Phoenix is a mecca of hiking and exploring
Printed with permission by the City of Phoenix. https://pilot.phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations
Phoenix is home to tens of thousands of acres of untouched desert lined with majestic saguaro and cholla cactuses, home to coyotes, great horned owls and gila monsters — all just minutes from downtown Phoenix. It’s no surprise Phoenix is one of National Geographic’s best hiking cities and has been recognized by AARP and TravelNerd as one of the Top Urban Destinations for Nature Lovers.
Current Preserve Improvement Projects
Sonoran Preserve Trails
Since 2009 there have been 14 miles of new trails designed and constructed in the Sonoran Preserve. Currently department staff is designing the next phases of trails. Typically trail construction occurs
in the cooler months of the year while the hotter months of the year are devoted to trail planning and layout. To provide input into the process of trail design and layout please contact Jarod Rogers, Trails
Coordinator at 602-534-1089.Funding Source: Phoenix Parks and Preserve Initiative. The Sonoran
Preserve Master Plan provides a detailed look into the long-term plans for this important new desert preserve area. Contact: Jarod Rogers (602) 534-1089.For general information: (602) 262-7901.
Sonoran Preserve Paseo
The Sonoran Preserve Paseo is a 10’ wide shared-use path located in the Sonoran Preserve and along the route of the Sonoran Boulevard. The first phase of the project is 5 miles in length. The Paseo features 100% accessibility for people of all physical abilities and includes 10 pedestrian bridges over preserved desert washes. Two shade ramadas located along the Paseo provide respite from the sun. The Paseo will also have trail connections to neighborhoods to the south and multi-purpose trails in the Sonoran Preserve to the north. Funding Source: Impact Fees. Contact: Jarod Rogers (602) 534-1089.
Bobcat Trail
The Bobcat Trail provides an out and back hike of about 2 miles or serves as a connection to the Dixie Mountain Loop and the rest of the Sonoran Preserve trails system beyond. The trail begins at the eastern end of Sonoran Desert Drive; there is no designated parking available yet, only walk in access. The trail crosses two large washes, meanders along gently rolling hills before ending at the 2.25 mile post of the Dixie Mountain Loop.
Distance: 1.01 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Change: 135 feet
Cactus Wren Trail
Access to the beginning of this trail is from the Desert Vista Trailhead via Hawk’s Nest Trail, Desert Tortoise Trail and then Valle Vista Trail (a total of 1.77 miles to the beginning). This trail spurs off of the
Valle Vista Trail and serves to create a larger, outer loop for the Great Horned Owl Trail.
Distance: 1.41 miles
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Elevation Change: 234 feet
Desert Tortoise Trail
This trail begins .25 miles from the Desert Vista Trailhead via Hawk’s Nest Trail. The trail can be used as the southern leg of a 2.3 mile loop by heading west to the Valle Vista Trail, turning north on Valle Vista
Trail then heading east on the Dixie Mountain Loop back to the end of Hawk’s Nest Trail which returns to the trailhead.
Distance: 1.1 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Change: 341 feet
Dixie Mountain Loop
This trail was the first new trail built, 2010, in the Sonoran Preserve. It is accessible from the Desert Vista Trailhead. Look for the Teddy Bear Cholla forest between mile posts 2.6 and 2.75. With significant elevation change, it’s rated at
Distance: 3.82 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Change: 1,322 feet (accumulated through small climbs and
Descents throughout the trail).
Dixie Summit Trail
Dixie Summit Trail is a steep summit trail that provides a view from 2,203 feet that provides panoramic views of all the peaks of the Phoenix preserve system including Camelback Mountain, North Mountain, Shaw Butte and Piestewa Peak among others.
Distance: .22 miles
Difficulty: Difficult
Elevation Change: 346 feet ascent
Great Horned Owl Trail
This Loop Trail is accessible from the Desert Vista Trailhead. It crests a saddle of the Union Hills where it provides access to Union Summit Trail, connects with the eastern end of the Cactus Wren Trail and then loops back around the southern edge of the preserve and rejoins itself after 3.1 miles.
Distance: 3.1 miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Elevation Change: 1,200 feet
Hawk’s Nest Trail
This trail connects the Desert Vista Trailhead to Desert Tortoise Trail and Dixie Mountain Loop Trail.
Distance: .39 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Change: 237 feet
Union Peak Trail
The trail is reached at the .5 mile point of the Great Horned Owl Trail. It switches back up the peak to reach the summit of Union Peak at an elevation of 2,200 feet.
Distance: .45 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Western Vista Trail
Western Vista Trail is a steep summit trail that provides a view from 2,026 feet that allows visibility to Deem Hills Recreation Area to the west across the I-17. The trail is quite steep.
Distance: .34 miles
Difficulty: Difficult
Elevation Change: 291 feet
Valle Verde Trail
The trail spurs off from the Dixie Mountain Loop stretching south toward the Desert Tortoise, Cactus Wren and Great Horned Owl Trails.
Distance: 1.2 miles
Difficult: Moderate
Elevation Change: 286 feet
******Hot Weather Hiking Advisory
We have entered the hot weather season in the Sonoran Desert. Please use extra caution if you’re planning on using trails. During hot weather months, try to wait for shade when hiking as full sun temperatures can be more than 20 degrees higher than the official shade temperature. So hike in early morning or near dusk when there’s more shade and less intense heat. Remember, even if you are hydrated you can still suffer from heat-related illness on the hottest summer days. During excessive heat warnings, consider whether it’s safe to hike at all. Follow our full safety guidelines for staying safe on the trail.
******Dogs are allowed, however they must be on a leash at all times. In addition waste must be picked up by the owner. Trails are open from sunrise to sunset.
Reach 11 Trails
There are approximately 18 miles of multi-use recreational trails in the Reach 11 Recreation Area. The trails run the entire length of the Recreation Area from Cave Creek Road, east to Scottsdale Road. Trail access points include: Cave Creek Road, Tatum Blvd.56th Street and Scottsdale Road.
All trails (except the Barrier Free Access Nature Trail) are multi-use (foot, bicycle & horseback) trails and motorized travel is prohibited. The trails are a hard, stable gravel surface and 7’-8’ wide. (except the Barrier Free Access Nature Trail) The terrain is relatively flat with minor grade changes at wash crossings.
There are 5 primary trails running east and west through the park. The trail numbers are W-211S (4.5 miles, north trailhead to HLP trail head) & W-211N (1.1 miles west of Tatum Blvd.; .7 miles – Dback facility to Hummingbird Trail) and E-211S (1.3 miles Tatum -Cottontail Tr. & 2.2 miles 56 St. – Scottsdale), E-211N (1.0 miles east of Tatum Blvd. to 56 St. & 2.2 miles -56 St & Scottsdale Rd., & E210 (1.2 miles) & W210 ( 1 mile). There are 17 connector trails that connect the north and south trails. From west to east they are; Cardinal (.2 miles), Inca Dove (.2 miles), Cactus Wren (.4 miles), Roadrunner (.2 miles), Gambel Quail (.5 miles), Great Horned Owl (.1 miles), Jackrabbit (.3 miles), Coyote (.5 miles), Javelina (.4 miles), Cottontail (.1 miles), Badger (.3 miles), and Ringtail (.3 miles). Coopers Hawk Loop (.3 miles), Kestrel (.2miles), Red tail Hawk (.4 miles), Hummingbird (.2 miles), Meadowlark (.2 miles), Muskrat (2.2 miles). The Barrier Free trail is .75 miles.
Trails 1-17 & 19-25
Various Lengths (7 miles total from Cave Creek to Scottsdale Road). Trails open for pedestrians, bicycles and horses
Difficulty – Easy.
Trails in the Reach 11 Recreation area are wide compact dirt paths that allow for easy participation of all levels of walker to athlete. Grade is consistently level with minimal dips and rises. These trails follow the CAP canal from Cave Creek Road to Scottsdale Road. No crossing area of Tatum Boulevard is provided so extreme caution must be used. Underpasses are in place for all other roads. Trail heads with parking are located North of Deer Valley Road (South of the Cemetery), East side of Tatum Boulevard (2 locations) as well as West of Tatum just off of the entrance to the Horse Lovers Park. Other walking entrances are marked with a hollow square on the trail map.
Dogs are allowed, however they must be on a leash at all times. In addition all waste must be picked up by the owner. Trails and trail parking are open sunrise to sunset.
Please don’t be a trailblazer! Stay on designated trails only!
There is trail access on the east side of Cave Creek Road, east and west side of Tatum Blvd., east and west side of 56th Street, and the west side of Scottsdale Road. Trail parking areas are located on the east side of Cave Creek Road, near the Water Treatment Plant, at the Arizona Horse Lovers Park on the west side of Tatum Blvd., and on the east side of Tatum Blvd.
Trial 18 – Barrier Free Trail
Length: .75 mile. Walking trail only, NO BICYCLES OR HORSES.
Difficulty – Easiest
The Reach 11 Barrier Free Trail is located 1/2 mile to the East of the Tatum Trail Head off of Trail #3 (which is concrete for this 1/2 mile). While on this trail you can see various wild life including birds, fish and turtles at a pond located at the South East corner of the loop. Many trees canopy over the trail creating dappled shade.
Barrier Free Access Nature Trail
Also in the recreation area is a Barrier Free Access Nature Trail. The trail is a ¾ mile long paved trail that travels through some of the most unique desert habitat in the area. Twenty different locations along the trail provide information signs on the flora and fauna that a visitor may encounter while enjoying the trail. The loop also features a small pond and picnic area. Use of this trail by horses or bicycles is prohibited. Access to the trail is from the east side of Tatum Blvd.
Keep your Vehicle Safe and Valuables Secured
Make sure you park only on paved surfaces. Parking on unpaved surfaces is illegal, generates dust and poses a fire risk.
• Before leaving your car, make sure your valuables are stored out of sight. When possible, leave valuables such as a wallet, credit cards or purse at home. If you must bring valuables with you in your car, bring along a small pack and take them with you on your hike. At the very least, secure valuables in your vehicle’s trunk before arriving at the trailhead as thieves have been reported to use binoculars to watch vehicles arriving at lots to see if owners hide or secure valuables.
• Lock your car and take your keys with you (do not try to hide keys under a tire or car bumper).
• Report suspicious activity to the Police Department’s Crime Stop at(602) 262-6151.
Keep Yourself Safe
It is important to remember that the Phoenix mountain preserves are open, undeveloped desert areas. Hikers can encounter rocky terrain, rattlesnakes, bees and other potential hazards native to the Sonoran Desert. Bees are a natural part of the Sonoran Desert ecosystem. View tips on bee safety from the University of Arizona Agricultural Extension office.
• Make sure someone knows where you’ll be hiking and when you expect to return
• During hot weather months, try to wait for shade when hiking. Full sun temperatures can be more than 20 degrees higher than the official shade temperature. Hiking in early morning or near dusk means more shade and more manageable temperatures.
• Try not to hike alone – it’s safer and more fun to hike with a friend.
• Be honest about your physical limitations and abilities, especially during hot weather. Don’t do more than you are able.
• Remember, even if you are hydrated, you can still suffer from heat-related illness. On the hottest summer days, consider whether it’s safe to hike at all. If you do choose to hike, consider hiking only in the early morning or early evening when there is more shade.
• Bring plenty of water (One quart for short hikes-more for longer hikes). Turn around when you’re halfway through your water. Using a water pack is preferable as it allows you to keep your hands free while hiking.
• Wear appropriate footwear, preferably hiking boots but at least sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Leave the sandals at home.
• Wear light-colored, comfortable clothing.
• Bring a hat and sunblock (SPF 15 minimum).
• Consider bringing along a small package with basic first aid supplies.
• Carry a cell phone.
What to do When You Need Help
• S.T.O.P. (Stop, Think, Observe, Plan). Your brain is your #1 survival tool.
• If you are lost or injured, do not panic.
• If you need help, call 9-1-1 for emergencies.
• Know your location. Look for the nearest trail marker or any noticeable landmark such as a bench, wash or tree.
• Identify the emergency situation (Be specific regarding the condition of an injured person).
Keep the Preserves Safe – Observe Trail Etiquette
Phoenix mountain preserves are open, undeveloped desert areas. Hikers can encounter rocky terrain, rattlesnakes and other potential hazards native to the Sonoran Desert. Staying on trails and observing trail etiquette will help to ensure that your preserve outing is a safe one.
• ALWAYS stay on a designated trail. Phoenix city ordinances prohibit trailblazing.
• Learn to share the trails with all other users.
• In general, bike riders yield to both hikers and horseback riders; hikers yield to horseback riders. However, for all trail users, downhill yields to uphill. Use common sense and courtesy while on the trails.
• Announce your intentions and slow your pace when passing someone on the trails.
• Do not litter.
• Destruction or removal of plants, animals, historical, prehistoric or geological sites are prohibited.
• Do not chase or harass wildlife.
• Avoid putting your hands and feet anywhere you cannot see.
• Remember the 3 C’s: Courtesy, Communication and Common Sense
