TRAIL DESCRIPTION

Dreamy Draw Recreation Area’s main trailhead is tucked back conveniently off of the SR-51 and Northern Ave. Hikers, horseback riders, mountain bikers, and dogs can park in the parking lot with designated areas for horse trailers and grab water or some shade in the ramada area. There is also a parking lot for cars and horse trailers with restrooms and water on 40th street (typically not as busy as the main parking lot!).

TRAIL STATS

• Length: 10.7mi (Trail 100)/5.9mi (Trail 1A)
• Trail Type: Out and Back/Loop
• Trail Trailhead Elevation: 1,500ft
• Gain/Loss: +700ft.
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Kid Friendly: Yes
• Dog-Friendly: Yes (and horse friendly!)

THE HIKE

Plenty of signs posted explain the trails, but throughout the recreation area there are unlimited opportunities for breaking off the main trail and following a path in the direction you choose. Trail 100 is the main trail throughout Dreamy Draw and offers an infinite number of miles of trail, depending on the route you take. The trail has metal posts along the mapped route, however not along the extraneous routes. There is also the Perl Charles Memorial Trail (Trail 1A) that is a loop trail that follows along one of the peaks and has a good mix of uphills and downhills and has posted markers scattered throughout.

There is a 3.o mi paved, concrete path that many cyclists and runners find appealing as it borders the Phoenix Mountains preserves between Northern and the freeway and 32nd Street and Mountain View. There is also a bridge that crosses the freeway to access the north side of the park’s trails.

GETTING THERE

HIKING TIPS

Please follow Leave No Trace Principles by taking only pictures and leaving only footprints.

Make sure to take LOTS of water! This trail doesn’t offer much shade during the daytime.

The trail is full of loose rock so make sure to wear sturdy shoes with good soles.

This is a great hike for dogs because there is very little cholla and is pretty wide.

THE NARRATOR

This blog was thoughtfully written by Meghan Marriott. You can find her on Instagram at @Meghan.haley.

* Please remember to hike at your own risk. To learn more please refer to our Hiking Disclaimer.