Sonoran Preserve -Desert Vista Trailhead

The sky was awash with clouds and we were looking for a place to see sunset far from the miles of concrete and freeways. The parking lot of the Desert Vista trailhead leading up into the Sonoran preserve, with a Vista downhill to the setting son was perfect. We saw a handful of people parking or already on the trail leading uphill on their way to see the sunset from a higher vantage. We found our spot in the chaparral, taking in the changing light of a magnificent 360 sunset over the next hour.

The Sonoran Desert, stretching across parts of Arizona, California, and Mexico, is one of the most biologically diverse deserts in the world, known for its iconic saguaro cacti, dramatic sunsets, and vibrant wildlife. Nestled within this remarkable ecosystem is the Jewel of the Creek Preserve in Cave Creek, Arizona a hidden gem that showcases the desert’s surprising richness. This 26.6-acre preserve, managed by the Desert Foothills Land Trust, features the rare, year-round flow of Cave Creek and a lush riparian habitat of cottonwoods and willows, creating a striking contrast with the surrounding arid landscape. Visitors can enjoy the Dragonfly Trail, a scenic loop offering a glimpse into the thriving plant and animal life that make the Sonoran Desert so unique.

Sonoran Preserve is basically Disneyland for dirt lovers. Massive parking lot, which is a blessing because apparently the entire city of Phoenix had the same idea as you. But don’t worry, once you’re a mile in, it’s just you, the lizards, and your questionable life choices. The trail system? Stupid good. You can chain together loops like you're playing some kind of outdoor Choose Your Own Adventure, except instead of dragons and treasure, it's dehydration and glute cramps. Trails are well maintained, clearly marked, and full of opportunities to feel way more athletic than you actually are. Tons of peaks to climb if you're into pain and snacks with a view. I highly recommend hauling your ass up one, pretending you're the main character in a wilderness movie, then immediately sitting down to eat like it’s your reward for surviving a slight incline. Hike it, run it, bike it, whatever your flavor of suffering is, this place delivers. Five stars. Come early, bring water, and don’t trust the breeze. It’s lying.

Such an awesome hike right in the city. Highly recommend it!

I am a 2024 GCU graduate and wanted to experience this place because I saw some pictures online and liked them. Here, I wanted to share some of the pictures I took. I was walking through this place, the Sonoran Preserve—Desert Vista Trailhead, thanking God for the blessings that he has allowed me and I heard the voice of God speak to me about many things but there was one specific thing that I wanted to share with you all. God told me, "When many believed that you would die in the desert, I made you flourish." These are the things that keep me rooted in the Lord, because no matter what situation you find yourself in, God never abandons his children. In the time of abundance, everything is easy, but in the difficult times, the true worshiper comes forth. When God allows a flood to happen, when you are persecuted, when you're sent to the lion's due to being faithful, or when a fiery furnace is opened for you, when scarcity comes or any other disease comes to your body, what happens then? That is when it is determined whether or not you will flourish in the desert. God bless you much.

Easy to medium trails. Amazing view of the city from top (Dixie summit). There are lots of loops, so better follow trail tracks and signage. One can use Google maps to track the trails and circle back to origin. The place has ample car parking, rest rooms and drinking water fountain facility. Its free and not much crowd. Mountain bikes and pets allowed. Carry good amount of water as usual as trails are longer. One can witness the breathtaking view of valley and newer constructions like TSMC from top.

Very nice natural trail to walk, it’s with rocks and soil. Not that hard to walk. I went there during January, around 3 30pm. Climate was good. Walked for around 2 hrs and returned. Take enough water while walking… it’s scenic place and easy to cover…

This huge preserve is splendid, well maintained, and clearly labeled trails, excellent bathroom facilities, ample parking. The trails were not crowded, plenty of challenging single-track for Mountain bikers. It is spring and everything is blooming. Owls 🦉 vultures, coyotes, javalinas and more...