{openx:1}Lost Dog Wash is a terrific hiking trial just minutes from downtown Phoenix. Once you start up Lost Dog Wash Trail, you will leave the sounds of civilization behind and get lost in a vast expanse of Sonoran Desert, cradled by the peaks of the McDowell Mountains on all sides.

The access area (just off 124th Street and Shea) has plenty of parking, new shade ramadas with seating and picnic areas, and an up-close look at a crested saguaro. Saguaro are a common site in Arizona, but few people ever see a crested saguaro, which can be identified by a strange growth pattern on their main stalk — at the top, the cactus fans out in a strange bumpy growth that looks like a crown or crest. One such jewel is planted at the trailhead. Silhouetted against the blue sky, this amazing specimen makes a unique addition to this beautiful, natural Preserve and is a great beginning to the hike.

Once on the trail, your world will fill with bird song and the soft swish of the wind through the bushes and trees. Dawn and late afternoon are the best times to hike the trail because you are much more likely to encounter the wildlife that inhabits the preserve — including deer, javelina, coyote, rabbits, snakes, lizards and birds. There are even mountain lions in the McDowell Mountains, although only a few lucky rangers ever see one.

Lost Dog Wash is a gentle uphill hike, with easy footing, that meanders and dips through a beautiful wash. As the trail climbs, you will have a majestic view of the Southeast Valley. At the summit of the trail (a saddle between the southern unnamed peak and Thompson Peak to the north with the radio towers) you will want to stop at Taliesin Overlook — you will see the North Valley spread out below you, with stunning views of the city and mountain vistas in every direction.

At Taliesin Overlook you have several choices. You can turn around and hike back down Lost Dog Wash to the trailhead — a round trip of roughly 5 miles. Partway down, you can link up with Ringtail Trail and cross over to Sunrise Trail. Sunrise Trail from the access area on Via Linda east of 136th Street and is an 8.8 mile hike. Another possibility is to take Quartz Trail (the northern extension of Lost Dog Wash trail) which descends from Taliesin Overlook. Just remember you need to park a car at either end, or be prepared to have someone pick you up, otherwise you get to hike back up and over (a 14+ mile round-trip).