HomeArizonaPhoenix › 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.

Paved3 miLoopScenicDog-friendlyStroller / ADARestroomsTrailhead parkingQuiet

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

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (184 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 9 mentions

“Beautiful views of the open nature and surrounding area mountains.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 5 mentions

“It’s very quiet out here but can get busy during weekend events and stuff.”

👟 good for all levels 6 mentions

“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.

★★★★★ — Dean , Mar 2023

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.

★★★★★ — 1Suchef , Nov 2023

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.

★★★★★ — Dhananjay , May 2023

In town for a short vacation with family. Snuck out at sunrise for a quick hike and loved it. Nice path with great views.

★★★★★ — Douglas , Jan 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 184 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 14 mentions

“Beautiful views of the open nature and surrounding area mountains.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 9 mentions

“Lots of parking space but may get busy during weekends and summer.”

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🚻 Restrooms 5 mentions

“There are bathrooms here before you hit the trails.”

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🔁 Loop trail 4 mentions

“My daughter and I walked the 3mile loop in just over an hour stopping frequently to take pictures and enjoy nature.”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 4 mentions

“It’s very quiet out here but can get busy during weekend events and stuff.”

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🐕 Dog-friendly

“Also, lots of coyotes in the area so make sure your dog(s) are leashed and safe from them.”

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🛣️ Paved surface

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Stroller / ADA accessible

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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

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Apache Wash Trail Head

1600 E Sonoran Desert Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85085

Get directions

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

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Desert Vista Trailhead

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Deem Hills Recreation Area

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Sprawling park featuring athletic areas, kids' play equipment & hiking trails with mountain views.

7.1 miles away

Reach 11 Recreation Area

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Equestrians, hikers & dog-walkers frequent this simple desert park with a trail.

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Thunderbird Conservation Park Trail

4.8 ★★★★★ 622 reviews

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LoopNatural surfaceScenicDog-friendly

Family-friendly hiking area with scenic trails and ample parking.

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Thunderbird Conservation Park Trail

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Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.