West Side Loop

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Features Views

A loop including parts of the Hawknest Trail, The Stagecoach Trail, the West Express, and the Axle Grease Trail.

Parking at the Pima-Dynamite Trailhead is free and plentiful.

The Hawknest Trail begins at the trailhead just to the right of the Axle Grease Trail It wanders northeast, gaining elevation as it goes with numerous ups and downs. This is the most strenuous part of the loop.

Several miles in, there is a short side trip to Basalt Ridge Overlook. Shortly after, the end of the Stagecoach Trail is reached via a half mile of the Malapais Trail. The Stagecoach Trail meanders north and then west slowly gaining elevation with gentle slopes. After several miles, the route crosses the powerline road, then turns right at the Dove Valley Trail which becomes the West Express at the powerline re-crossing. This begins the southbound return portion of the loop.

The descent of the West Express is fast and fun, with numerous humps to cross which add to the fun. After a few miles, the West Express transitions into the Axle Grease Trail. (The continuation of the West Express veers left at this point.) The Axle Grease Trail continues the downhill southbound route, but with more twists and turns than the straight West Express. The Axle Grease Trail trail terminates back at the trailhead.

A map of the preserve is available online or at the trailhead. It is recommended to keep it handy to navigate the maze of trails in the preserve. Literally hundreds of loop options are available. The map is also online at the Scottsdale website.