Thunderbird Conservation Park
Thunderbird Conservation Park
Thunderbird Conservation Park
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4.5
74 reviews
Excellent
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Very good
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3
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Ciera E
1 contribution
Sep 2021
The Ghostrider of Hedgepeth Hills.
(see attached articles)
Back in 1936 the skeletons of a horse and man were found in these hills, along with his ring, knife, guns and a saddle. The saddle was engraved with the initials “XIT”. And a gold ring with initials “W.E.R.”.
He was not identified and probably died of exposure or had been ambushed many, many years before.
In a book called “The Arizona Rangers” it was believed the skeleton belonged to a very famous horse rustler who they had been chasing/tracking in 1905 and never saw again.
It was just desert back then. Of course now it’s got houses all around.
But I think you have to go at night to see the Ghost Rider!
(see attached articles)
Back in 1936 the skeletons of a horse and man were found in these hills, along with his ring, knife, guns and a saddle. The saddle was engraved with the initials “XIT”. And a gold ring with initials “W.E.R.”.
He was not identified and probably died of exposure or had been ambushed many, many years before.
In a book called “The Arizona Rangers” it was believed the skeleton belonged to a very famous horse rustler who they had been chasing/tracking in 1905 and never saw again.
It was just desert back then. Of course now it’s got houses all around.
But I think you have to go at night to see the Ghost Rider!
Written August 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian Redd
Phoenix, AZ30 contributions
Mar 2020
I grew up in this area so I have been to Thunderbird Conservation Park several times. There are several trails with different types of difficulties. My favorite trail is the Sunrise trail. It is a quick hike with awesome views, my German Shepherd loves it too! The park also has several different types of amenities like picnic areas and a wildlife lookout area that not many people know about. I recommend downloading the Avem app, it will help you discover and find all the different park amenities offered at Thunderbird Conservation Park. Happy Hiking!
Written April 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ExploreAZcouple
Glendale, AZ390 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
I run here with my dog as often as I can. Trails are well-maintained & you can loop a bunch of trails together to make a nice running route.
Written July 28, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bri_Christine
Glendale, AZ16 contributions
Jan 2020
I usually do the 4 mile loop. You have options to climb 3 different hills. Trails are in good shape. The park does have picnic tables. Parking on the weekends can be a challenge since the park can get very busy.
Written February 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sahana Kris
Arizona25 contributions
Oct 2019 • Friends
Awesome place to Hike! Hike with family , friends or just yourself. Love this place. Beautiful views from the top !
Written October 22, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
desertlander
Phoenix, AZ7 contributions
May 2017 • Friends
This park in the basic hiking with miles of trails. Be aware it is desert beauty and take the necessary water supplies and the summer heat can be restrictive.The trails go up and down hills and has great views of the valleys. The trails are carved from the desert floor and run thru the massive park with a pedestrian bridge across 59 Ave. leading to a second hiking area. It is great for both the novice and expert hiker looking for a competitive work out.
Written May 23, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lem2_AZ
Phoenix, AZ25 contributions
Feb 2016 • Friends
The hills (actually, mountains) in NW Phoenix provide favorite hiking trails. Most can be completed in a fairly short period of time if you are in average condition. The length and steepness of the trail depend on which route you pick. There are plenty of choices. All of the trails provide a beautiful view of the valley of the sun when you reach the pinnacle. Great for photo ops and conditioning!
Written January 18, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Indrajit M
Mumbai, India147 contributions
Jul 2014 • Family
[Date: July '14 / Travellers: 7]
The fact that it was very close to where we stayed in Glendale, of course made it all the more easy and attractive for us to go one evening, for a hike, both young and old. Its a walk-easy hike and has several paths which which various hill tops can be accessed, along with a constant view of the city of phoenix spread far and wide below you. But what really takes the cake is when the sun starts setting, illuminating the evening sky in various hues of orange and red..whats more is that, the hues keep on changing every minute - making it a photographer's delight. We got late coming down and so the park ranger didn't allow us to open our picnic baskets..but on a winter noon, i must say that wud be an added motive to go to this place.
The fact that it was very close to where we stayed in Glendale, of course made it all the more easy and attractive for us to go one evening, for a hike, both young and old. Its a walk-easy hike and has several paths which which various hill tops can be accessed, along with a constant view of the city of phoenix spread far and wide below you. But what really takes the cake is when the sun starts setting, illuminating the evening sky in various hues of orange and red..whats more is that, the hues keep on changing every minute - making it a photographer's delight. We got late coming down and so the park ranger didn't allow us to open our picnic baskets..but on a winter noon, i must say that wud be an added motive to go to this place.
Written January 7, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hubbs52016
Greeley, CO51 contributions
Nov 2014 • Couples
Thunderbird Conservation Park is a wonderful...free.... hiking spot for pets, adults, and children alike. The historic mountainous, yet desert area boasts steeper, rocky climbs, with views of all of the greater Phoenix area. Large and small Cacti line the trails of this winsome area. Native shrubs and flowering bushes dot the scenery of this "lush" desert. Some of the wildlife that you will see here are plentiful. Lizards dart between rocks, Grouse birds nestle in the rocks and small squirrels are a few that can be spotted in this region. Water and sunscreen are highly recommended. The trail can be as long or as short as wanted as the trail head has many bi-directional areas. This is a great outdoor adventure for everyone - the new hiker, the avid athlete and the young and old.
Written November 9, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MemphisDan
Orland Park, IL3 contributions
Feb 2020
Beautiful area with tremendous views. The trails are well kept and marked for clear touring.
Plenty of close parking as well.
Plenty of close parking as well.
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Claim your listingThunderbird Conservation Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Thunderbird Conservation Park
- Hotels near Thunderbird Conservation Park:
- (0.51 mi) Hidden Oasis Intimate 3 BR Home/ Private Pool/ Jacuzzi/ Fire Pit/ Glendale
- (4.49 mi) Drury Inn & Suites Phoenix Happy Valley
- (4.39 mi) Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix North/Happy Valley
- (4.44 mi) Homewood Suites by Hilton Phoenix North-Happy Valley
- (0.87 mi) Resort-Style Mountain View, Saltwater Pool/Spa, Golf/Hike -Glendale/Phoenix Area
- Restaurants near Thunderbird Conservation Park:
- (3.98 mi) Ajo Al's Mexican Cafe
- (3.75 mi) Arrowhead Grill
- (4.91 mi) Abuelo's Mexican Restaurant
- (4.98 mi) Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
- (1.26 mi) Dillon's KC BBQ Arrowhead