Phoenix Sonoran Preserve

The Phoenix Sonoran Preserve is an oasis of nature on the north side of this metropolitan area of nearly 5 million people. An excellent trail system offers a full immersion experience into the desert for hikers and riders alike. It encompasses more than 9,600 acres, and is administered by the City of Phoenix.

The 10 Essentials

ACTIVITIES:

bird-watching
equestrian
hiking
mountain biking
trail running

HIGHLIGHTS:

36 miles of multi-use trails ranging from easy to difficult

Fantastic panoramic views of the metro area and surrounding desert

Feeling as though you’re away from it all when you can’t get too far away from it all!

HABITAT:

Sonoran desert; saguaro / paloverde communities.

AVAILABILITY:

Open year-round; day-use only. Ideal seasons are late fall – early spring.

AMENITIES:

3 established trailheads and multiple road access points to an extremely well-maintained trail system. Trail markers even have elevation profiles and scan codes!
Bathrooms and trash cans at Apache Wash and Desert Vista, which also has water available. Please remember to pack out your trash.

PERMITS / FEES:

No permits or fees.

SPECIAL DESIGNATIONS:

Apache Vista & Ridgeback Overlook are 2 of the summits in the Seven Summit Challenge.

ACCESSIBILITY:

Kid-friendly
Dog-friendly (except when temps are +100°F)
ADA: The East & West Skip Rimsza Paseo trails at Apache Wash are surfaced with concrete.

NEAREST SERVICES:

Most the Phoenix metro area is within an hour’s drive.

HEADS-UP!

Risks include: extreme heat, dehydration (bring LOTS of water!), exposure, rattlesnakes, numerous species of spiny cacti.. do NOT hug the teddy bear cholla!

Flora & Fauna

You may see:

Gila monster
Red-tailed hawk
Ironwood
Desert tortoise
Gila woodpecker
Foothill paloverde

Phoenix, AZ

46°

Fair

7:28 am5:51 pm MST

Feels like: 46°F
Wind: 3mph ESE
Humidity: 16%
Pressure: 30.32"Hg
UV index: 2

12 pm1 pm2 pm3 pm4 pm

55°F
59°F
61°F
64°F
66°F

ThuFriSatSunMon

66°F / 39°F
70°F / 43°F
68°F / 45°F
70°F / 43°F
64°F / 41°F

Links & resources

hike dixie mountain loop

more from arizona..

Atlas – Guthook Guides

Meet Atlas Guides, creators of Guthook Guides – the most popular app for long-distance hikers. Where will *you* go #withguthook?

Red Rock Ranger District

Year-round endless adventure abounds on the 550,000 acre Red Rock District of the Coconino National Forest, regardless the season or your ability level. From effortless scenic drives to strenuous backpacks, and everything between, it’s no surprise that this is the busiest and most popular District on the Coconino National Forest.