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I know I saw a conversation about closing times on Piestewa on the forum lately, but I can't find the thread so I'm starting a new topic....

What's the deal about the closing times for the Phoenix area preserves? The City of Phoenix website says the roads/trailheads close at 7pm, but trails are open until 11pm. I was at South Mountain a few days ago hiking the Ranger Trail, and I was concerned about getting locked in at 7, but I saw a lot of people showing up to hike and driving up the San Juan Road at 6:30 - 6:45. When I left at 7:15, they had the gate going in closed, but I was able to leave. Is there a different time after 7 that your car will get locked in? Also, is it different for each area? I'm also interested in areas that may not be run by the City of Phoenix. Here are the areas I would especially like get info about:

South Mountain
Deem Hills
The McDowells
Estrella Mountain Regional Park
White Tanks Regional Park

The Estrella Mountain trail head, near Phoenix International Raceway, is open from sunup to sundown; and yes, they will lock in your vehicle at the gate if you stay too long. It is my neck of the woods, so I do a lot of mountain biking in there.

Park your truck next to the old 115 Ave bridge, where the fishermen go, to avoid paying the $6 parking fee. That way you do not have to worry about getting locked in for the night. The ride/walk in fee is only $2 at the self pay station. Since I like to ride at sundown when it is cooling off, parking outside the gate is the best route.

Bolt Cutters.

Nighthiker wrote:Bolt Cutters.

We call those "llaves" :A1:

For the McDowells use the Horseshoe trailhead. 24/7 access. There are others that are always open too (Bell & 104th). South Mountain has a lot of trailheads. Some close some don't. I find the ones with no restrictions and use them. I use the south trailheads since they are closer to home. I'm sure some of the north and west trailheads, closer to you, are unrestricted.

If there is a restriction at the North Mountain area, it is not enforceable due to there being dozens of access points / informal trailheads ...

Can't say too much about the White Tanks as I'm usually gone before closing hours. However, the park's posted open time is 6am, and I've driven though there at 5am without issue. My guess is, it's the same with closing. Heck, I don't even know if there is an actual gate at the entrance. I've never payed attention. :whistle: