We were surprised when we hiked the trails in this area, extremely beautiful. Highly recommended for beginning and intermediate hikers. It is easy to piece together a two or ten mile hike. Unlike other areas in the city of Phoenix the signage us great. Hope funds are available to maintain the trails.
Ebony K.
Place rating: 5 Phoenix, AZ
I have been to this trailhead so many times. I love it! Absolutely love it! You can go for a quick trail run that is only about 4.5 miles or a few long ones that can be upwards of 13 miles are more. Either way, you will not be disappointed. Even hiking will get you a nice and leisurely workout. The views are great, especially on Sundays when you get to see tons and tons of hot hair balloons in the sky! There is plenty of parking and a restroom(although no water) so definitely come and out go for a run or a hike!
Scott B.
Place rating: 5 Phoenix, AZ
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.
Bonnie E.
Place rating: 5 Phoenix, AZ
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 Unilocal 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.
