Phoenix (2-Hour) Beginner Hikers

Apache Vista

Apr 6, 2014 · 6:30 AM
Apache Wash Trailhead

This hike is rated EASY.

Starting at 0630 on Sunday morning.

Please note the new starting location at Apache Wash Trailhead.

Join me for a truly easy, beginner’s hike!

This beautiful hike is in the north area of the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve! This area is the newest addition to Phoenix's vast desert preserve system.

You’ll love the altitude in the North Phoenix / Desert Hills area and the softer trails too. Yes that’s right; not many rocks! What a nice treat for the feet.

There will be some mild elevation gain, twice, so this hike will give you a great workout if you are just beginning to hike. If you are more experienced, this can be a quick fitness hike to start your day. The hike will give you some exposure to this stunning area without committing to my longer hikes. The new beginner hikers really love this hike! (The hiking veterans like it too.)

For this hike we will head up to Apache Vista to enjoy superb views of the area and the trailhead below. We will then descend and continue on a short loop back to the trailhead.

Note: There is a place to stop and rest if you choose not to ascend to the summit.

DISTANCE: Approx. 2.25 miles

ELEVATION GAIN: About 225 feet

TRAIL STYLE: Loop, with two overlook spurs

DURATION: < 2.0 hours

DOGS: Yes, if leashed

FACILITIES: Restrooms and large parking lot; no water

WEBSITE: Trail Map

DIRECTIONS: Head north on Cave Creek Road and continue north of Pinnacle Peak Road. The left turn for East Sonoran Desert Drive is between Jomax Rd. and Dynamite Blvd, so get in the left lane. Turn left at East Sonoran Desert Drive. Go west for about 4 miles. The park entrance will be on the right. The address is 1600 E. Sonoran Desert Dr.

If you are coming from the West, Dove Valley Road Exit #222 is now open on Freeway 17. From there, it will be about 6 miles to the park, eventually turning into E. Sonoran Desert Drive. The park entrance will be on your left. The address is 1600 E. Sonoran Desert Dr.

Contact me via Meetup if you have questions.

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Jodie S.

great hike -- just as advertised!

2 · April 7, 2014
Allen F.

I really like the little hike this morning.

2 · April 6, 2014
Allen F.

Was a great first meet, hope to attend many more, thanks.

2 · April 6, 2014
Jim K.

Great, crisp hike this morning! We paused longer to enjoy the views and yet I believe we made a record pace compared to March 22. Welcome to all the brand-new hikers! And it’s good to see some of you returning to the Group from last weekend. Nice!

It was fun to see some strange saguaros in a [different] light and to witness the cornball low-flying aircraft. We hike every weekend because we never know what we’re going to see, and each hike makes a new set of fond memories.

Thanks to Michael Spector for picking up bodyguard duty today and for NEW sports talk! If you want to buy the hiking Group U of A t-shirts, we will accompany you to Tempe next time. Much gratitude also to Sabrina, Sanka, and Simba for sweeping and for being such integral parts of every hike! See you all next weekend!

2 · April 6, 2014
michael s.

Great weather and group of hikers

2 · April 6, 2014
Rebeca

Hello! Unfortunately, I won't be a able to make it today. Enjoy the views and have a lot of fun!

0 · April 6, 2014
- Jim K.
  
  We missed you, Rebecca!
  
  0 · April 6, 2014
Brian

Sorry, body not moving this morning.

0 · April 6, 2014
- Jim K.
  
  Hey, Brian! I hope that you won't be motionless for the whole day! Join us the next time you are able to!
  
  0 · April 6, 2014
Chuck

Good hike again this morning. But I have a
question. If anthropomorphic refers to giving human charactertics to nonhuman objects (a
saguaro, for instance is often described in human terms), then what do we call Jim when he poses as a giant saguaro? Just curious.

2 · April 6, 2014
- Jim K.
  
  Okay, Chuck -- next time -- just for you the entire Group will pose as "giant saguaros".
  
  0 · April 6, 2014
tina

Nice, my first time in years, wanted more, feel good

1 · April 6, 2014
- Jim K.
  
  Please join us again, Tina, especially on some of the longer hikes.
  
  0 · April 6, 2014
Sabrina

Great quick hike this morning! Always a good group of people and our fearless leader makes it fun.

1 · April 6, 2014
Danay

Sorry Jim I am not feeling well I had to cancel. Have a good hike.

0 · April 6, 2014
tina

Looking forward to get out, enjoy the scenery and get some exercise

0 · April 5, 2014
Sharon R.

Anxious to hike with the group but have commitments next two weeks so it will be 3rd week of April until we can join the meet up. My hiking team is myself, my 14 year old daughter Emma, and our 3 year old rescue German Shepard/Coyote mix Paisly. Paisly loves to walk and hike on leash and still thinks she's a puppy :) Emma got an SLR Digital camera for Christmas and in interested in learning about photography, hopefully some fellow hikers can share their photography tips with Emma.

See you all in a few weeks!

1 · April 4, 2014
Lee K.

I would love to go on this hike, it would be my first since surgery and seems easily doable, however I would need to carpool. I live in Downtown Phoenix and would be happy to contribute towards gas. TY all

0 · April 4, 2014
Hylari

Any one coming from the 101 and 60 area that want to carpool?? I can drive.

0 · April 2, 2014
Breana

Hello everyone! I would really enjoy joining in on this hike. I have signed up for my first one on April 3rd, and if all goes well I would really enjoy coming to this one too! Since this is an easy trail, I'd love to bring my puppy with me - as long as everyone here is comfortable with it! He's a 1 year old German Sheppard / Boxer mix and loves meeting new people. :)

1 · March 31, 2014
- Sabrina
  
  We welcome everyone and their dog friends. I bring my two dogs every hike. So hopefully your puppy will make some friends.
  
  1 · March 31, 2014
A former member

First hike post surgery. Hoping it's an easy pace!

0 · March 24, 2014
- Jim K.
  
  It will be. Welcome back Karen!
  
  0 · March 25, 2014
- A former member
  
  Thanks Jim. It's been an unexpectedly rough recovery and I am going stir crazy!! LOL
  
  1 · March 25, 2014