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Desert Vista Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 279 Google reviews · Running trail in Phoenix, Arizona · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 36 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Desert Vista Trailhead'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.
What runners say about Desert Vista Trailhead
“8 mile desert tortoise trail, and it was very scenic.”
It’s an incredible place, it has an amazing view. There are a lot of signs in the road so you don’t get lost. It wasn’t that hard, it was my first time hiking but I do exercise frequently so… just keep that in mind. A bottle of water and a snack in case you need more energy.
Desert Vista Trailhead leads you into a magical walk through the desert regardless of what trails you might choose to traverse. I am a brand new Phoenician, so I continue to be amazed at what there is to see when you spend an hour or two in the desert.
A good hike specially now winter time, u can choose from an hour to 4 hours whole loop just bring lots of water specially if hiking with your pets (on leash)... it's a combination views of houses, mountains and the highway..
Great trail system. There are so many loops and connectors that you could honestly spend all day here and not cover every mile. There’s also a good mix of flat, climbing, smooth flowy and somewhat technical all in the same place! I highly recommend.
Trail conditions & character
“Totally awesome views from the mesa-like flats in the region around junction of Desert Tortoise (DT) trail and Valle Verde (V) trail.”
“Desert Vista Trailhead leads you into a magical walk through the desert regardless of what trails you might choose to traverse.”
“The trailhead offers a decent amount of parking with at least 3 larger size handicap parking spots, and a men's and women's restroom building.”
“You really don’t have a lot of elevation gain on this trail, so it’s more like a scenic walk than hiking.”
“A good hike specially now winter time, u can choose from an hour to 4 hours whole loop just bring lots of water specially if hiking with your pets (on leash).”
“A good hike specially now winter time, u can choose from an hour to 4 hours whole loop just bring lots of water specially if hiking with your pets (on leash).”
“There’s also a good mix of flat, climbing, smooth flowy and somewhat technical all in the same place!”
“You can hike 10+ miles if you'd like, or just go out for a 1-5 mile hike.”
“The restrooms in the water bottle filling station at the trailhead were fantastic.”
Plan your run at Desert Vista Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance36 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — 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
- Phone(602) 495-6939
- 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 |
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