:

• Organized field practice, classes, directed fitness or commercial activity
• Special equipment, including but not limited to inflatable structures
• Ballfields at Golden Eagle Park
• Sale of goods or services (food, beverages, etc.)
• Alcohol in the parks

Permits are recommended for the following to ensure exclusivity:

• Ramada’s
• Tennis Courts
• Multi-Purpose fields

Park Rental Cancellation and Refund Policy

• A full refund will be made if the Town of Fountain Hills cancels the rental.
• In the event of inclement weather, the responsible party may re-schedule the rental at a later date.
• All changes to reservations need to be made at least 24 hours in advance. All changes to weekend reservations must be made by the Thursday prior to the reservation.
• Refunds by check may take four to six weeks to process.