Ridgeback Trail - Sonoran Preserve N, AZ

Overview
The Ridgeback Trail is one of several trails in the northern area of the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve. It crosses a hill near the east end of the park providing good views in all directions from the top. I've described it hiking from the Sidewinder Trail in a southeasterly direction which is opposite the milepost numbering by the city to its end at the Ocotillo Trail. The trail is marked with an "R" on a green background.


Hike
Beginning at the Sidewinder Trail milepost 2.50 (N33 46.961 W112 03.579) which is also indicated by Ridgeback Trail milepost 1.53 hike gradually down through a small valley and then begin a gradual climb. There are a couple of switchbacks as you climb. At 1.25 miles (MP .60 N33 46.459 W112 03.315) the junction with the Ridgeback Overlook Trail on the right is reached at the highpoint on the Ridgeback Trail. Bear left (downhill) to stay on the Ridgeback Trail. At 1.35 miles (MP .55 N33 46.442 W112 03.276) you reach a second junction where the Ridgeback Overlook meets this trail. Turn sharp left (downhill) to stay on the Ridgeback Trail. Continue descending through a switchback to the end of the trail at the junction with the Ocotillo Trail at 1.62 miles (Ridgeback MP 0.00, Ocotillo MP 0.68, N33 46.244 W112 03.231).

2013-05-20 MEWhiteman