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Mule Deer Trailhead

4.8 ★★★★★ 41 Google reviews · Running trail in Waddell, Arizona · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Loop distance
Not reported
Shape
Loop
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Mule Deer 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.

LoopScenicRestroomsTrailhead parking

Kid-friendly hiking area featuring picnic tables, a pond, windmills, and views of the state trust land.

What runners say about Mule Deer Trailhead

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (41 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 6 mentions

“Well maintained trails, and I'll definitely do that one again!”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 3 mentions

“You pass by the horse stable sign and see glimpses of the winding road and mountains all around you in the horizon- beautiful photo opps.”

Great trail takes you to a pond and wind mills. It is a very nice little trail that is well traveled.

★★★★★ — Brian , Nov 2022

The trailhead I saw for Mule Deer was by the Nature Center, but you can also access it through how Google Map has it marked. The way I did the trail was start at the Nature Center and then I found the Mule Deer Trailhead at that end and there is a box where you can pay your fee to walk the trail (provided you haven't…

★★★★☆ — A , Feb 2022

There are two climbs on this trail and they both provide nice views of the State Trust land below.

★★★★★ — Andy , Oct 2023

nice trailhead. another animal to watch out for are coyotes that aren’t afraid of people… never seen that before. the domestic coyote was walking right down the middle of the road. we stopped and it proceeded to walk all the way around our running car and the car behind us … thought it was rabid at first.

★★★★★ — Kevin , Dec 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 41 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 7 mentions

“You pass by the horse stable sign and see glimpses of the winding road and mountains all around you in the horizon- beautiful photo opps.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 6 mentions

“The trailhead I saw for Mule Deer was by the Nature Center, but you can also access it through how Google Map has it marked.”

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🚻 Restrooms 3 mentions

“Clean bathrooms and several covered picnic tables.”

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🔁 Loop trail 2 mentions

“I didn't walk the Mule Deer trail today but opted for the short Block Rock Loop.”

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Plan your run at Mule Deer Trailhead

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners

Hours

Monday 5 AM–9 PM
Tuesday 5 AM–9 PM
Wednesday 5 AM–9 PM
Thursday 5 AM–9 PM
Friday 5 AM–9 PM
Saturday 5 AM–9 PM
Sunday 5 AM–9 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 Mule Deer Trailhead

Wildlife Way, Waddell, AZ 85355

Get directions

Running trails near Waddell

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Black Rock Loop Trailhead

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LoopNatural surfaceScenic

Hiker-friendly area with mountain views and a range of short and long tracks.

under a mile away

Waterfall Canyon Trail

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PavedScenic

Easy hike with a few benches leading to a waterfall plus rock formations.

1.2 miles away

Mesquite Canyon Trail

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LoopNatural surfaceScenicDog-friendly

Hiking area offering varying difficulty levels, scenic views, and a waterfall.

1.4 miles away

Zanjero Trail Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 6 reviews

Surprise, AZ

2.1 miles away

Cortessa Trailhead

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Waddell, AZ

2.6 miles away

White Tank Mountain Regional Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 408 reviews

Waddell, AZ

LoopMixedScenic

Family-friendly park featuring easy to rustic trails for hiking plus picnic tables and grills and a playground.

2.9 miles away

All running trails in Waddell, AZ →

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.