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TURNBUCKLE TRAIL
Skyline
Regional Park,
Buckeye
 |
| Turnbuckle Trail links to Valley Vista Trail for a summit climb |
Buckeye
Mayor Jackie Meck was spot-on when he quoted Andy Warhol during the
grand opening ceremony of Skyline Regional Park. The
20th-century
artist famous for his paintings of soup cans and celebrities said, "I
think having land and not ruining it is the most beautiful art that
anybody could ever want." Perhaps Warhol's spirit was riding
shotgun on the mini
track
hoe that blazed the trails in this 8,600-acre West Valley outdoor
recreation hub that was official rolled out on January 9, 2016.
That's one possible explanation as to why the trail layout features
so many beautifully framed vistas and organic vignettes. Much like a
perfectly executed brushstroke or acrobatic back flip, the system is
fluid and comfortable in its skin. The "skin" consists of
the pristine washes and foothills of the southern White Tank
Mountains. The dirt paths wrap around the terrain like whispers revealing secrets contained within area's natural elements
without ever getting in the way.
Although it's located just 2 miles
north of Interstate 10, the blissfully quiet site has a wild yet
accessible feel to it.
The 3-mile,
moderate-rated Turnbuckle Trail is the longest of the seven Phase I
routes. Like most hikes in the park, it begins with a stroll across
a graceful, oxidized bridge spanning Mountain Wash. It loops around
a prominent mountain peak and connects with Valley Vista Trail for an
optional 0.33-mile, difficult climb to the summit. This short hiker-only trek
involves some steep, narrow sections with drop offs.
So far, 6 miles of
trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding are complete. Eleven
more miles are on deck to open by September of this year. Mayor Meck
concluded the opening ceremonies by describing future plans for even
more trekking routes and enhanced facilities promising the crowds,
"You ain't seen nothin' yet."
LENGTH: 4 miles
RATING:
moderate-difficult
ELEVATION: 1,500' -
2,300'
FACILITIES:
Restrooms, picnic tables, campsites
FEES: None for day
use. Camping is by reservation only.
GETTING THERE:
2600 N. Watson Road,
Buckeye
From Interstate 10
in Buckeye, take the Watson Road exit and go 2 miles north to the
park. Roads are paved and
sedan-friendly dirt.
INFO:
MORE PHOTOS:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10203790815329582.1073742059.1795269672&type=1&l=d21f7072cf
