Arizona's Lake Overlook Trail Gets Video Guide

The Lake Overlook Trail provides views of the world-famous fountain in Fountain Hills, which operates every hour on the hour for 15 minutes between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. On its regular schedule, the fountain's plume reaches a height of 330 feet. On special occasions, with all three 600-horsepower pumps active, the water can soar to 560 feet, which is taller than the Washington Monument. The trail is maintained by the Sonoran Conservancy of Fountain Hills, a non-profit organization established to preserve and protect the area's open spaces, including the McDowell Mountain Preserve and the Desert Botanical Garden. This volunteer-led organization receives no tax support and relies on public contributions. The hands-on trail work is performed by a group of volunteers known as the Trailblazers. Beyond the immediate trail, Fountain Hills is adjacent to the expansive McDowell Sonoran Preserve, one of the largest urban preserves in the United States, covering over 30,500 acres. This larger network of trails provides a habitat for a wide variety of Sonoran Desert flora and fauna, and hikers on the Lake Overlook Trail may spot wildlife such as javelina and coyotes. The trail offers panoramic views that extend beyond the town to include the McDowell Mountains, the Superstition Mountains, Four Peaks, and the Matzatzal Mountains. While the trail is considered easy, it features some elevation gain and switchbacks, with benches placed at scenic points to rest and take in the views. The town of Fountain Hills itself sits at an elevation of 1,520 feet, 500 feet higher than nearby Phoenix.