Stretching over 9,600 acres in North Phoenix, the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve offers 36 miles of trails through rolling desert terrain, towering saguaros, and occasional glimpses of ancient Hohokam petroglyphs.

Established in 2009 to protect one of the last sizeable tracts of urban Sonoran Desert, it presents routes for all fitness levels—from family-friendly, paved paths to challenging summit climbs. Wildlife sightings can include everything from coyotes to Gila monsters, and while restrooms are available at trailheads, drinking water is not. Plan your visit during cooler hours, and be prepared with sun protection and plenty of water to fully appreciate this unique slice of desert just beyond the cityscape.

Find details for the 3 trailheads and related trails below.

Apache Wash Trailhead

Location: 1600 E. Sonoran Desert Dr.
Parking & Entrance Hours: 5 a.m.–7 p.m. | Trail Hours: 5 a.m.–11 p.m.

• Apache Vista Trail (Moderate, 0.5 mi, +153 ft): A short, winding climb to a summit with 360° desert views.
• Apache Wash Loop (Easy, 5.6 mi, +200 ft): A popular mountain biking loop through cactus gardens and wide-open vistas.
• Apache Wash Paseo (Easy): Paved route, great for walkers and joggers.
• Apache Wash Trail (Easy, 0.4 mi, +164 ft): Follows Apache Hill’s western base, linking to Sidewinder.
• Badger Brawl Trail (Easy, 3.4 mi, +124 ft): Gentle terrain with occasional dry riverbeds and vibrant spring flowers.
• Cliff Walk Trail (Easy, 2.9 mi, +190 ft): Stays close to the Cave Creek riverbed, offering scenic wash views.
• East Skip Rimsza Paseo (Easiest, 1.9 mi, +37 ft): Paved path alongside Sonoran Desert Dr., minimal elevation change.
• Esplanade Trail (Easy, 3.4 mi, +127 ft): Gentle climb beside a wide wash, dotted with ironwood and palo verde.
• Ridgeback Trail (Moderate, 1.5 mi, +224 ft): Connects Sidewinder and Ocotillo, with sweeping desert scenery.
• Ridgeback Overlook (Moderate, 0.2 mi, +50 ft): A quick offshoot to a high point for southward views.
• West Skip Rimsza Paseo (Easiest, 3.1 mi, +15 ft): A concrete trail offering minimal elevation, ending at Dove Valley Rd.

Desert Hills Trailhead

Location: 705 W. Carefree Hwy.
Parking & Entrance Hours: 5 a.m.–7 p.m. | Trail Hours: 5 a.m.–11 p.m.

• Ocotillo Trail (Moderate, 6.3 mi, +100 ft): Gradual elevation changes, linking to the west side of the preserve.
• Sidewinder Trail (Moderate/Difficult, 7.0 mi, +120 ft): Longest, most technical path—originally designed with mountain bikers in mind. Twisting terrain and varied climbs.

Desert Vista Trailhead

Location: 1900 W. Desert Vista Tr.
Parking & Entrance Hours: 5 a.m.–7 p.m. | Trail Hours: 5 a.m.–11 p.m.

• Bobcat Trail (Easy, 1.0 mi, +79 ft): Gentle warm-up to the Dixie Mountain Loop.
• Cactus Wren Trail (Moderate, 1.4 mi, +43 ft): Mild ups and downs, connecting Great Horned Owl and Valle Verde.
• Desert Tortoise Trail (Moderate, 1.1 mi, +53 ft): Rolling desert landscape, linking back to Dixie Mountain Loop.
• Dixie Mountain Loop (Moderate, 3.8 mi, +401 ft): Encircles two peaks with sweeping views of Dove Valley—includes access to summit spurs.
• Dixie Mountain Summit (Extremely Difficult, 0.2 mi, +698 ft): A short but steep ascent with switchbacks to a rugged peak.
• Great Horned Owl Trail (Moderate, 3.1 mi, +204 ft): A series of steep ascents and descents—challenging but rewarding.
• Hawk’s Nest Trail (Moderate, 0.4 mi, +236 ft): A brief link to neighboring loops, open to hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
• Union Peak Trail (Moderate/Difficult, 0.5 mi, +224 ft): A heart-pumping climb to panoramic 360° views.
• Valle Verde Trail (Moderate, 1.2 mi, +224 ft): Gently rolling connector between southern and northern sections.
• Western Vista Trail (Moderate/Difficult, 0.3 mi, +255 ft): Steady incline to a perched overlook on the preserve’s western edge.