#200. On our family staycation, we choose to do an easy hike at Thunderbird Park. We were amazed at how it was for us to find the park. The online directions were excellent. We got there at first light, there were other hikers already trying to beat the heat. The parking was free and there were many parking lots to choose from. We were greeted with the sight of Gambel's Quail, rabbits and different kinds of doves. We hiked up a trail that was marked "Easy." We hiked until our water was halfway gone, and then hiked back. We enjoyed seeing the desert landscape and getting some exercise. We will definitely come back maybe in cooler weather. read more

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The location of this park is great. The condition of this park is not that good. If you like unmaintained trails, and antiquated facilities, this place is a throwback to the 1960's when it was developed. The bathrooms are ancient. The pavement in the parking lot is crumbling and is not in good condition. As for the trails, I don't believe the city of Glendale does any maintenance or preservation on them. A lot of loose rock everywhere with bad footing. I like to go to another local set of trails that aren't used much when I can. read more

I've been here probably a hundred times, but never thought of reviewing it?!? Anyways, I do enjoying coming to Thunderbird Park. It's a very nice and well maintained park with gradual inclines. I call it a training hike, to set someone to the point where they are hiking other mountains like Camelback. I actually come up here quite often, probably because I live within a mile, but I find myself doing the peak on the east side of 59th ave. it's only 450ft in night, but it can still get me out of breath. A good 2 mile up and down. If I'm feeling like it I'll also hit the peak on the west side of 59th ave. total with both hikes is about 5-6 miles. A good nice workout. Good views of the west valley and good to come up for a sunset. Overall the park is real clean and lots of parking. Just make sure you hide your valuables or better yet leave them at home. There had been several reported break ins here in cars looking for purses and backpacks, so be careful. It don't stop me because I don't leave anything in my car so I will continue to hike here. read more

Thunderbird Park - Sunset from the the trail - Parks Near Me - Glendale, Arizona

The Park trails seem recently refreshed and cleaned up. With the beautiful weather the park is packed. Be prepared to scout out a parking place , if meeting friends maybe meet somewhere else to conserve parking. Mountain biking was very popular today a the park so keep your ipods on low so you can hear them . Also this a great place to begin mountain biking with little stress or technical requirements. read more

One of the west valley's great hiking place. And the good thing is, there is no entry fee!. Some of the trails are flat and goes into a nice incline. It depends on your condition on which route you want to go to. There are variation of hiking trails and it's well kept. In a nice clear day, you can see downtown Phoenix as a view reward. Visit early, because the parking lots can get full. read more

Thunderbird Park - Parks Near Me - Glendale, Arizona

I used to hike a LOT, and had stopped for a year or so. I finally picked back up again this February, and this is my go-to park. I've done the trail on the South side of Pinnacle Peak Rd so many times, it's no Camelback, but it's a good workout. During the cooler months you'll want to get there pretty early, I always try and go at sunrise and by the time I'm done at 7:30 or so the parking lot is nearly full. The views to the north when you're on the cholla loop trail (on the north side of Pinnacle Peak) are really amazing in the early morning, it feels like you can see forever, and if you're there at the right time you can watch the hot air balloons rise up. I think the most I've seen was 10. They were really pretty. One piece of advice, if you ARE going to do the Cholla Loop trail, take the trail that would be heading towards what they're now calling Coachwhip/Arrowhead Point, but instead of going to the left, take a right and then go down to the pedestrian bridge and cross the road that way. People coming down 59th ave to turn right onto Pinnacle Peak are kind of crazy, and they do have a sign that says that they don't stop, I've nearly been mowed down by people as I'm crossing on a green light (I'm not sure where they're in such a hurry to go at 6am on a Saturday, but whatever). They are also currently doing some work around the parking lot...Maybe making it bigger? read more

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It took me a year and a half of living in Phoenix before I found this park one day while driving on 59th Avenue and I consider it somewhat of a hidden gem. It is nowhere near as challenging as Camelback Mountain or Piestewa Peak but in many ways I find it better. There's always somewhere to park and it's free. The trails are well marked and easy to navigate. I think the trails are well kept and clean. Only once in awhile I'll have to dodge dog or horse poo. I never feel like I'm going to get lost while out wandering. Another thing that was super important to me was that I feel safe hiking here alone in the early morning. Most of the people that hike here are friendly and will give a polite "Hello" or "Good morning" in passing - which I noticed some Yelpers tend to not like, what the heck? On some portions of the trail you almost feel like you're not in the city anymore - it's that quiet. Definitely one of my favorite places to spend a morning in the Phoenix area. read more

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Thunderbird Park offers a few different hikes ranging from about 30 minutes to a couple hours depending on your speed. The trails are all fairly easy to manage. Some are easier than others, in that they are essentially just gravel, while others have a few rocks that require traversing. The views from each of the trails are beautiful so you won't be disappointed in any path you choose. I've never had a problem with parking, though I've seen the lot get pretty full. Take advantage of these fun hikes while the weather permits and remember to bring water, especially if choosing a longer hike and as the weather starts to get hot again! read more

Thunderbird Park - View - Parks Near Me - Glendale, Arizona

Parking is plentiful at Thunderbird Park. There are various parking lots for you to choose from depending on the trail you want to hike. Best part is that all of the lots are free! The trails are easy to moderate in levels of difficulty. There has not been a trail here that I thought was particularly challenging. All the trails are manageable whether walking at a relaxed pace or running them. I like that this park has so many options for trails, so you can easily go from one trail to another if they intersect. It is really hot in the summer so most people go really early or late in the afternoon. Bring water. Beware of wildlife if hiking right at dawn or dusk. My dogs and I saw a coyote here -- exciting, yet scary experience. Dogs are allowed here. read more

I've been coming here for 4 years now and what I continually love about it is that it's rarely crowded, there's plenty of parking, the views are wonderful, and there's a variety of levels of difficulty and lengths to choose from when it comes to the hikes themselves. If you're at the main entrance (going North on 59th Ave on the left there will be a sign saying Thunderbird Park, right after you pass Deer Valley), the West mountain is the shortest, it's a 30 minute hike, the North West mountain is a hour and 30 minute hike and the East mountain, my favorite, is a hour hike. Have fun, and bring water. I advise to go with someone during sunset or sunrise, it's more enjoyable that way. :) read more

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I came here to hike on an early Saturday morning, and boy was it packed with hikers, trail runners, families, and dogs! After parking in the lot at Pinnacle and 59th, we decided to do the Arrowhead Trail, which is a 2.5 mile loop that partially connects with the 5 mile one way Cholla Trail. The ascent was definitely very gradual and relatively short and easy as a result. At the top, there was a flag to signify the end and a beautiful view of houses among a lake. I would definitely come back to try many of the other trails that are here! I would totally reccomend coming early in the morning as parking can get full. read more

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Great trail with many options for various hiking abilities and great for dogs. They have water stations at the bathrooms with water buckets for dogs. read more

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Was so beautiful and easy to access from the road. The hike can be customized according to your fitness level. And the pooches approved read more

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Although I have not done it nearly enough since moving here, I do LOVE to hike! I read about these trails through my friends here on YELP and thought I should check them out! I hit a trail and found myself winding up and down several smaller mountains overlooking several Arrowhead subdivisions with a beautiful view of the area. This is not a hardcore hike, but still a really nice afternoon or morning activity. The trails were very quiet and for the most part were well marked. The entire trail is a bit over 4 miles and is a pretty descent working! Unlike some larger hikes I have been on, most of this trail could easily be run if you are interested in a good ass whipping! Go check it out! People were all friendly, parking was a breeze and it really gives you a nice view of the West Valley and beyond! read more

Thunderbird Park - Parks Near Me - Glendale, Arizona

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Whatever kind of trail you like, it's here. While everyone else is crowding Piestewa and Echo Canyon and North Mountain, you have plenty of parking and your choice of straight up, level elevation or anything in between hikes. There are a few ramadas for hanging out, which makes the weekends busier with more than just hikers. The trails are pretty well maintained and mostly free of litter. You'll see lots of cacti, chaparral and some snakes, lizards and lots of dogs on leashes. Arrowhead Point or Sunrise Trail will take you up so you can see from Univ of Phoenix Stadium to downtown Phoenix. One of the few hikes south of the Rim in AZ which afford you a water view- thanks to my neighbors down in Arrowhead Lakes. I'd like to get a better pair of hiking shoes and take on some of the steeper trails from time to time. As always- bring plenty of water (some of the round trips on the roundabout trails will cover over 3 miles) and dress in layers if it is cool out. read more

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Love this spot for hiking. Multiple options for trails ranging from mostly flat to some pretty aggressive inclines. Trails do contain large rocks/small boulders and areas of loose rock. All trails are adequate for walking, running, kids and animals. On a weekend or holiday, especially when the weather is nice you will have to share the trails with many people. Ample parking most of the time but it does fill up completely on those busy days. Great views of the valley, keep an eye out for lizards and coyotes as well. read more

I just started hiking so it's new to me but I am extremely thankful for the advice I was given by a coworker of mine. I was told about this place and I really enjoy the trails and over all everyone is extremely friendly. read more

Thunderbird Park - Parks Near Me - Glendale, Arizona

I'm not sure if you can really consider this a nature hike when you can see the road with cars blowing by from the trail... but I was satisfied because Thunderbird Park was easy to find and there's plenty of parking. There's a variety of trails to choose from. Lots of locals with their kids here so it seems like a popular hangout for morning exercise. The view is alright (says a person from California). I'm not complaining too much because it's a leisurely hike that didn't kill me (I'm the WORST hiker. I'd probably die if I tried Camelback). But the most exciting part is probably the giant American flag at the top. So if you want your insta, go for that. read more

I hate the gym: I feel like a hamster on a wheel when I run on the treadmill. When I hike I feel like I've accomplished something, and I do some of my heaviest thinking and hardest hiking on the trails of Thunderbird Park. There are three separate mountains, and I've hiked every set of trials numerous times. H-2: This is the trail that begins at 55th and Pinnacle Peak Rd. I trained for the Susan G. Komen half marathon on this trail because the steep incline on the west side of the mountain is a great place to build endurance. The whole trail is about 3 miles total, and it is easy to complete the loop in around 45 minutes. I stopped using this trail because it is really rocky, and I sprained my ankle pretty badly on the steep decline. H-3: To hike this trail I usually park along Pinnacle Peak Dr. (not to be confused with Pinnacle Peak Rd.) because the major incline is located right off this road. It takes me a solid hour to finish this trail which is about 4 miles total. The path goes behind all of the mansions, and I love seeing the design of all of their backyards. H-4 through H-4b: I usually hike all three of these loops together for an hour and a half workout. The top incline is small loop in itself, and I do this mini loop about 6 times for a really hard workout. This is one of the busier trails because it has two parking lots: one on Patrick Lane and 67th Ave. and the other right off of 59th and Pinnacle Peak. This is probably the best trail for kids and dogs because it can be modified to be as easy or hard as you like. Here are also a few rules for new hikers: 1. Don't be offended if people pass you. Everyone has different levels stamina. On this note, please be courteous and allow others to pass if necessary. 2. Please clean up after your dog. I see people that pick up their dog's waste, and still leave the bag on the side of the trail. Even though this park is well kept, leaving the plastic bag is still equivalent to littering. 3. Control your children. 4. Be aware of the wildlife. I've seen rattlesnakes on these trails a few times. One even slithered across my path about 5 feet away from me. It is a good idea to become well versed in snake or scorpion bite care in case of an emergency. 5. Bring plenty of water. During the hot summer months it is easy to know when to hydrate, but it might be more difficult during the winter months. Overall, this is a great place to get outdoors and workout! Hope to see you on the trail! read more

A great variety of trails and views - a bit busy on the weekends, but weekdays are great. Bring lots of water, and the trails to the hilltops are better suited to hiking boots than running shoes due to the many rocks - not really a complaint, that's just the terrain. There are a few big parking lots as well - I've always found a spot. A few picnic areas, plus a big amphitheater that I know would be cool to hold an event at, but I don't know what they do there. Cheers! read more

Thunderbird Park - Panoramic facing Northwest - Parks Near Me - Glendale, Arizona

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This park is very convenient to my house, which is the main reason I come here quite often. There are several different trails you can take, depending on how much of a workout you want (or, in my case, how hungover you are). Yes, it does get crowded and parking in the NW lot can be difficult, especially on the weekends, so go early, by about 7 am. I do think the trails are nicer since they have been widened, but show a little trail etiquette: just because the trail is wider does not mean you get to hike 3 or 4 abreast! Take a look at the trail maps to see which ones are loops and which ones are not. I didn't do this one time and wound up somewhere out on 55th Ave - my 3 mile hike turned into an 8-miler through the scenic Arrowhead community. And, contrary to other Yelpers, I do like when people say hello. Don't do it, and you may hear me whisper "Bitch" under my breath as you pass by! read more

As a student, sometimes you just wanna get away for an hour or so and not spend money... Conveniently there are places like Thunderbird park that do the trick. Located right off 59th Ave, north of the 101 is this sweet small park where you can go on that short run to get your mind off of things that piss you off, or you can long hike up to the highest top and be damn proud you did it. Whatever your reasons are for coming out here, you'll be glad you did (just bring water... or you won't be so glad); the sights are worth it, your body'll be thankful for some exercise, and hey, why not? It's free! read more

This park had a role in why I chose this area to buy a house. I love hiking, being outdoors, and getting excercise while I'm at it. There are several hikes here, which none are to difficult, but not to easy at the same time. The hikes are not nearly as busy as Sqaw Peak or Camleback so parking or bumping shoulders with anyone is never an issue. This recreation area is truely a gem for the Arrowhead area of Glendale. I will be here at least twice a week while the temps remain under 100 in the valley. read more

Thunderbird Park - Looking towards downtown Phoenix - Parks Near Me - Glendale, Arizona

I absolutely love these hiking trails. If you're like me, I have a hard time getting motivated to exercise, but I love it here. (It definitely helps that I can walk to any of the trails from my house.) There are quite a few options and different difficulty levels. During the cooler months the mountains will be full of people (Watch out for January 1st; everyone and their mother is there). The summer months can still be busy considering how hot it is. You just have to pick the trails that offer some shade, and when the sun isn't blasting you it makes for an enjoyable hike. The parking isn't terrible, but I still prefer to walk to any of the trails. As always be careful when hiking, some of the trails will get a little slick after the rains. I know I will continue to hike here as long as I can! read more

Apparently there are three trails at this mountain...I didn't know this when I first went. The easiest trail is the one google maps led me to and it was a nice, short hike with a refreshing view of not only houses and rocks but also some pools of water. My friend and I had a splendid time making a fool of ourselves copying arm workouts on youtube at the top to make up for how long the trail WASN'T. Cant wait to visit the other trails! read more

Thunderbird Park - Parks Near Me - Glendale, Arizona

One of my new favorite places. To be on top amd enjoy the view was spectacular. Glad the furloughs couldn't shut this place down. Very achievable hike and amazingly beautiful at the summit. read more

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Love Thunderbird. I use the trails for HIT workouts either running or mountain biking. Can get a little crowded at peak times but most everyone is courteous and nice. Great spot to catch a sunrise as they usually open prior. read more

This place is great. I'm short so my legs don't cover mountain as fast as most's, but I love the challenge. This hike is a little long, but not very steep. Great for jogging. The view of people's backyards isn't great... kinda feel like a creep when the homeowners are out. LoL. It's in a great area though read more

Thunderbird Park - Fun Times! - Parks Near Me - Glendale, Arizona

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Horses and dogs defecate here constantly and there's virtually no enforcement of policies to prevent this from getting worse (at least with the dogs). Often there's drunken people here on Sundays, and they're not exactly "from the area". They then meander up the trail to the smallest hill in their street casual clothes, laughing, and not watching their wandering kids. Weekends are horrible here because everyone finds the need to say hi to every single person they see going the other direction on the path. It gets old, people. So, avoid weekends if possible. Trails were much better before they made so-called "improvements" in the way of widenening the paths. Now there's an oversupply of overzealous mountain bikers who don't know that pedestrians have right of way, and are so lacking in dexterity that they can't seem to slow the bike without skidding down the hills. During prime weather months it is common to have a local pastor sing religious songs on top of the lowest mountain, with a guitar. I'm not sure if I'm more bothered by the fact that he does this, or by the fact that other people are not bothered by this as much as I am. read more

Hiked to Arrowhead Point today. Quite a few people due to it being the weekend, but still lots of parking. Great exercise due to the steep and rocky terrain and totally worth it because the views are spectaculous! read more

Thunderbird Park - Hiked to Arrowhead Point this morning - Parks Near Me - Glendale, Arizona

This park has one of my 2 favorite trails in Phoenix. The other is at South Mountain. I love the steep incline while walking towards the peak that looks over Arrowhead Lakes. I like how clean the park is. My first trip up here was on Veteran's Day. It was a nice surprise to get to the top only to see a flag waiting up there. Walking down can be a bit tough at times. But the way the trails connect, you can pick and choose your route far easier than some parks. It is not as scenic as some places but is a great combination of interesting, offers a "modular hike", a nice workout, and the lakes are at least an interesting view for Phoenix. read more

This park-area/hiking-hot-spot is very fun to experience on a weekend morning when it's nice n crisp outside during the summer season. There are 3 main trails with 2 of them containing a "peak" so to speak with incredible photo opportunities along the way. It's still desert terrain so be sure to bring decent attire that you aren't afraid to get dusty and/or filthy. I would wear decent shoes and bring just a bit of water. Most people bring their dogs so if you're not into that just be aware that this place gets poppin with pups. It's good fun to take a group of friends and hit these beginner trails with some haste. Go check it out for yourself! 5 stars read more

First time hiking and really enjoyed Thunderbird. Plenty of trails that were just challenging enough. Could have used a few more directional signs. From out of town and had a little trouble finding my car when I was done. Excellent location though. I'll be back! read more

Thunderbird Park - Parks Near Me - Glendale, Arizona

One of my favorite hiking places, the trail choices are great and not far from freeway. Make sure to bring plenty of water during the summer months. read more

Trails are fun with a good variety for any level. Easy access to parking and the main trail offers a good three plus mile loop. There are multiple pathways and you could easily hike around for hours. read more

Thunderbird Park - Panorama taken at the top of thunderbird park hiking area. - Parks Near Me - Glendale, Arizona

Hiked part of H1 and all of H3 around 4 miles. Yes, I am still slow 2 hours. I love it. People are friendly, nice inclines, and 4 miles is just right for a good workout. read more

This is our favorite place to bring our 80lbs siberian husky for a hike. The trail is very clear and distinct. There is a trail we walk which makes a full circle around the mountain and goes back to the parking lot, so we don't need to retrace our steps again. There aren't any steep cliffs off to the sides of the trail and the difficulty of the hike is easy. We went hiking in the evening on a week day and it wasn't crowded at all. read more

Thunderbird Park - Parks Near Me - Glendale, Arizona

Occasionally I will come across a hiker or a group of hikers with loud earphones, that cannot hear me coming, so I have put a bell on my mountain bike, and the hikers seem to like the fact that they can now hear me coming. I would suggest this to other mountain bikers as well to avoid any frustrations. Hikers have THE RIGHT OF WAY and that is that, so let us be courteous and careful when we are zipping past families with small children and pets. I hike that area as well with my wife and children and I sometimes get irritated at the mountain bikers that just fly by without even slowing down. Several trails in the area provide a variety of intensity for the people who want a challenge. The trails can be a little technical if you are not familiar with "baby head" rocks sticking up, but it also prepares you for some of the other trails Arizona has to offer, like South Mountain, and Trail 100. All of the trails are "ride able", however, you may encounter some technical areas or long steep climbs that will definitely challenge even advanced riders. I would recommend this park to anyone with small children who love to get outside and explore. There is plenty of picnic tables, which I rarely see occupied that are close to restrooms. There is easy access to the entire park and plenty of parking, for any sized vehicle. You can reserve different pavilions for parties and they even have a huge fireplace at the top of one of the saddles that you can utilize in the winter. Make sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, this is still open desert and there are those hazards even being so close to shopping centers and neighborhoods. You may encounter a rattlesnake or a coyote as hikers and bikers frequently see them! I hope that you get a chance to come check out this little oasis of trails in Northwest Phoenix when you get a chance, I think you will be quite surprised at the beautiful views and the amount of trails choices that you have. I love this park and will do my best as a frequent user to keep it clean, so others can enjoy it as much as I have! Come check it out! read more

I love stopping by this place for some quick exercise in the morning! I love how it doesn't cost anything to park here and is quite a large area to hike in. There are multiple trails depending on if you want a harder hike or an easier hike. If I'm feeling brave I'll do the one that involves many large stones to step up as you make your way to the top of the mountain. If I'm more slower paced then I will choose the flatter trails. If it's a hotter day then get there earlier so you don't cook yourself! If it's cooler then you're fine going any time of day but don't forget your sunscreen! The view at the top of the mountain is gorgeous and there are a few benches that you can sit on if you need to catch your breath (and also an American flag!). I see some school groups sometimes taking young kids up the mountain but don't be discouraged, it's a killer leg workout if you keep a decent speed (you will feel the burn). The trails are all very clean but do have a lot of rocks so just be aware and wear proper shoes! read more

The kids and I have hiked almost all the trails numerous times. It is a great outing to spend time with the kids. -- Bring a lunch and have a picnic at one of the parks picnic tables. -- Meet other people on the trail. The kids have meet numerous other kids hiking. It is amazing to me how easy it is for kids to say HI and have a friend almost instantly. I wish it was the same for adults. -- Bring LOTS of water. There are no fountains on the trails - and being without water is like a death wish. We usually carry an extra bottle for the poor soul that we see without water, it happens on every hike. Don't under-estimate how long/hard the hike is. Be prepared! read more