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This trail (sometimes called the Paseo Pathway) is probably the easiest trail in the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve's clutch of hiking and biking paths. Paved and relatively flat, the trail welcomes users of all confidence levels to enjoy it. Around you, the Sonoran Desert stretches as far as the eye goes, from the distant hills to the flatlands alive with a cacophony of desert brush and stern cacti. For those unfamiliar with the area, it might be a surprise to view the diversity of plant life that comfortably lives in this arid environment. In wet springtimes, the desert greens and colorful wildflowers bloom. This undisturbed natural scene is located right on the edge of Phoenix's northern suburbs, but it feels a world away.
The trail stretches from Dove Valley Road to Sonoran Desert Drive, but the best place to start and end your journey is the Apache Wash Trailhead, which has ample parking, restrooms and large shelters. A small delight of the trail is the shaded overlook on Sonoran Desert Drive, inviting riders to claim a seat and take it in. Though beautiful, the desert environment can also be harsh so don't forget your water and sun protection as you go out on the trail.
The Apache Wash Trailhead is located at 1600 E Sonoran Desert Drive.
10 mile out and back. Apache wash trailhead in the middle. This is rarely busy, scenic and has some shoot offs if you’re a mountain biker or gravel biker.
5 mi end to end with trail head about in middle. We enjoyed the desert scenery since we are from Midwest, guess we appreciate the different views from what we are used to. While some of the path is along the road, it is separate so no need to ride on road.
Decent trail that is unfinished. Oddly made from concrete rather than asphalt, the seams aren’t as enjoyable on a bike. Good scenery and safe. Not really a destination ride like we hoped it might be.
the main trailhead or trails are not handicapped/disabled accessible. this limited mapped area is mostly adjacent to the roadway, only a small section and rarely used. tons of high speed traffic on this roadway. also the sidewalk is only on one side of the road...so you have to go back/forth on the same side. not recommended. // the actual trailhead is loaded with mountain bikers most of the time. //. these trailheads really need to do a better job of grooming some of the paths
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