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| | Phoenix Sonoran Preserve North Loop, AZ | | | |
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Phoenix Sonoran Preserve North Loop, AZ
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| Hiking | 14.20 Miles |
2,201 AEG |
| | Hiking | 14.20 Miles | 4 Hrs 15 Mns | | 3.70 mph |
| 2,201 ft AEG | 25 Mns Break | | | |
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[ show ]
| no partners | | Had to check out some of the new trails in Phoenix Sonoran Preserve's north section, so I pulled into the Apache Wash Trailhead at 6 am and headed out. The cool, moist air flowing down the Cave Creek Wash pulled the scent from the Creosote and made for a perfect start, along with a band of Coyotes celebrating breakfast maybe 200 yards off in the darkness.
My plan was a counterclockwise loop of the Sidewinder and Ocotillo trails, with a side trip up Apache Vista for the dawn. I arrived on top of Apache Vista a little early, waiting in the chilly wind for the arrival of Sol, who, as always, arrived right on time. 
From there Sidewinder spent some time in the Creosote flats, which was quite nice, before beginning its journey up but not quite to the top of a number of small peaks (though I did opt for the short spur to the top of 2799', the ranges high point). Houses became more visible, and road noise increased on the western half, until I reached the end of Sidewinder and began my return on Ocotillo.
The first mile or so was noisy and boring, until the trail put some hills between it and the Carefree Highway. From there it heads east through about a hundred small washes, with a nice selection of Flora on the way. A nice trail for beginners.
I saw about 20 hikers on my loop, and about 100 bikers, as the trail is pretty smooth. I really like the old-school bells some use, as opposed to yelling as they approach.
Other than my dawn break, I really pushed the pace on this one - the terrain was easy, but I'm definitely feeling the mileage today. |
| _____________________
The past, the present, and the future walked into a bar.
It was tense. |
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Route Editor
Route Scout
