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Thunderbird Reservoir
4.8 ★★★★★ 220 Google reviews · Running trail in Glendale, Arizona · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Thunderbird Reservoir'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.
Desert park with picnic tables, trails for mountain biking, horseback riding, and hiking, and scenic views.
What runners say about Thunderbird Reservoir
“Beautiful views of the valley, adjacent mountains, and you can even see downtown Phoenix.”
“All ages are able to make this hike because there's various trips with different difficulty levels.”
One of my favorite places to hike. You get some of the best views of the valley from the top. This place is dog friendly. I recommend everyone come try to climb the top and see for themselves. ***If anyone likes my honest reviews then please like my post and follow my google account*** -Thanks
Second time at this park, but went to a different entrance this time. I love this place. Varying grades of elevation, the paths split everywhere, and the other patrons are always friendly. Great spot for casual walkers, joggers, runners, mountain bikers, and even horse riders.
Great hiking areas. Ample parking. Paved roads. Many restrooms. Was not packed. Despite the beautiful weather. A lot of open. Clean picnic benches. Nice park. Great elevated views of the valley and mountains. We loved it
I love going to Thunderbird for all sorts of hikes. There are flat trails for people just interested in sight seeing, easy and moderate trails for beginners and difficult trails for a more of a challenge. It is a well-populated trail so you'll see a decent amount of walking traffic at almost any time.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful views of the valley, adjacent mountains, and you can even see downtown Phoenix.”
“Varying grades of elevation, the paths split everywhere, and the other patrons are always friendly.”
“There were locked buildings with no signs indicate they were restrooms or other.”
“There is a 3 hour time llimit for parking here since it is a very popular place.”
“Although I thought it was very funny that there was a sign on the watering trough specifily asking you not to wash your dog in the trough.”
“There are flat trails for people just interested in sight seeing, easy and moderate trails for beginners and difficult trails for a more of a challenge.”
Plan your run at Thunderbird Reservoir
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
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–7 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–7 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–7 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–7 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–7 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–7 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–7 pm |
Running trails near Glendale
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Thunderbird Conservation Park Trailhead
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Public trails spanning easy to difficult terrain for hiking and enjoying the scenery.
Thunderbird Conservation Park
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Large desert park featuring hiking, equestrian & mountain biking trails, bird watching & picnicking.
Thunderbird Conservation Park Trail
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Family-friendly hiking area with scenic trails and ample parking.
New River Trailhead at Fletcher Heights
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Peaceful hiking area with a paved trail and a covered picnic table.
