★★★☆☆ Easy/Phoenix Zone
Escape the northern suburbs of Phoenix on this family-friendly loop hike! The Ocotillo, Apache Wash, Sidewinder Loop Hike mixes short and easy portions of three Phoenix Sonoran Preserve hiking trails. The result is an easy meander through vast fields of Saguaro and Sage. As an added bonus, expect to see hot air balloons floating overhead in the morning and late afternoon from October to April.
START OF THE TRAIL: 1600 East Sonora Desert Drive, Phoenix • DIFFICULTY: EASY • DISTANCE: 1.95 MILES LOOP • APPROXIMATELY. TIME: 1 – 1.5 HOURS • ELEVATION GAIN: 280 FEET (20 FLOORS) • APPROXIMATELY. CALORIES BURNED: 254-295 • BEST TIME OF YEAR: OCT – April • PETS: YES • SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN: Yes • FACILITIES: YES but no water • COSTS: none
The Phoenix Sonoran Preserve’s 20 interconnected trails offer a bewildering array of possible hiking mixes. The Ocotillo, Apache Wash, Sidewinder combo is one of the simplest. It’s a well-marked loop. perfect family. It is described here moving clockwise from the Apache Wash trailhead, although it can be hiked in either direction. Turn left onto Ocotillo Trail to start. This wide and flat path winds around the base of the reserve’s easternmost hillthrough the iconic landscape of Sonora.
Anus 0.35 miles turn right onto Apache Wash Trailwhich continues at the foot of the hill. This section is also wide and flat. It is surrounded by large saguaros and cholla. And that offers beautiful views to the north mountains in the region.
The Sidewinder Trail veers right 0.75 miles into the hike. Turn here for the last part of the loop. This section climbs slightly, hugging the hillside. For those who have energy, an optional short side trail leads to magnificent 360° views from Apache Vista. The Sidewinder Trail continues to loop around the hillside, making a gentle descent back to the trailhead.
Prime! In the morning and evening, from October to April, it is cool to watch the hot air balloons floating nearby. The flat desert surrounding the preserve is a popular launch site.
Totally cheesy
The Phoenix Sonoran Preserve is made up of two sets of adjacent hills, separated by private land. The northern portion flanks Sonoran Desert Drive. While the southern part is accessible via the Fireside Development.
Resources Click here to download a trail map
Instructions: From the intersection of I-17 and the AZ-101 North Loop (in Phoenix), head north on I-17 7 miles to Dove Valley Road/exit 222. Turn at right/east on Dove Valley Road (which becomes Sonoran Desert Drive). ) and go 5.5 miles to the Apache Wash Trailhead parking area on the left side.