The stunning Phoenix Sonoran Desert Preserve is waiting for you!

Laura Williams

Photo by NOAA on Unsplash

Welcome to the Phoenix Sonoran Desert Preserve! Here you will find information on what to do, things to see, and more. What are you waiting for? Come explore the Preserve today!


Introduction

The Phoenix Sonoran Preserve is a large protected desert area located in the northwestern part of the city of Phoenix, Arizona. The Preserve comprises over 9,600 acres of land and is home to various desert plants and animals. It is also a popular recreation spot for hiking, biking, and picnicking.


Map


Things to do in the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve

There are many different things that you can do while in the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve. You can go hiking, biking, horseback riding, picnicking, and camping.

The Phoenix Sonoran Preserve also has many events hosted throughout the year, such as stargazing events, full moon hikes, concerts, and more.


Hiking

Hiking - <a href="https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/dixie-mountain-loop-trail?u=m&u=m">Photo Source</a>
Hiking – Photo Source

With an abundance of hiking trails, the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve is a great place to go for a hike. There are trails of all different levels of difficulty, so there is something for everyone. The 36 miles of trails offer views of the desert landscape, as well as opportunities to see desert wildlife.


Biking

Biking - <a href="https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/7038770/the-big-u">Photo Source</a>
Biking – Photo Source

The Phoenix Sonoran Preserve also has many different biking trails. These trails range in difficulty, so there is something for all levels of cyclists.


Horseback Riding

If you want to explore the Preserve on horseback, many companies offer horseback riding tours.


Picnicking

There are many different picnic areas located throughout the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve. These picnic areas have tables, grills, and restrooms.


Camping

If you are looking to spend the night in the Preserve, there are many different camping sites that you can choose from. These camping sites have additional amenities, so check before you go.

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Things to see in the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve

There are plenty of things to see in the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve! Hikers can explore miles of trails, wildlife-lovers can search for animals in their natural habitat, and stargazers can enjoy clear night sky views. Here are some of the highlights:

-The Headwaters Trail is a great introductory hike for visitors to the Preserve. The trailhead is located near the visitor center, and the trail winds through desert landscapes before reaching the confluence of the Agua Fria and Gila Rivers.

-The Moonlight Trail is a favorite among stargazers, as it offers clear views of the night sky away from city lights. The trailhead is located on the east side of the Preserve, and hikers should be prepared for a strenuous hike.

-The Desert Tortoise Trail is a must-see for wildlife lovers. The trailhead is located on the west side of the Preserve, and the trail features desert Tortoises in their natural habitat.

-The Pinnacle Peak Trail is a challenging hike that offers stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape. The trailhead is located on the north side of the Preserve.

-Wildlife enthusiasts will want to keep an eye out for animals like javelinas, coyotes, and desert tortoises while exploring the Preserve. The best time to spot wildlife is early morning or dusk.


Why the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve is important

The Phoenix Sonoran Preserve is one of the largest urban parks in the country, and it’s an excellent spot for hiking, picnicking bird watching, and more. The Preserve is also home to many different species of plants and animals, making it an essential habitat for wildlife.

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How the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve benefits the community

The Phoenix Sonoran Preserve is not only a great place to enjoy the outdoors, but it also provides many benefits to the community. Here are just a few of the ways the Preserve benefits those who live nearby:

· The Preserve helps to improve air quality by providing a space for plants and trees to grow and absorb carbon dioxide.

· The Preserve also helps to improve water quality by filtering pollutants and storing water during heavy rains.

· The Preserve is home to many different species of animals, providing a valuable habitat for them to live and thrive in.

· The Preserve provides opportunities for people to get outside and enjoy recreation activities like hiking, biking, and horseback riding. This can help improve mental health and overall wellness.


What the future holds for the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve

The Phoenix Sonoran Preserve is a new kind of urban wilderness park. It is 21,000 acres of desert with 150 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. There are also 15 miles of canals for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. The Preserve is home to many different kinds of plants and animals, including some that are rare or endangered.

The Preserve is still being developed. In the future, there will be more trails, canals, places to camp and picnic, and more ways to learn about the desert.


How you can help the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve

The Phoenix Sonoran Preserve is one of the largest urban preserves in the country and is a vital piece of the Valley’s ecosystem. The Preserve is home to various plants and animals and provides critical habitat for many threatened or endangered species.

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You can help the Preserve by doing your part to protect its natural resources. Please stay on designated trails, obey all posted signs, and do not remove any plants or animals from the area. You can also help by supporting the Preserve through volunteering or donating.


Events

The Phoenix Sonoran Preserve hosts many different events throughout the year. These events include stargazing events, full moon hikes, concerts, and more. Check the website for a complete list of events.


How to get to the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve

The Phoenix Sonoran Preserve is located in the northeast Valley, just north of Scottsdale and Phoenix. The best way to get to the Preserve is by car. There are three main entrances to the Preserve, one off at 1600 E. Sonoran Desert Dr. one at 705 W. Carefree Hwy. and one at 1900 W. Desert Vista Tr..


Hours

The Preserve is open daily from 5AM to 7PM.

We hope you enjoyed reading about all the great things there are to do in the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve!

This is just a taste of what the Preserve has to offer – be sure to explore and find your own favorite places and activities in this unique and special desert landscape.

For further information look here: https://www.phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/sonoran-preserve

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