Apache Wash Trail
Phoenix, Arizona
| Address: | ~Paseo Pathway, Phoenix, AZ 85085, USA |
| GPS: |
33°45'50.2"N 112°2'57.7"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | Arizona |
| Trail Length: | 3.50 miles |
| Elevation Gain: | 108.00 feet |
| Hike Difficulty: | Intermediate |
| Trail Type: | Out & Back |
Pet Friendly
Hike
The Apache Wash Trailhead is the main hub of the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve, a large tract of protected Sonoran Desert on the far north edge of the city, and the loop trails that fan out from it are among the most popular desert hikes and rides in north Phoenix. The classic outing links the Ocotillo, Sidewinder, Ridgeback and Apache Vista trails into a rolling loop of a few miles through beautiful, saguaro-studded desert.
The terrain is quintessential Sonoran: a well-built, well-marked network of singletrack winding among saguaro, cholla and palo verde, with a good deal of gentle climbing early on, especially on the Ridgeback and Apache Vista sections that carry you up for wide views across the preserve and out to the surrounding mountains, before an easier, deceptively flat-feeling return along the washes. It is moderate overall, welcoming to fit beginners while still giving trail runners and mountain bikers a satisfying workout.
The Apache Wash Trailhead itself is a proper facility with parking, restrooms and shade ramadas, making it an easy, family-friendly launching point. This is open desert with no water on the trail and little shade, so summer heat is dangerous and the cooler months and early mornings are the time to go. For an accessible, scenic taste of the Sonoran Desert close to the city, the Apache Wash loops are hard to beat.
More Information
Saguaro - Wikipedia
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SaguaroSonoran Desert - Wikipedia
The Sonoran Desert (Spanish: Desierto de Sonora) is a hot desert and ecoregion in North America that covers parts of the northwestern Mexican states of Sonora, Baja California, and Baja California Sur, as well as part of the Southwestern United States (in Arizona and California). It has an area of 260,000 square kilometers (100,000 sq mi).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonoran_DesertBe courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read More
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Phoenix, Arizona
- Head west on W Washington St toward 1st Ave (1.2 mi)
- Continue onto W Adams St (0.8 mi)
- Turn right onto N Black Canyon Hwy (75 ft)
- Take the ramp on the left onto I-17 N/US-60 WContinue to follow I-17 N(22.2 mi)
- Take exit 222 for Dove Valley Rd (1.1 mi)
- Turn right onto W Dove Valley Rd (5.1 mi)
- Continue onto E Sonoran Desert Dr (499 ft)
- Turn left (148 ft)
Other Hiking Trails Nearby
Sidewinder, Apache Vista, Ocotillo Loop Trail
Phoenix, Arizona
0.3 miles NEA well-maintained, well-signed desert loop with near-perfect views in the Sonoran Preserve — include the summit for a 2.5-mile moderate workout.
Hike, Horseback, Mountain Bike 
Ocotillo/Ridgeback/Sidewinder Loop Trail
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0.4 miles NEA great moderate loop through classic Sonoran Desert scenery with a summit option, gorgeous views, and multiple access points — bring at least 2 liters of water.
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Bobcat Trail - Sonoran Preserve
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3.0 miles WA 2-mile out-and-back connector trail in the Sonoran Desert Preserve with great desert scenery, distant mountain views, dry wash crossings, and well-signed GPS markers — ideal as a warmup to the Dixie Mountain Loop.
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Sidewinder-Ocotillo-West Loop
Phoenix, Arizona
3.1 miles NWA Sonoran Desert loop near Phoenix combining the flat Ocotillo Trail with the more elevated, twisty Sidewinder section — bring at least 2 liters of water, there's no shade or water on trail.
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Tower Road - Sonoran Preserve
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Dixie Summit Trail
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Western Vista Trail
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Hike 2.8 mi
Desert Tortoise
Phoenix, Arizona
3.2 miles SWA doubletrack desert connector and loop trail with reasonable elevation changes and close-proximity Cholla cactus lining the path — good hiking shoes and a leashed dog are a must.
Hike, Mountain Bike 
Dixie Mountain Loop Trail
Phoenix, Arizona
3.2 miles SWA 4.7-mile beginner-to-moderate loop through the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve with great views of Dove Valley, wildflowers, cactus, and the Teddy Bear Cholla Forest between mile posts 2.6 and 2.75.
Hike, Horseback, Mountain Bike 
Dixie Mountain Loop with Two Summits
Phoenix, Arizona
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Hawk's Nest Trail and Dixie Mountain Loop
Phoenix, Arizona
3.2 miles SWA moderate connector trail in Phoenix's Sonoran Preserve that links the trailhead to Desert Tortoise Trail and Dixie Mountain Loop — good hiking boots recommended.
Hike, Horseback, Mountain Bike 
Hawk's Nest/Desert Tortoise/Dixie Mountain Loop
Phoenix, Arizona
3.2 miles SWA moderate desert loop through creeks and hills with great scenery in Phoenix's Sonoran Preserve — connects Hawk's Nest, Valle Verde, and Dixie Mountain trails.
Hike, Horseback, Mountain Bike 
Union Peak Loop
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Clay Mine Trail
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4.7 miles NA short 1.6-mile beginner trail in Cave Creek Regional Park leading to a historic clay mine entrance, with ranger-led tours available and a stretch shared with the horse rental facility.
Hike 5.8 mi
Go John Trail
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5.5 miles NEA 5.8-mile desert loop at Cave Creek Regional Park with mine shafts, saguaro cactus, quartz fields, and valley views — best hiked or biked between September and April; $6 park entry fee.
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Palisade to Basalt to Circumference Trail Loop
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Deem Hills Inner Loop
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Deem Hills East Trail
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Reach 11 Trail
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Scarlett Canyon
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6.1 miles SAn unmarked 3-mile loop around a desert mountain with ever-changing views, an old fenced mine on the north side, and optional summit scrambling on rocky, loose gravel.
Hike, Horseback, Mountain Bike, Rock ClimbNearby Campsites
Lower Salt River Nature Trail
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27.0 miles SEA 2-mile beginner loop alongside the Salt River in Tonto National Forest, with worn markers that keep things adventurous — watch for wild horses and spring cactus blooms.
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Buckhorn Campground Nature Trail
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Verde Hot Springs
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