Home › Arizona › Phoenix › Apache Wash Trail Head
Apache Wash Trail Head
4.8 ★★★★★ 184 Google reviews · Running trail in Phoenix, Arizona · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Loop distance
- 3 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Apache Wash Trail Head's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Public area offering a variety of hiking trails with scenic views for all skill levels, plus mountain biking.
What runners say about Apache Wash Trail Head
“Beautiful views of the open nature and surrounding area mountains.”
“It’s very quiet out here but can get busy during weekend events and stuff.”
“Great easy hike for kids we did the loop and did 1 mile in and than turned around.”
I hike here 5 days a week. Easy to moderate trails. Good for hiking/walking and mountain biking. Sometimes busy but with different trails you can be pretty much on your own. Watch out for some mtn bikers that act as if it's all for them. This trail connects to the trail off of Carefree Highway as well.
Very nice place for easy walks and moderate hikes. There are bathrooms here before you hit the trails. Bring water because there’s more potable water. The views are amazing. On weekends you may see plenty of hot air balloons taking off and filling flying.
One of the easiest trails around Phoenix. There are two trails. This trail is famous amongst the cyclists. Most of the time you will see mountain bikes/cyclist here. The trails are filled with flowers during spring season. You often can spot bunnies hopping around.
In town for a short vacation with family. Snuck out at sunrise for a quick hike and loved it. Nice path with great views.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful views of the open nature and surrounding area mountains.”
“Lots of parking space but may get busy during weekends and summer.”
“There are bathrooms here before you hit the trails.”
“My daughter and I walked the 3mile loop in just over an hour stopping frequently to take pictures and enjoy nature.”
“It’s very quiet out here but can get busy during weekend events and stuff.”
“Also, lots of coyotes in the area so make sure your dog(s) are leashed and safe from them.”
Plan your run at Apache Wash Trail Head
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- Loop distance3 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitephoenix.gov
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 5 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 5 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 5 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 5 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 5 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 5 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 5 AM–7 PM |
Running trails near Phoenix
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Sonoran Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,799 reviews
Open desert park with miles of hiking & biking trails through lush, green plains of cactus.
Deem Hills Recreation Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 804 reviews
Sprawling park featuring athletic areas, kids' play equipment & hiking trails with mountain views.
Reach 11 Recreation Area
4.5 ★★★★★ 120 reviews
Equestrians, hikers & dog-walkers frequent this simple desert park with a trail.
Thunderbird Conservation Park Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 622 reviews
Family-friendly hiking area with scenic trails and ample parking.