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RIDGEBACK OVERLOOK-APACHE VISTA CIRCUIT Phoenix Sonoran Preserve Ridgeback Trail 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. Apache Vista Trail Enjoy the show then descend and continue 0.3 mil...

SIDEWINDER-OCOTILLO TRAILS Phoenix Sonoran Preserve, North Sidewinder Trail near Desert Hills Trailhead We desert dwellers have been lucky this year. May temperatures have been more balmy than blistering, thus extending our cool-weather hiking season by several weeks. But, we all know what's coming--triple digit heat and the ominous whir of rescue helicopters circling above Valley trails. Each year, more than 200 hikers get into trouble on local paths. Although accidents do happen, emergencies like dehydration and heat exhaustion are avoidable. At the new Desert Hills Trailhead that was opened last week, a colorfully illustrated sign gives concise pointers on how to stay safe. The new site provides access to more than 35 miles of trails in the north end of the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve including the two longest routes, Sidewinder (6.98 miles) and Ocotillo (6.25 miles). Sidewinder makes a roller coaster style swing up and around the preserve's hills while Ocotillo wanders along t...

Desert Hills Trailhead Grand Opening: May 21, 2016 Sidewinder Trail, Phoenix Sonoran Preserve Grand Opening ceremonies for the Desert Hills Trailhead in the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve will be held Saturday, May 21, 2016. VIP remarks, ribbon cutting and ranger guided hikes will mark the festive occasion. Located along Carefree Highway in the preserve's north sector, this eco-friendly site will provide plenty of parking and easy access to over 35 miles of pristine desert trails. The trailhead has restrooms but no water. DATE: Saturday, May 21, 2016 TIME: 8 a.m. WHERE: 705 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix (Carefree Hwy. & 7th Ave.) INFO: City of Phoenix Natural Resources Division, 602-495-5458 natural.resources.pks@phoenix.gov MAPS & TRAIL INFO: https://www.phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/sonoran-preserve