Sunday Morning Dreamy Draw VOAZ loop (Int)
Details
Join us for a refreshing morning hike at Phoenix Mountains Preserve/Dreamy Draw! The hike is intermediate difficulty. It may be difficult for a new hiker but it's not too hard and most people with a decent fitness level will be fine. This hike has some climb for the first mile and a half or so but is mostly downhill and chill for the rest of the day! Let's hike early so it isn't baking outside. This is a relaxed hike to enjoy nature, meet people, and get some pre-brunch exercise, not a hike that will push the pace.
We'll take DD Nature Trail to Perl Charles trail, up to the VOAZ trail and hike that before we head around the interior of the preserve - down Piestewa Nature Trail and back to Perl Charles again. To make the way back more interesting and secluded we'll take Christiansen and Dreamy Draw Link. We're leaving early so it will be cooler! (temps in low 70s). It is likely we'll encounter many mountain bikers. It's very likely we'll see rabbits, roadrunners, quail and tons of lizards; and possible to see snakes. (the original natives knew enough about the area to make glyphs of them. We'll check that out too!)
Distance: approx 4 miles in and out
Time: approx 2.5 hours
Elevation gain: 897 ft
We’ll meet at the area by the water fountains, which are at the largest structure visible from the parking lot at 7:00 am. We'll head out at 7:10. It is not the fountains you see at the low point of the parking lot. Keep climbing the stairs until you see the largest pavilion. You will see bathrooms, outdoor sinks, and water fountains and should see trail maps from the meetup spot.
My phone is 303-596-0206 if you need to reach us!
Trail Composition: Compacted dirt, loose rocks, gravel, with a few steep rocky sections
Bring: WATER (2 liters), hats and sunscreen. Bring guests, smiles, and good vibes!
DRIVING DIRECTIONS: The Dreamy Draw Recreation Area is located at the END of Northern, just East of SR-51. The park access gate closes promptly at 7:00 pm but the exit gate is always open. If you are coming either North or Southbound on SR-51, take exit # 7 (Northern).
Please understand, hiking has its dangers. By signing up and attending this, and any 3H events, you are responsible for your own safety, and organizers and their assistants cannot be held responsible for any injuries or other mishaps that may occur.