Phoenix Sonoran Desert Preserve
Phoenix Sonoran Desert Preserve
Phoenix Sonoran Desert Preserve
4.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
32 reviews
Excellent
19
Very good
11
Average
2
Poor
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Terrible
0
Jennifer H
Columbus, OH530 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
We parked at the desert vista trailhead and hiked a mile or so before turning back. There is some elevation but it wasn’t too difficult. We loved seeing all the types of cacti. There are a couple really tall saguaro near the trail. Great photo opp. We also saw two coyotes chasing a bunny. It was a good experience and were glad we stopped.
Written March 5, 2023
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.
Cap Chastain
Anchorage, AK18,230 contributions
Mar 2018 • Solo
This is an absolutely no-nonsense trail-head, the beginning of which is a hiking trail that leads into the Phoenix Sonoran Desert Preserve where hikers will find a somewhat extensive series of hiking trails.
The Phoenix Sonoran Desert Preserve is located North and East of the junction of Interstate 17 North ( I-17) with Happy Valley Road. It shows it to be located in Phoenix, and I guess it is but, it is a bit-of-a-stretch since it is 24-miles North of the heart of downtown Phoenix and a good (with traffic) 40-minute drive.
Other than a parking lot and small cluster of signs that primarily warn hikers and their dogs of the dangers of the heat in the summer, there is absolutely nothing else to see at the trail head.
If you are a senior citizen, which I am at age 81-years, hiking into the preserve is for the young and the strong. If you do decide to hike in, I very strongly suggest that you undertake adventuring into the preserve with other hikers and not alone. At the trail head there are restrooms. But once you begin hiking into the preserve, you are into nature and the desert.
The Phoenix Sonoran Desert Preserve is located North and East of the junction of Interstate 17 North ( I-17) with Happy Valley Road. It shows it to be located in Phoenix, and I guess it is but, it is a bit-of-a-stretch since it is 24-miles North of the heart of downtown Phoenix and a good (with traffic) 40-minute drive.
Other than a parking lot and small cluster of signs that primarily warn hikers and their dogs of the dangers of the heat in the summer, there is absolutely nothing else to see at the trail head.
If you are a senior citizen, which I am at age 81-years, hiking into the preserve is for the young and the strong. If you do decide to hike in, I very strongly suggest that you undertake adventuring into the preserve with other hikers and not alone. At the trail head there are restrooms. But once you begin hiking into the preserve, you are into nature and the desert.
Written March 7, 2018
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.
Bobboesocks47
Lakewood, CO62 contributions
Mar 2017 • Couples
We visited this hiking area during early March 2017 after an unusually wet season. The trailhead is located in a residential area with plenty of designated parking and a clean restroom. There are several trails and loops to follow, some longer and higher. The trails are suitable for hiking, trail bikes and equestrian. They range from easy to moderate to difficult. We found the hillside vegetation spectacular at that time of year: beautiful colorful wildflowers carpeting the ground, and a variety of cacti. We heard a variety of bird calls. Long views of the surrounding mountains and city are lovely. We were treated to a sighting of a nesting owl, which we were told returns to the same nest each year. We saw a number of families on the trails with smaller children who seemed to be handling the trail well. We found this a great place to exercise!
Written March 8, 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.
Heather
Las Vegas, NV530 contributions
Nov 2020
There are bathrooms and shaded benches at the entrance to the Apache Wash Trailhead. There are several trails and zero shade, so make sure to come prepared. If you aren't an experienced hiker you can still begin the hike on one of the trails and turn back when it becomes too much.
Written December 8, 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.
jsjonquil
Snellville, GA18 contributions
Sep 2019 • Couples
We noticed info on this site and decided to give it a shot. Surprised beyond expectations. An exceptionally well-maintained botanical preserve that just dazzles the mind. Walk part of the museum or the whole park - you won’t regret it. A tad pricey, but it was a one time trip to the area. Carry plenty of water if you go during hot months.
Written September 27, 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.
Wanderer Writes
Phoenix, AZ9 contributions
The Sonoran Desert Preserve has three different trailhead locations, some easier access than others.
Mar 2019
The preserve has three access points, the Apache Wash Trailhead on the Sonoran Desert Drive, off Cave Creek Road, the Desert Hills Trailhead on Carefree Highway, and the Desert Vista Trailhead off Desert Vista Trail in a North Phoenix neighborhood. They all lead to spectacular trails, but during the busy season, the Desert Vista Trailhead would probably be full since it has a small parking lot.
My favorite access point is the Apache Wash Trailhead since it seems to be out of town, even the drive to it is scenic, through beautiful desert vistas. It has a large parking lot, and access to a few spectacular trails, for any level. The easiest, about a 3-mile loop, is the Apache Wash trail, following the wash. Right now, in March, it showcases large pockets of wildflowers. You'll find even more color on the Sidewinder Trail if you hike up at the fork. Great views of the surrounding desert and North Scottsdale in the distance from the top of the Sidewinder. For the best views and fewer crowds, go around sunset.
My favorite access point is the Apache Wash Trailhead since it seems to be out of town, even the drive to it is scenic, through beautiful desert vistas. It has a large parking lot, and access to a few spectacular trails, for any level. The easiest, about a 3-mile loop, is the Apache Wash trail, following the wash. Right now, in March, it showcases large pockets of wildflowers. You'll find even more color on the Sidewinder Trail if you hike up at the fork. Great views of the surrounding desert and North Scottsdale in the distance from the top of the Sidewinder. For the best views and fewer crowds, go around sunset.
Written March 19, 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.
Mesa_Eater
Scottsdale, AZ74 contributions
Mar 2019 • Couples
I had not been to the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve in many years. But I knew it was a good place to see wildflowers so I drove over 30 minutes to get there ... but the lot was full which I was not expecting. When I had been there years before there were always about 5 cars in the parking lot. I followed several cars into the trailer only parking area and many cars followed me. We came back to a lot full of parking tickets which were $64 per car. I saw no signs indicating where hikers should park if the lot was full and after driving half an hour to get there with no other hiking spots in the area we followed the masses. My guess is there were about 20 cars in that lot when we left our car to do the hike so City of Phoenix must put in tiny parking lots at all their trails so they can collect tons of money in parking fines. Do yourself a favor and go to the City of Scottsdale McDowell trails instead. Scottsdale obviously wants a hiker to have plenty of places to park - unlike City of Phoenix. I won't go back to this hiking location.
Written March 3, 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.
Dino_Liverpool
200 contributions
Mar 2019 • Couples
Obviously, coming from Upstate NY, no desert hiking experience. Selected this location (nice introduction to desert hiking); trails well marked. Met some very nice people on the trails.
Written March 18, 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.
Jay P
Highland, MI41 contributions
Jan 2019 • Solo
Free park, great, easy to follow trails. Flowers in bloom, friendly walkers and bikers. I walked to steep summit and back in 2 hours. Lots of easy trails too. I also enjoyed nearby Apache Wash in same day. A great day.
Written January 21, 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.
Eager_TravelerNY
NY124 contributions
Apr 2018 • Couples
This was a great place for a quick escape from the city, and for a sample of desert hiking. There is ample parking, the trails are well-marked and well-maintained, and you really get the feeling that you're hiking away from civilization. We'd definitely recommend it!
Written April 12, 2018
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 listingPhoenix Sonoran Desert Preserve - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Phoenix Sonoran Desert Preserve
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Phoenix Sonoran Desert Preserve:
- Morning Hot Air Balloon Flight Over Phoenix (From $236.52)
- Afternoon Hot Air Balloon Flight Over Phoenix (From $258.12)
- Stunning Sunrise or Sunset Guided Hiking Adventure in the Sonoran Desert (From $125.00)
- Scottsdale Desert Classic Hiking Adventure (From $145.00)
- Phoenix Sonoran Preserve E-Bike Guided Experience (From $119.00)
- Hotels near Phoenix Sonoran Desert Preserve:
- (0.42 mi) San Norterra
- (2.96 mi) Drury Inn & Suites Phoenix Happy Valley
- (2.54 mi) Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix North/Happy Valley
- (2.53 mi) Homewood Suites by Hilton Phoenix North-Happy Valley
- (0.76 mi) Resort Style Living with Heated Pool & Spa
- Restaurants near Phoenix Sonoran Desert Preserve:
- (9.96 mi) Ajo Al's Mexican Cafe
- (8.35 mi) The Keg Steakhouse + Bar - Desert Ridge
- (2.07 mi) P.F. Chang's
- (2.13 mi) Mellow Mushroom Phoenix
- (5.58 mi) In-N-Out Burger
Phoenix Sonoran Desert Preserve Information
Excellent Reviews | 19 |
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Very Good Reviews | 11 |
Phoenix Sonoran Desert Preserve Photos | 59 |