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On Christmas day, a friend who lives in Phoenix brought me here. A large cactus standing on a vast site like a Western theater stage, standing in a brave figure, is like a different world! The site was dry and scattered with pebbles, but the trail was smooth and very easy to walk, and it was a comfortable trekking course of about 30-40 minutes one way to the top of a small hill. When I saw a rare cactus until I climbed, a wild jackrabbit with big ears and body, I cheered and proceeded along the trail with excitement (lol) By the time I arrived on the hill, I was drenched in sweat, but the 360-degree panorama I saw while receiving the pleasant wind over my body was breathtakingly majestic and wonderful! I can't see the bright green and the sparkling azure sea like Hawaii, but I felt like I could hear the strange voice of Apache from somewhere in the monochromatic and majestic superb view. I was immersed in such excitement, like watching the Western movie that my father was watching when I was a child, and I enjoyed the panoramic view that endlessly spreads at the summit for a while. This size is only Phoenix! After all, the scale is different from Hawaii and Japan! クリスマス当日、Arizonaのフェニックス在住の友達が此処に連れて来てくれました。 西部劇の舞台の様な広大な敷地には大きなサボテンが、勇ましい姿で立っているその様子はまるで別世界です！ 敷地はカラカラに乾き、小石がゴロゴロ散らばって居ましたが、トレイルはなだらかでとても歩きやすく、小高い丘の上まで片道およそ30-40分の快適なトレッキングコースでした。 登頂まで珍しいサボテンや、大きな耳と身体の野生のうさぎ「ジャックラビット」を見た私は歓声をあげながら、かなり興奮気味でトレイルを進みました(笑) 丘の上に到着する頃は汗びっしょりでしたが、心地良い風を身体全体で受け止めながら見た360度のパノラマは、息を呑むほど雄大でとても素晴らしかったです！ ハワイの様な鮮やかな緑や輝く紺碧の海は見られませんが、単色で雄々しいその絶景の何処かからアパッチの奇声が聞こえて来そうな気がしました。 子供の頃に父が観ていたウェスタン映画を直に観ているような、そんな興奮に浸りながらしばし登頂で果てしなく拡がるパノラマ絶景を堪能した私でした。 フェニックスだけでもこの広さ！やっぱりハワイや日本とはスケールが違いますね！
The last time we were in this area, we went to Apache Wash Trailhead several days in a row for a sunrise hike. Tip: Especially in the warmer months, sunrise is the optimal time for hiking given the cooler temperatures. Note that this trail sees a lot of horse traffic, so you need to watch your step as equestrians are notorious for not picking up after their pets ;-) There's enough variety to make this place interesting for multiple visits; they also have different level of difficulty on the various trails here.
Beautiful trail with plenty of parking at trailhead. There is no shade on the trail, but then again, where is there in the desert? We came to see the wildflowers and it was beautiful. My husband and I came on a weekday and only saw a few others. It was very peaceful and the scenery is stunning. I would say that this is more of an easy hike with a lot of flat areas. The trail is a loop trail which I like.
Great location for beginner mountain bikers! We rode the trails last Sunday and it wasn't busy at all. Plus the trails were all really well marked!
The sauce here is awesome. Our first dirt ride in our new home. Seven miles of sweet desert single track. Well signed and just perfect. You should ride here and smile all the way. We did. We will be back...again...and again...and again.
In a Valley where we have at least 1000 days of sunshine a year (slightly exaggerated) I think the City of Phoenix does an incredible job of providing fantastic resources to be outside in stellar facilities and Apache Wash Trailhead is at the top of that list in my book. I'm writing this from the perspective of a Mountain Biker but I'll touch on some of the other activies in the area. This is the premier Mountain biking area in the Northwest Valley, hands down. The area has it all, tight technical turns, slow burn climbs, fast and fun rollers and plenty of Strava segments to mark your progress. It's easy to get in 12-15 miles of good up and down climbs heading north to the 7th street trailhead or you can get in the same miles by taking AW to the East and zipping through the rollers. Its always great coming home and checking Strava for new PBs on these fast routes. As I said, this is a multi-use facility. Equestrians, hikers, runners, pet walkers all make use of this facility. It's a good idea to know the trail rules, who yields to who. Check out the signs and give your fellow-man some courtesy. If you're a biker and come head to head with another biker, keep in mind, the biker going uphill has the right of way and that means they can choose the line they want to ride. If the trail is overly wet or muddy, be a champ and don't ride or take a horse on it, it tends to absolutely ruin the trails and then repairs are necessary. a The trailhead is also a great jumping off point for road bikers as Dove Valley Parkway is a wonderful ride going East-West. You can get a good 15-20 miles just on that road. I like to go east until Cave Creek and then South to /Deer Valley and then up 19th to Dove Valley, it's a good 26-mile loop with little traffic on the weekend, especially earlier in the morning. So, whether you want to run, ride, walk, or just enjoy a beautiful Phoenix day, this is the place to be. Hope to see you out there!
Day One: When your heart is blank Like an empty page But then it fills up like the sun Burning in lines of beauty That's what this place is to me. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Later on Day One: Caution! Look out for steep and corny rhymes: Sometimes, you can get what you want and still be taken completely by surprise. Exactly what you wished for...in a thirty minute drive. Started at Camelback and the 51 Looking for new dirt to hike up some fun Glanced upon yelp and saw "Caves Buttes Rec Area," so we aimed that direction. Got around there and noticed this "Sonoran Desert Drive" connection. There it was, nearly new - Apache Wash Trailhead - and a stunning 360 view. No, my eyes didn't deceive me and no I'm not blind. This was a magical-near-miraculous find. (You think that's an overstatement, then you're just not my kind.) For just when I thought I'd climbed to see most every beautiful vista...I can tell you and you and you, sista and mista, I've never seen nothing so close-near-to-town, seemingly so far out of the usual rounds.... It's amazing! You can go this way and that...up to the hilltop or over the flat. Beware the javelinas in the wash you may find, they are wild and ARE said to be kinda blind. If you spook them...(run away and you please finish this rhyme) Bring a bike, bring a horse, tote some water for sure, "No potable water" just may be the cure. For this place is a little beyond suburbia's blur; no SRP, but surely some trail manure. Now, I'm not saying that Piestewa isn't so nice, I'm just saying that sometimes you need a new slice. A Camel's back is an eternity's height compared to this simple walk that's really quite light. Apache Wash Trailhead isn't for one n'all and surely not everyone will fall... in love with this desert gem. But, I know, I'll keep coming back...again and again. Hang on a minute, I just dropped my pen... ------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Three: And if you think surely I've had too much fresh air...come take a gulp, there's plenty to share. ------------------------------------------------------------------- what did you do with Day Two?: Day Two, Day Two, Like a rock, stuck in the sole of my shoe It was right there. It was real quiet right there.
This is a good easy-moderate trail with not many steep inclines. Nice views. It wasnt crowed. There is a good sized parking lot and bathrooms on site. Dogs are allowed. Also saw horses on the trails.
I may not be a poet like Bonnie, but I agree with her that Apache Wash Trailhead is an awesome hike just outside of town. There may not be tall mountains like Piestewa or Camelback, but the wide-open vistas of Apache Wash are what makes it special. There is barely a house or building in site. Apache Wash is a brand new trailhead with a large parking lot with room for horse trailers. However, there is no running water facilities or potable water. A cool spot right a the beginning of the trail is a mural on the ground that points out all prominent landmarks on the horizon(Camelback, Piestewa, Four Peaks etc). The trail is great for hiking, running, mountain biking, and horseback riding. I regularly use the trails at Apache Wash for running with my dog. If you see a yellow lab running on the trail, roughly 50lbs, wearing a red bandana... Thats my Pup! There are two loop options available, a shorter roughly 2 mile loop with moderate elevation change, and a longer roughly 5 mile loop with greater elevation. So basically turn right and you will take an easier route up the smaller hill, or turn left and take a more difficult route up the bigger hill. The trails are shaped like a figure eight and the actual "wash" part is the trail running between the two hills. I have personally never seen any Javalina, coyote, snakes or any other wildlife at Apache Wash. But the trails are just far enough away from civilization that I know they must live out there. NOTE: Please enjoy our dessert environments responsibly. Bring plenty of water and sun protection. There are literally thousands of Cholla Cacti out there so if you bring your pets make sure to have a comb with you. A comb is the best means of removing cactus needles without sticking yourself or causing more pain to your animal. Next time I'm out there I will post useful pictures of trail map and directional posts.
Awesome ride in North Phoenix. Apache Wash is about a six mile loop that is ideal for beginners and those looking to work on speed and endurance. Many other trails nearby to make your ride longer if you like. Great local spot!
1 year ago
Great little trail hot as all can be early in the am. Signs of animal life nothing really troubling to write about. Tons of cacti. So when MTN biking be mindful of the hikers because one wrong move might throw you into a whole bunch of cacti real fast. Bring water almost all trails will state the water index you need if you aren't accustomed to the heat bring double. This area has no potable water (no drinking) has restrooms at trial head and a ton of parking read more
What a fabulous hike!! And can go all the way up to the top of the mountain with the Ridgeback Overlook/ Apache Wash Loop. The scenery is so amazing!!! Not super hard but long and very rocky. The views at the top make it more than worth it!!! read more
2 years ago
On Christmas day, a friend who lives in Phoenix brought me here. A large cactus standing on a vast site like a Western theater stage, standing in a brave figure, is like a different world! The site was dry and scattered with pebbles, but the trail was smooth and very easy to walk, and it was a comfortable trekking course of about 30-40 minutes one way to the top of a small hill. When I saw a rare cactus until I climbed, a wild jackrabbit with big ears and body, I cheered and proceeded along the trail with excitement (lol) By the time I arrived on the hill, I was drenched in sweat, but the 360-degree panorama I saw while receiving the pleasant wind over my body was breathtakingly majestic and wonderful! I can't see the bright green and the sparkling azure sea like Hawaii, but I felt like I could hear the strange voice of Apache from somewhere in the monochromatic and majestic superb view. I was immersed in such excitement, like watching the Western movie that my father was watching when I was a child, and I enjoyed the panoramic view that endlessly spreads at the summit for a while. This size is only Phoenix! After all, the scale is different from Hawaii and Japan! クリスマス当日、Arizonaのフェニックス在住の友達が此処に連れて来てくれました。 西部劇の舞台の様な広大な敷地には大きなサボテンが、勇ましい姿で立っているその様子はまるで別世界です！ 敷地はカラカラに乾き、小石がゴロゴロ散らばって居ましたが、トレイルはなだらかでとても歩きやすく、小高い丘の上まで片道およそ30-40分の快適なトレッキングコースでした。 登頂まで珍しいサボテンや、大きな耳と身体の野生のうさぎ「ジャックラビット」を見た私は歓声をあげながら、かなり興奮気味でトレイルを進みました(笑) 丘の上に到着する頃は汗びっしょりでしたが、心地良い風を身体全体で受け止めながら見た360度のパノラマは、息を呑むほど雄大でとても素晴らしかったです！ ハワイの様な鮮やかな緑や輝く紺碧の海は見られませんが、単色で雄々しいその絶景の何処かからアパッチの奇声が聞こえて来そうな気がしました。 子供の頃に父が観ていたウェスタン映画を直に観ているような、そんな興奮に浸りながらしばし登頂で果てしなく拡がるパノラマ絶景を堪能した私でした。 フェニックスだけでもこの広さ！やっぱりハワイや日本とはスケールが違いますね！ read more
3 years ago
The last time we were in this area, we went to Apache Wash Trailhead several days in a row for a sunrise hike. Tip: Especially in the warmer months, sunrise is the optimal time for hiking given the cooler temperatures. Note that this trail sees a lot of horse traffic, so you need to watch your step as equestrians are notorious for not picking up after their pets ;-) There's enough variety to make this place interesting for multiple visits; they also have different level of difficulty on the various trails here. read more
Beautiful trail with plenty of parking at trailhead. There is no shade on the trail, but then again, where is there in the desert? We came to see the wildflowers and it was beautiful. My husband and I came on a weekday and only saw a few others. It was very peaceful and the scenery is stunning. I would say that this is more of an easy hike with a lot of flat areas. The trail is a loop trail which I like. read more
3 years ago
2 years ago
4 years ago
4 years ago
The sauce here is awesome. Our first dirt ride in our new home. Seven miles of sweet desert single track. Well signed and just perfect. You should ride here and smile all the way. We did. We will be back...again...and again...and again. read more
In a Valley where we have at least 1000 days of sunshine a year (slightly exaggerated) I think the City of Phoenix does an incredible job of providing fantastic resources to be outside in stellar facilities and Apache Wash Trailhead is at the top of that list in my book. I'm writing this from the perspective of a Mountain Biker but I'll touch on some of the other activies in the area. This is the premier Mountain biking area in the Northwest Valley, hands down. The area has it all, tight technical turns, slow burn climbs, fast and fun rollers and plenty of Strava segments to mark your progress. It's easy to get in 12-15 miles of good up and down climbs heading north to the 7th street trailhead or you can get in the same miles by taking AW to the East and zipping through the rollers. Its always great coming home and checking Strava for new PBs on these fast routes. As I said, this is a multi-use facility. Equestrians, hikers, runners, pet walkers all make use of this facility. It's a good idea to know the trail rules, who yields to who. Check out the signs and give your fellow-man some courtesy. If you're a biker and come head to head with another biker, keep in mind, the biker going uphill has the right of way and that means they can choose the line they want to ride. If the trail is overly wet or muddy, be a champ and don't ride or take a horse on it, it tends to absolutely ruin the trails and then repairs are necessary. a The trailhead is also a great jumping off point for road bikers as Dove Valley Parkway is a wonderful ride going East-West. You can get a good 15-20 miles just on that road. I like to go east until Cave Creek and then South to /Deer Valley and then up 19th to Dove Valley, it's a good 26-mile loop with little traffic on the weekend, especially earlier in the morning. So, whether you want to run, ride, walk, or just enjoy a beautiful Phoenix day, this is the place to be. Hope to see you out there! read more
Day One: When your heart is blank Like an empty page But then it fills up like the sun Burning in lines of beauty That's what this place is to me. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Later on Day One: Caution! Look out for steep and corny rhymes: Sometimes, you can get what you want and still be taken completely by surprise. Exactly what you wished for...in a thirty minute drive. Started at Camelback and the 51 Looking for new dirt to hike up some fun Glanced upon yelp and saw "Caves Buttes Rec Area," so we aimed that direction. Got around there and noticed this "Sonoran Desert Drive" connection. There it was, nearly new - Apache Wash Trailhead - and a stunning 360 view. No, my eyes didn't deceive me and no I'm not blind. This was a magical-near-miraculous find. (You think that's an overstatement, then you're just not my kind.) For just when I thought I'd climbed to see most every beautiful vista...I can tell you and you and you, sista and mista, I've never seen nothing so close-near-to-town, seemingly so far out of the usual rounds.... It's amazing! You can go this way and that...up to the hilltop or over the flat. Beware the javelinas in the wash you may find, they are wild and ARE said to be kinda blind. If you spook them...(run away and you please finish this rhyme) Bring a bike, bring a horse, tote some water for sure, "No potable water" just may be the cure. For this place is a little beyond suburbia's blur; no SRP, but surely some trail manure. Now, I'm not saying that Piestewa isn't so nice, I'm just saying that sometimes you need a new slice. A Camel's back is an eternity's height compared to this simple walk that's really quite light. Apache Wash Trailhead isn't for one n'all and surely not everyone will fall... in love with this desert gem. But, I know, I'll keep coming back...again and again. Hang on a minute, I just dropped my pen... ------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Three: And if you think surely I've had too much fresh air...come take a gulp, there's plenty to share. ------------------------------------------------------------------- what did you do with Day Two?: Day Two, Day Two, Like a rock, stuck in the sole of my shoe It was right there. It was real quiet right there. read more
11 years ago
I may not be a poet like Bonnie, but I agree with her that Apache Wash Trailhead is an awesome hike just outside of town. There may not be tall mountains like Piestewa or Camelback, but the wide-open vistas of Apache Wash are what makes it special. There is barely a house or building in site. Apache Wash is a brand new trailhead with a large parking lot with room for horse trailers. However, there is no running water facilities or potable water. A cool spot right a the beginning of the trail is a mural on the ground that points out all prominent landmarks on the horizon(Camelback, Piestewa, Four Peaks etc). The trail is great for hiking, running, mountain biking, and horseback riding. I regularly use the trails at Apache Wash for running with my dog. If you see a yellow lab running on the trail, roughly 50lbs, wearing a red bandana... Thats my Pup! There are two loop options available, a shorter roughly 2 mile loop with moderate elevation change, and a longer roughly 5 mile loop with greater elevation. So basically turn right and you will take an easier route up the smaller hill, or turn left and take a more difficult route up the bigger hill. The trails are shaped like a figure eight and the actual "wash" part is the trail running between the two hills. I have personally never seen any Javalina, coyote, snakes or any other wildlife at Apache Wash. But the trails are just far enough away from civilization that I know they must live out there. NOTE: Please enjoy our dessert environments responsibly. Bring plenty of water and sun protection. There are literally thousands of Cholla Cacti out there so if you bring your pets make sure to have a comb with you. A comb is the best means of removing cactus needles without sticking yourself or causing more pain to your animal. Next time I'm out there I will post useful pictures of trail map and directional posts. read more
4 years ago
7 years ago
Awesome ride in North Phoenix. Apache Wash is about a six mile loop that is ideal for beginners and those looking to work on speed and endurance. Many other trails nearby to make your ride longer if you like. Great local spot! read more
7 years ago
7 years ago
Apache wash trails are amazing for everyone. Families, friends, old, young, dogs, cats....well I personally never seen a cat on a leash up there. They have easy, moderate and challenging trails or a simple flat hile through the sonoran preserve. Sights of all desert wildlife can be seen while hiking or mountain biking if you keep your eyes out. Summer months are brutal with many rattlesnake sightings on the trails however just keep your eyes open and you will be fine. Bathrooms are located at the base with sitting areas and shaded spots. There is no drinking fountains so bringing a Camelpak or at least 32 ounces of water will do you right. Friendly people from all over Arizona frequent this magical hiking destination for novice weekend warriors. Best times to come is early on the weekend around 5:30-6am, by 7am the parking lot fills up with a look a like crowd from either fish, grateful dead or led zeppelin. Smiles are accepted and saying "good morning" to fellow hikers on the trail is always welcome. Happy hiking my friends! read more
8 years ago
10 years ago
This is a nice scenic trail for anyone looking to do a moderate hike. There's not much elevation gain just lots of beautiful scenery to take in and absorb. This trail is used by hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders. It can get busy on the weekends sometimes with a little more traffic than usual so keep a look out for oncoming bikes and horses. read more
10 years ago
9 years ago
9 years ago
10 years ago
8 years ago
More info about Apache Wash Trailhead
E Sonoran Desert Dr
Phoenix, AZ 85085
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1 year ago
