Phoenix Sonoran Preserve Hike - Phoenix, Arizona
Open desert park with miles of hiking & biking trails through lush, green plains of cactus. This parks largely consists of small mountains and adjacent foothills that reach about 2,000 feet (roughly 600 meters) above the desert floor. They also interrupt the checkerboard pattern of Phoenix's built environment and are quite prominent, especially since most of the city is flat and gridded.
It is important to remember that the Phoenix mountain preserves are open, undeveloped desert areas. Please use care when heading out as hikers routinely encounter rocky terrain, rattlesnakes and other potential hazards native to the Sonoran Desert.
Originally, the park system began with Piestewa Mountain Park and North Mountain Park as county parks. However, most of the existing municipal park system was acquired in the early 1970s when Phoenix's ever-expanding development threatened to encroach on these mountainous areas. All feature extensive hiking trails and many have public access areas with parking, ramadas (picnic tables) and restrooms. Some offer nearby horse stables where horses can be rented and ridden into the park.
Sonoran Preserve MTB ride Phoenix AZ
As of July, 2011, the Sonoran Preserve in north Phoenix has grown to more than 7,000 acres. Purchased with voter approved funds and state grants, the new preserve has added a whole new element to the city's expansive desert preserves.
Much of the Sonoran Preserve is located in the transition zone to the Arizona Upland subdivision of the Sonoran Desert, which has higher amounts of rainfall per year (up to 12.5 inches per year). This increases both the lushness and diversity of plant life. South Mountain, Camelback Mountain and Squaw Peak, on the other hand, are located in the Lower Colorado River Valley, the largest and most arid subdivision of the Sonoran Desert. With only 7.5 inches of rainfall a year, vegetation in these areas is sparser and less varied.
Beginning in early 2010, the city and a trails contractor constructed 7 miles of new trails in the western section of the preserve. 5 different trails were constructed; Dixie Mountain Loop at 3.82 miles, Bobcat trail at 1.53 miles, Dixie Mountain Summit trail at .22 miles, Western Vista Trail at .34 miles, and Hawk's Nest Trail at .4 miles. This last trail connects a new trailhead parking lot to Dixie Mountain Loop. All trails provide excellent opportunities to explore the Sonoran Preserve, and to enjoy the views of the mountains north of Phoenix.
In 2011, another round of trail construction began from the existing Sonoran Trail system, probing further into the preserve. An expansive circumference trail named Great Horned Owl was constructed around Union Hills Peak at 3.12 miles. On the north side, a summit trail named Union Hills Peak at .45 miles traverses the entire top ridge from north to south. From the summit, excellent views are to be had into Cave Buttes, Scottsdale and Phoenix at 2,284 ft.
Another new trail, Desert Tortoise, takes off from Hawk's Nest Trail at its halfway point. This trail skirts the western and southern edge of the Sonoran Preserve and takes you into the interior. Desert Tortoise is 1.13 miles in length and meanders through hills, washes and a flat expanse of easy trail towards its eastern end.
At the Desert Tortoise and Valle Vista trail junction, one can now access the original Sonoran Trail system by hiking north on Valle Vista which connects with the Dixie Mountain loop trail. If heading south, one can explore the northern outer loop trail named Cactus Wren. Cactus Wren is 1.41 miles in length and covers the northern section of Union Hills Peak. Eventually this trail connects with Great Horned Owl trail on its eastern flanks. If one heads north on Valle Vista (2.32 miles in length) a connection can be made with Great Horned Owl trail on the south. Great Horned Owl will take you around Union Hills Peak into quiet washes and steep slopes; all with breathtaking vistas.
Purchased with voter approved funds and state grants, the Sonoran Preserve adds a whole new element to the city's vaunted desert preserve system. With new trails built and more on the way, it's now easy to explore this beautiful area. The Master Plan link above provides a detailed look into the long-term plans for this important new desert preserve area.
The land in the new preserve is unique.
The Parks and Preserve Initiative was reauthorized by 83 percent of Phoenix voters in May 2008. It authorized the continuation of a modest sales tax for a 30-year period to purchase thousands of acres of state trust land and to fund construction of and improvements to regional, neighborhood and community parks. The public lands purchased were reclassified for conservation through the API, established by the Governor and Legislature in 1996. Voters passed Growing Smarter in 1998 to fund the matching grant provision of the API through 2012.
Pink Adventure Tours | Sonoran Desert Adventure | Pink Jeep Tours
Pink Jeep Tours has been thrilling visitors as the premier off-road excursion company in the Southwest for more than 50 years. The first Jeep tour operator in the United States, the company was founded in Sedona, Arizona in 1960 and has since become known for its “must do” rugged adventure tours through Sedona’s Red Rock Country, the Grand Canyon, Scottsdale, and Las Vegas.
More information about our offerings with Pink Jeep Tours is available here:
Arizona Pyramid People | TheAncientSouthwest.com
TheAncientSouthwest.com
Featuring Casa Grande of the Hohokam.
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SOUTHWESTERN ART
I create Huichol Native American inspired sacred art using the traditional method of applying glass beads to hard media with a fixative of beeswax and pine pitch. View my ever changing collection of items for sale in my Etsy store EyeOfGodArt
WILD WOMEN ADVENTURE CLUB - LOS ANGELES
If you would like to join outdoor adventures with other enthusiastic female adventurers, see what's going on at
wildwomenhiking.com
Scottsdale Links Resort - Arizona, Phoenix
A step away from championship golf courses and equestrian WestWorld, Scottsdale Links Resort is ideally located for easy accessibility to endless options of fun. Enjoy breathtaking views of the desert landscape and the neighboring championship golf course from your balcony. On-site activities feature an expansive lagoon style pool, outdoor spa, and a fitness center with open views. Come relax in perfect year-round weather and spectacular scenery at Scottsdale Links Resort.
Piestewa Peak in Phoenix, Arizona
Travel with me to Piestewa Peak (formerly Squaw Peak) in Phoenix, Arizona. The Summit Trail hike is discussed, as well as the mountain’s history and wildlife.
You can view the full hike up Piestewa Peak’s Summit Trail here:
Suggested Reading:
***The Phoenix Area’s Parks and Preserves (2007) by Donna and George Hartz - Provides several intriguing late nineteenth and early twentieth century photographs from Phoenix’s parks and preserves, including the Phoenix Mountains and Squaw Peak. I recommend checking this out if you are interested in the history of Phoenix's mountains or seeing more early photographs of Squaw Peak.
***Squaw Peak: A Hiker’s Guide (1997) by Jack San Felice - A history of the peak and detailed information on the various trails, including the Summit Trail.
***60 Hikes within 60 Miles: Phoenix (2009) by Charles Liu - I highly recommend checking out this book if you’re an avid hiker or intend to hike other trails in the Phoenix area. It includes detailed overviews on several wonderful hikes, including Piestewa Peak’s Summit Trail and Freedom Trail on pages 48-56.
***A Natural History of the Sonoran Desert (2015) edited by Steven J. Philips & Patricia Wentworth Comus - Produced by the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, this book is the authoritative text on the Sonoran Desert. It is absolutely the best read on the environment, plants, and animals of this unique ecosystem and will greatly inform any travel or hike through the areas of central and southern Arizona, southeast California, Baja California, or Sonora. Originally published in 1999, the updated second edition came out in 2015. The original edition is available for a cheaper price here.
The music in the video is “Happiness” from: bensound.com
Licensed under Creative Commons:
Travel Guide to Scottsdale, Arizona | TheExpeditioner
In this travel video guide to Scottsdale, Arizona, I travel to Scottsdale, the so-called Miami Beach of Arizona. Located just to the east of Phoenix, Scottsdale is home to some of the city's best restaurants, bars, hotels and attractions.
I start of my travel in Scottsdale visiting downtown, otherwise known as Old Town, the very walkable central part of the city full of small shops and a booming restaurant scene. It is also here that the city's roots can be traced back to the original farmers and settlers that called this otherwise barren part of the desert home back in the early 1900's.
I then head east into Tonto National Park to go kayaking down the Salt River with Arizona Outback Adventures (AOA), the area's premiere outdoor adventure company.
Next, I visit Taliesin West, the school/winter home of America's most famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. Here I explore the unique structures and landscapes that make up Wright's real-world laboratory for he and his students' architectural ideas.
Then I head back into nature with AOA to go hiking in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, a 30,000-acre preserve located just minutes from the city, and a perfect place to explore the unique landscape of the desert -- even when the temperature exceeds 100 degrees.
Last, I head inside and give a tour of my sweet pad at the Hotel Valley Ho, probably one of the coolest hotels I've ever stayed in. Harkening back to its Mid-Century roots, the hotel's unique architecture and swanky rooms makes it one of the premiere places to rest your head while staying in Scottsdale.
Arizona's Hardest Gravel Ride
This is the toughest gravel ride that we have done to date. Starting in the Sonoran Desert near Punkin Center Arizona we followed FS Road 60 for 28 miles to the intersection of SR 288 (Young Highway) and climbed an additional 10 miles before returning via the same route. 76 miles of the toughest climbs in Arizona with over 10,000 feet of climbing.
Arizona ATV Tour - Scottsdale Arizona Stellar Adventures
I had a great time on this Arizona ATV Tour with Stellar Adventures They picked us up at our hotel in Scottsdale Arizona and took us to the desert for a great Arizona ATV Tour. I highly recommend Stellar Adventures!
South Mountain Park, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Hiking afternoon on Mormon and Hidden Valley Trail. South Mountain Park near Phoenix, Arizona. USA
Visit Mesa & Matador Network: Guide to Adventure in Arizona
Mesa, Arizona is the perfect place to begin your exploration of the Sonoran Desert. Mountains, rivers, lakes and trails abound. #VisitMesa
Magnify Man's Arizona Adventures
Shooting aliens (little orange ones that is...) in the Sonoran Desert -- second stop on the Magnify Mascot's world tour. Surprise wildlife sighting at the end!
Desert Wolf Tours - #1 Ranked Scottsdale ATV Tour by TripAdvisor
Desert Wolf Tours - Scottsdale - Is the #1 Ranked Off-Road ATV Tour by TripAdvisor
Imagine cruising through the rugged desert terrain, only you, nature and tires on the rocks. The scent of the Sonoran Desert whisking past your nose, the dry desert air flowing around the vehicle, all while the beautiful Saguaro cacti and majestic mountain ranges fly by.
And, you’re DRIVING a one-of-a-kind TOMCAR, a highly capable, military-grade, off-roading machine! Your Adventure is led by our World-Class Adventure Guides who have extensive knowledge of the Sonoran Desert. Let us show you the thrill of exploring and off-roading in the most diverse desert playground in the world!
While you’re at it, why not add one of our Firearms Adventures to your Tomcar Adventure? When you do, you’ll experience for yourself why local Resorts, DestinationSee the majestic saquaro cactus on a Desert Wolf off-road atv tour.Management Companies and Corporate Event Planners have sent us thousands and thousands of guests since 2006! Our Firearms Adventures take you well beyond the typical “point and shoot” indoor range experience where you feel like you are shooting inside a sardine can. Once you shoot with us, you’ll never want to go back to that indoor range again!
Desert Wolf Tours offers you the BEST adventures in the Valley. And, our adventures leave from the World-Famous RoadRunner Restaurant and Saloon, just North of Phoenix, where you can rub elbows with the locals and surround yourself with authentic “Old West” Arizona atmosphere, all while enjoying great food, live entertainment and even a little Bull Riding, if you dare!
Don’t trust just any adventure company with your precious time and money. Come see for yourself why we are RANKED #1!
DesertWolfTours.com
Ranked the #1 Outdoor Activity in Scottsdale by TripAdvisor.
One of the Best Things to do in Scottsdale and Phoenix.
Hiking in the Desert - Phoenix Arizona's Superstition Wilderness
Join us for a few nights hiking in Arizona's Superstition Wilderness in Tonta National Forest. We will take a look at local plant and wildlife, I'll show you one of my favorite pieces of gear and show you how to repair your ripped tent or jacket.
Phoenix Vacation Travel Guide | Expedia
Phoenix – Arizona’s state capital is loved for its warm weather and sunshine. Join us as we highlight the Valley of the Sun’s hottest attractions.
When ready, browse vacation packages to Phoenix:
In addition to its pleasant climate, #Phoenix takes great pride in its art scene and the great outdoors. #Tour the Central Arts District and stop in the many galleries for a little eye candy during your stay. Discover masterpieces at the Phoenix Art Museum, and then marvel at handmade jewelry and pottery at the nearby Heard Museum, which is dedicated to American Indian art and history.
During your #vacation, soak up the scenery at Papago Park, where you can hunt for the edible artwork in the Desert Botantical Garden and hike around the trails. For more outdoor adventures and epic views overlooking the city, #visit the Hole in the Rock, located in the east, as well as Dobbins Point in the west.
Whether you’re looking to delve into Phoenix’s art and culture or explore the Sonoran Desert landscape, there’s something for all in Arizona’s largest city.
For now, we hope you enjoy watching this #travel #guide as much as we enjoyed making it.
More travel information around Phoenix:
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Hiking The Waterfall Trail in the White Tank Mountains In Phoenix
Hiking the Water Fall Trail in the White Tank Mountains about 35 Miles West of Phoenix. This is a regional park which has numerous hiking trails for all abilities. This trail is handicap friendly and about one mile in length. There ae picnic ramadas and restrooms available. The parking areas and roadways are all paved and well marked.
GoPro: Arizona Hike
Shot 100% with GoPro Hero3. Sunrise hike on the west side of Camelback Mountain located in Phoenix, Arizona.
Music: Slow Magic- Girls
THE BEST QUICK HIKE IN PHOENIX AZ! | Rick & Kelsey
Today.. we go on a SUPER spontaneous hike!
Rick & Kelsey come up with a great idea to go hiking instead of the gym... AND they bring the TOBSTER. They take on South Mountain doing their favorite desert trail! #Hiking #Hikingdog #PHX
Thank you so much for watching
:)
R & K
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Camera: A6300
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How old are you?: Rick is 25, Kelsey is 24
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When are you having kids? Someday.
Picacho Peak Hike
Picacho Peak. Was. Amazing.
I've been wanting to do this hike since I moved to Tucson a year and a half ago. 2.7 miles. Rated difficult (and it was). But totally worth it. I hiked it in November during the afternoon. It was still pretty hot, so make sure to bring plenty of water (1-3 L). The hike is dog friendly, but only until the saddle. There are no public restrooms or places to fill up your water bottles. $7.00 fee to enter the park but they do accept Visa and Mastercard credit cards.
This hike was essentially an obstacle course for adults. But in nature. And cheaper than most. If you love adventure, you should definitely plan to hike this.
Interested in learning more about the hike? Check out Arizona State Park's website (
and Trailvoyant's nifty guide (
Music: Without You by Craves.
The views expressed here are mine alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of my employer (Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum).
Find Outdoor Activities in Tempe, Arizona
With 330 days of sunshine a year in Tempe, Arizona, there are lots of opportunities for outdoor activities. Take a scenic hike in South Mountain Park and Preserve and see the beauty of the Sonoran Desert and the city skyline. Enjoy miles of bike paths, including the Kiwanis Park area in south Tempe. Play a round at Papago Golf Course, the home of the Arizona State University golf program. And, rent a stand-up paddleboard or other watercraft from Boat Rentals of America – Tempe Town Lake. Located in the heart of the city, Tempe Town Lake is both relaxing and unexpected.