Reach 11 Recreation Area, AZ

Reach 11 runs from Scottsdale Road to Cave Creek Road just north of the canal. There are 3 trailheads and two pedestrian entrances. The trails are multi-use. You will see bikers, horseback riders, and some hikers/runners. If you head west towards Cave Creek, you may see and hear the crowds of a soccer game. There are two main trails (E211S & E211N), along with several splinter trails. View the map for an overview.

As far as wildlife goes, you may encounter coyotes, rabbits(named Pete or Jack), hawks, owls & hummingbirds. If you happen to come across a badger, be very careful. I came across one several years ago, and he/she was pretty pissed-off, having been somewhat displaced by the building of the 101.

If you access the 211S trail from Tatum east, the 7-foot wide dirt trail runs along what to me looks like an old Southern driveway, except the oaks are replaced with mesquite trees. The trail meanders along, and eventually, you are back out in the open. After you pass under 56th street, the trail is mostly desert shrub. There are views of Pinnacle Peak, the McDowell Mountains, and office buildings. Soon you will connect with 211N and start heading west. The trail basically runs parallel with the 211S trail. Once you get west of 56th street, there is a small observatory area to look for the burrowing owl. There is also a paved nature trail, which also splinters off 211N. This paved trail has signs for both the fauna and flora that can be found within the compounds of Reach 11.

If you access from Tatum west, trail 211S is mostly open desert. Views of Skull Mesa, soccer fields, and Pinnacle High School can be seen. The west side also has a horse arena where competitions are held. It also is where the badger was last seen. This wide trail also runs beneath streets and highways, and after about 5 miles, you're at Cave Creek.

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Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.

2009-12-21 BobP