This is way the heck out there, and maybe it depends from which direction you arrive. We arrived from south Phoenix and the apocalyptic industrial zone that precedes was not fun. There is also a library right next door - cool, but what an odd location - seems they plan to expand the housing nearby. Okay but about the hiking and the trails and site itself - great. The entire time we were visiting the area we were so impressed by the upkeep of the trails and the abundance of facilities and helpful information. This is an extensive recreation area with a lot of trails to choose, including convenient loops, so you can decide how much you are up for. We ventured up to the waterfall, which of course was not active due to the dry weather; however, there was a small pool there which was stunning. The trails are well kept and there is a mix of cement and dirt trails. Must note, though, that it's a bit quiet and remote, so can be a magnet for crime - we were warned upon entering one parking lot that someone had just been there breaking car windows. We moved on to a different lot and didn't have any issues. So just make sure there are other cars and people around, to be on the safe side. PS there is also a small nature center next to the library; both are prior to the main entrance of the Recreation Area. The nature center has some information, specimens/artefacts and a small gift shop. PPS the staff at the Recreation Area entrance were very friendly and helpful. read more

Reach 11 Recreation Area - Hiking Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Good place for a quick walk. There are several trails here but I like the main one that is asphalted and takes you by a pond. Takes about an hour to walk. Very flat, easy hike. It is not the most scenic place in town to hike but it is a solid spot. read more

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Watch out for snakes!!! Really great paved sidewalk, wonderful for dogs. I love how much they stress keeping them on leash too. Not only for the other hikers, as the sidewalk is not very wide, and there are many bikers and runners often, but also because there are rattlesnakes!! It's lovely, but be cautious. read more

Reach 11 Recreation Area - Rattlesnake - Hiking Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

The unusually named Reach 11 Recreation Area is, well unusual. The trail is well documented and it's impossible to get lost. However, the path meanders alongside some kind of aqueduct, highway overpasses and high schools - so you're sort of in nature and sort of not. The overpasses remind you that you're not necessarily in nature - a lot of trash, dog poop but eh - overall I enjoyed my walk. One note of caution and it goes without saying, which is an usual cliche since I'm going to say it anyway, careful where you step - rattle snakes (yes even in November). read more

I really like the quietness and serenity here. I usually walk with a couple to a few other birders and we count species. It is usually a fairly decent place to stroll. Bikers, babies and boys running around too but mostly peaceful. Some predator usually soaring above. read more

DO NOT GO HERE. This was my first time here. I pulled into the lot and only one other vehicle was there, but the parking area was littered with broken glass that resembled car windows when they get busted. So, what happens after I return from my 50 minute jaunt - the other car's owner, an older woman, was telling me they smashed her windows and stole a few diamond earrings she had and other stuff. She was a bit distraught and cops were arriving as I pulled out. Stay the hell out of North Phoenix and hike in Scottsdale. Too bad, because the trails are very pretty with an arch of trees over one path and a hidden lake about a mile into the walk. Unless I see a survelliance system installed (yeah right), I'm taklng my legs elsewhere. read more

Reach 11 Recreation Area - Hidden lake (vandals not pictured) - Hiking Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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I recently visited this park for a run. I have been here in the past for many runs with the Arizona Road Racers. I decided on a 3 star - to be honest I really hate it when running, but after it is over and I reflect on the run, it increases a little in standing because it is challenging. The course typically begins on pavement in the parking lot, then heads out in the open desert. Running on the dirt trails it is important to stay alert because there are dips, divots and obstacles to be mindful. I did run the We Support Our Troops 5K in January, which was totaly mismarked and caused me to mentally check out of the run; but typically the course is well marked and managed. This isn't the best or prettiest run you will have in the valley, but it is special. The magical combination of sweat, dirt and horse crap mix to create a unique experience that isn't soon forgotten. read more

Reach 11 Recreation Area - Hiking Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

There are many trails here and I love that it's almost impossible to get lost, even with the loops. It goes for miles, so it's really ideal for any length of a run or walk, with or without your dog, horse, or bike. There are bathrooms off of Cave Creek, lots of parking, and 4 major access points- @ Cave Creek & Deer Valley, off Tatum between Beardsley & Union Hills, 56th St (haven't entered here) and Scottsdale Rd (haven't entered here either). Beautiful scenery, mostly flat with a few small hills. There are baseball and soccer fields too. Also home to many, many events frequently going on. (Zombie Run!! Arizona Road Racers, youth sporting events, and more). I always look forward to going back. read more

Great spot for a peaceful walk with or without your puppy dog. There are well-marked trails and some with informative plaques regarding local flora. Couple of decent geocaches in the area as well. I suspect this is a corridor for traveling wildlife. I've seen a coyote or two, and imagine the javelinas seen down by sushi brokers came this way. This is shoehorned in between major roadways, so it is limited in size. It's long but narrow in spots - or at least that is my impression. But, when you are in the heart of it you do feel away from it all. However, if you are looking for a true desert walk, this might be a little too urban and sanitized for you. read more

I rode this trail for the first time on my mountain bike. It's a great trail for beginners and you can make it as short or as long as you want. Very peaceful, quiet, and clean. I would recommend this trail to everyone! read more

Reach 11 Recreation Area - Hiking Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Love this place. Great place to walk, bike or run. I did all my half marathon training here a few years ago. Like running on a dirt road. I go here to walk off meals a lot. Desert ridge is 1 mile away and yet this is a place that few know about. It goes from Scottsdale rd to cave creek rd with many trails to explore. read more

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Nice hike today, warm for Nov 3rd. Close to home and nice trails. Surprised to to see a Sonoran Gophersnake today next to the trail. I've done many hikes on Phoenix Trails but have never seen a snake. Not far off Tatum by the horse park. Nice easy trails. read more

There were a couple of places I wasn't sure which way I should go to stay on the trail because of numerous sets of footprints going different ways and somewhat large areas of open dirt. There were only a couple of people out this morning, so parking was open and the trail was not crowded. There were a couple of super loose sandy spots, but for the most part it was solid ground. read more

Reach 11 Recreation Area - Super quiet this morning at the Horse Lovers park! - Hiking Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

It's not what I expected going down that street the GPS took me to the wrong area and the parking lot for the walking trail looks deserted. So if you are a female I don't advise you go by yourself unless you have a gun to protect yourself. I was well equipped with one but I used my better judgment and did not go. I also went to the area where the horse lovers could ride at but I'm assuming the person who worked there was closing the gate so I couldn't explore pass the gate. So there was another parking lot with creeps sitting there so I left. I didn't have much water with me either, even though it's November that sun was still out beaming. It should be more welcoming but it's not. I might go back with my brother who knows. read more

While there are certainly more spectacular areas for hiking and biking, there are few more accessible less crowded and perfect for a family to walk run and bike and gather for grub afterwards. My 5 year old can zip around the trails while I haul my 4 year old on the back until she is riding on her own and all the while the traffic and users are polite courteous and few and far between. Lots of bird watching to be done and even rumors of a jack- a-lope or two in the area... read more

Reach 11 Recreation Area - Perfect trail for the whole family and a friend... - Hiking Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

This area is very large. I have not even been able to see all of it. It is a flat trail for hiking, walking, walking the dog, or bike riding throughout Phoenix and Scottsdale. Along the trail you will see signs describing what wild animals can be seen there. We prefer to enter the hiking trail on Tatum, just south of Mayo, but you can enter on 56th street and others. There is plenty of parking. I've been told there are snakes and coyotes in the area, although we haven't seen anything dangerous. I've seen many lizards, squirrels, and something large hopping away, but couldn't identify. This is a very peaceful place to walk or bike. read more

I cannot believe I haven't written a review for reach 11 yet. This is my absolute favorite place to run in the valley! There are tons of trails that are hard packed dirt which is a great surface to run on. It's very easy to maneuver around the loops and their are mile markers and maps every so often if you feel lost. I've have ran so many training miles and have even raced on the trails here before. This is truly a runners heaven!! read more

Both Reach 11 and Horse Lover's Hiking area are wonderful places. Unfortunately, the area has turned into a HUGE Free-for-All Dog park. Even though signs are posted that dogs much be leashed, for the past month I have not run into ONE person walking their dogs that have them on a leash. Yesterday a woman was riding her bike, her dog was running free beside her. The dog, a HUGE chocolate lab, attacked both of my dogs. My dogs are old, the one has blown out knees in the back and I do not have the $5,000 to fix them. If your dogs are not fighters, I would suggest not taking them out there. They may not come home alive. read more

I just got back from a short hike on one small section of the trail system. I am in a power wheelchair and found the trails to be very user friendly. There are numerous and lengthy dirt trails with one short paved loop. There are trails open to full sun and some nice secluded areas in partial shade and an area where there is a small pond. This area is very quiet and really feels like an oasis in the desert. read more