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RIDGEBACK OVERLOOK-APACHE VISTA CIRCUIT
Phoenix Sonoran Preserve
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| Ridgeback Trail |
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| Hikers approach the Ridgeback Overlook |
There's no better time than around the
holidays to take advantage of the head-clearing benefits of hiking.
When overwhelmed by travel plans, entertaining guests, shopping,
decorating and hyper-excited kids, sometimes you just need to break
away and breath on a peaceful mountain top. You don't have to drive
far, load down on heavy duty gear or spend an entire day in the
wilderness to get to such a place. In fact, if all you have is a few
hours to spare, you can still knock off a double header high point
trek in the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve. Beginning at the Apache Wash
Trailhead, follow Sidewinder Trail 0.86 mile to the Apache Vista
turnoff. This 0.51 mile spur trail circles over two minor peaks above
sprawling desert arroyos where on most mornings, commercial hot air
balloons float overhead.
Enjoy the show then descend and continue 0.3
mile on Sidewinder then turn left onto Apache Wash Trail, hike 0.4
mile an turn right on Ocotillo. From here, follow the signs to
Ridgeback Overlook for a second short loop on a desert mountain peak.
If you're satisfied with just this double peak circuit, hike back
down to Ocotillo Trail and hoof it back to the trailhead. Otherwise,
download the preserve map and make a day of it on the more than 35
miles of trails that criss-cross the preserve's northern sector.
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| Apache Vista Trail |
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| Ridgeback Overlook Trail |
LENGTH: 5.1 miles round trip
RATING: moderate
ELEVATION: 1720' - 2002'
GETTING THERE:
Apache Wash Trailhead, 1600 E. Sonoran
Desert Dr., Phoenix.
From Loop 101 in north Phoenix, take
Cave Creek Road exit 28 and go 4.5 miles north to Sonoran Desert
Drive. Turn left (west) and continue 3.5 miles to the trailhead on
the right. The preserve is open daily from sunrise to sunset. There
are restrooms but no water at the trailhead.
INFO & MAP:
