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Sonoran Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,799 Google reviews · Running trail in Phoenix, Arizona · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- 36 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Sonoran Preserve'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.
Open desert park with miles of hiking & biking trails through lush, green plains of cactus.
What runners say about Sonoran Preserve
“This huge preserve is splendid, well maintained, and clearly labeled trails, excellent bathroom facilities, ample parking.”
“Visitors can enjoy the Dragonfly Trail, a scenic loop offering a glimpse into the thriving plant and animal life that make the Sonoran Desert so unique.”
“Trails are well maintained, clearly marked, and full of opportunities to feel way more athletic than you actually are.”
“The trails were not crowded, plenty of challenging single-track for Mountain bikers.”
“There is a variety of difficulties and distances for all levels of hiker.”
Sonoran Preserve is basically Disneyland for dirt lovers. Massive parking lot, which is a blessing because apparently the entire city of Phoenix had the same idea as you. But don’t worry, once you’re a mile in, it’s just you, the lizards, and your questionable life choices. The trail system? Stupid good.
I am a 2024 GCU graduate and wanted to experience this place because I saw some pictures online and liked them. Here, I wanted to share some of the pictures I took.
Great hiking for all levels. Mountain biking the trails are narrow with hikers which is not the best. Very family friends, they do ha e bathrooms, no water fountains at all. Also high levels of wildlife meaning rattlesnakes everyday.
The sky was awash with clouds and we were looking for a place to see sunset far from the miles of concrete and freeways. The parking lot of the Desert Vista trailhead leading up into the Sonoran preserve, with a Vista downhill to the setting son was perfect.
Trail conditions & character
“Try arranging a hike so you're coming down the hill to the parking lot around sunset, if you're comfortable hiking when it is getting darker- very nice views.”
“Visitors can enjoy the Dragonfly Trail, a scenic loop offering a glimpse into the thriving plant and animal life that make the Sonoran Desert so unique.”
“The trails were not crowded, plenty of challenging single-track for Mountain bikers.”
“Try arranging a hike so you're coming down the hill to the parking lot around sunset, if you're comfortable hiking when it is getting darker- very nice views.”
“This huge preserve is splendid, well maintained, and clearly labeled trails, excellent bathroom facilities, ample parking.”
“Visitors can enjoy the Dragonfly Trail, a scenic loop offering a glimpse into the thriving plant and animal life that make the Sonoran Desert so unique.”
“The place has ample car parking, rest rooms and drinking water fountain facility.”
“Great well kept trails, clean bathrooms with accessible parking.”
Plan your run at Sonoran Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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
- 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 |
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