Scottsdale → Fountain Hills via Shea Blvd
Fully paved · Slingshot-appropriate roads only
Scottsdale → Fountain Hills · ~50 miles round trip
Fountain Hills Loop
Desert town, world-famous fountain, and McDowell Mountain views — the perfect first Slingshot drive.
Check Availability on TuroDistance
~50 miles round trip
Drive Time
1–1.5 hrs with stops
Rental Rec.
Half day (4 hrs minimum)
Road Type
Paved highway, all-weather
Difficulty
Easy — ideal for first-time renters
Best Season
Year-round; summer mornings best
The Easiest Great Drive from Scottsdale
Fountain Hills is Scottsdale's eastern neighbor — a planned desert community built around a man-made lake with one of the world's tallest fountains at its center. The drive from Old Town Scottsdale takes about 25 minutes on Shea Boulevard, passing through the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and climbing into the desert foothills.
The Fountain Hills Fountain shoots 560 feet into the air on the hour, every hour, from 9am to 9pm. The lake park is a pleasant stop — palm-lined paths, mountain views, and the kind of quiet that's hard to find this close to Phoenix.
This is the route we recommend for first-time Slingshot renters and for anyone who wants a shorter, lower-commitment drive. It pairs well with a Bartlett Lake extension for a full-day adventure.
The Route
Starting point: Old Town Scottsdale (exact pickup address provided after Turo booking)
Scottsdale → Fountain Hills (Shea Blvd East)
Head east on Shea Boulevard from Scottsdale. The road passes through the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and climbs into the desert foothills. About 25 miles, 25 minutes.
Fountain Hills Town Center
Follow Fountain Hills Boulevard to Fountain Park. The fountain runs on the hour from 9am–9pm. The park has walking paths, benches, and views of the Four Peaks Wilderness to the north.
Optional: McDowell Mountain Regional Park
A few miles north of town, McDowell Mountain Regional Park offers desert hiking and panoramic views of the Valley. The park road is paved and scenic.
Optional: Fort McDowell
Continue north on AZ-87 to Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation — casino, resort, and the Verde River crossing. Good fuel and food stop.
Return to Scottsdale
Return via Shea Boulevard, or loop back via the 101 for a faster return.
Best Stops
Fountain Hills Fountain
Runs on the hour, 9am–9pm. At full power, the fountain reaches 560 feet — one of the tallest in the world. Best viewed from the lake park.
Fountain Park
The 68-acre park around the lake has walking paths, picnic areas, and views of the McDowell Mountains. Pleasant stop any time of day.
McDowell Mountain Regional Park
Desert wilderness park with hiking trails and panoramic views. The park road is paved and worth a short detour.
Shea Boulevard Corridor
The drive itself is scenic — the McDowell Mountains rise to the north, saguaro cactus lines the road, and the desert light is exceptional in the morning.
What You Need to Know
Fountain Schedule
The Fountain Hills Fountain runs on the hour from 9am to 9pm daily. Each display lasts about 15 minutes. Check the Fountain Hills town website for special event schedules.
Fuel and Food
Fountain Hills has fuel stations and restaurants. Always use premium unleaded — 91 octane or higher. Pita Jungle, Fired Pie, and several local cafes are popular. The drive is short enough that you can fuel up on return in Scottsdale.
Parking
Free parking at Fountain Park. The lot fills on weekends — arrive early or park on the surrounding streets.
Weather
Fountain Hills sits at about 1,500 feet — similar to Scottsdale. Year-round driving is comfortable. Summer mornings (before 10am) are ideal.
Suggested Half-Day Itinerary
8:30 AM
Pick up Slingshot in Old Town Scottsdale
8:45 AM
Head east on Shea Boulevard
9:00 AM
Arrive Fountain Hills — fountain runs on the hour
9:30 AM
Walk Fountain Park, coffee stop
10:30 AM
Drive to McDowell Mountain Regional Park
11:30 AM
Lunch in Fountain Hills town center
12:30 PM
Return to Scottsdale via Shea Boulevard
Book Your Fountain Hills Drive
Check real-time availability on Turo. Instant confirmation, full trip protection, Old Town Scottsdale pickup.
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