Darren's Rides: March 2010

Reach 11 Recreation Area is a 1,500-acre City of Phoenix, Parks and Recreation district park. The recreation area is approximately 7 miles long and less than 1/2 mile wide. The park runs east and west along the north side of the CAP canal. There are 18 miles of seven foot wide, groomed, multi-use trails that bisect the entire park. The trails meander through a unique xeroriparian desert landscape that is abundant with native vegetation and wildlife. Common plants associated with this habitat include; mesquite, palo verde, acacia, hackberry, desert broom and ironwood. Common wildlife species include; gamble’s quail, morning dove, cottontail rabbit, coyote, and javelina.

The recreation area includes Arizona Horse Lovers Park, a 90-acre world class equestrian facility. The facility includes restrooms, four lighted arenas, a round pen, cattle pens, tie stations, water troughs, wash racks, announcers stands, spectator bleachers and picnic tables. Access to this feature is from the west side of Tatum Blvd.

There are approximately 18 miles of multi-use recreational trails in the Reach 11 Recreation Area. The trails run the entire length of the Recreation Area from Cave Creek Road, east to Scottsdale Road. Trail access points include: Cave Creek Road, Tatum Blvd., 56th Street and Scottsdale Road.

All trails (except the Barrier Free Access Nature Trail) are multi-use (foot, bicycle & horseback) trails and motorized travel is prohibited. The trails are a hard, stable gravel surface and 7’-8’ wide. (except the Barrier Free Access Nature Trail) The terrain is relatively flat with minor grade changes at wash crossings.
There are 5 primary trails running east and west through the park. The trail numbers are W-211S & W-211N west of Tatum Blvd. and E-211S, E-211N & E-210, east of Tatum Blvd. There are 12 connector trails that connect the north and south trails. From west to east they are; Cardinal, Inca Dove, Cactus Wren, Roadrunner, Gambel Quail, Great Horned Owl, Jackrabbit, Coyote, Javelina, Cottontail, Badger, and Ringtail.

There is trail access on the east side of Cave Creek Road, east and west side of Tatum Blvd., east and west side of 56th Street, and the west side of Scottsdale Road. Trail parking areas are located on the east side of Cave Creek Road, near the Water Treatment Plant, at the Arizona Horse Lovers Park on the west side of Tatum Blvd., and on the east side of Tatum Blvd.

Reach 11 Trail Map

More Reach 11 Photo's

The End

The Phoenix Zoo

The Phoenix Zoo is one of America's most successful, privately-owned, nonprofit zoological parks. It began as the vision of one person, Robert E. Maytag, who worked tirelessly to rally community support on behalf of the Zoo. Unfortunately, Maytag himself did not live to see his dream fulfilled. He died suddenly in March of 1962, six months before its scheduled opening.

The Phoenix Zoo is home to more than 1,300 animals including 200 endangered species and participates in 37 Species Survival Plans (SSPs) to breed and maintain endangered species populations in captivity.

African Lion, African Wild Dog (cape hunting dog), Aldabra Tortoise, Arabian Oryx, Asian Elephant,

Bald Eagle, Bornean Orangutan, Capybara, Cheetah, Chilean Flamingo, Coyote, Crowned Pigeon, Desert Tortoise, Fennec Fox, Galapagos Tortoise, Golden Conure, Golden Lion Tamarin, Grevy Zebra, Hamadryas Baboon, Mandrill, Meerkat or Suricate, Mexican Gray Wolf, Mhorr Gazelle, Mountain Lion, Ocelot, Palawan Peacock, Pheasant, Prairie Dog, Radiated Tortoise, Reticulated Giraffe, Rhinoceros Hornbill, Ring-tailed Lemur, Rothschild's Mynah, Spectacled Bear, Spotted Necked Otter, Squirrel Monkey, Sumatran, Tiger, Thick-billed Parrot, Warthog, White Faced Saki, White Rhinoceros.

Conservation Connection

At the Phoenix Zoo we are dedicating a portion of our efforts to a sanctuary for animals that need our help because they have no other place to live. The animals you'll see in Sanctuary include White Rhinos, Asian Elephants, Mexican gray wolf, Cheetahs, Arabian oryx, and a host of other animals. These animals are part of Sanctuary for various reasons. Some of the animals are threatened with extinction and in need of captive-breeding programs. They will live here and produce offspring that will go on to restore wild populations. Our three Asian elephants and other animals that have behavioral problems will get a chance for a better life through the special attention given in Sanctuary. Animals retired from breeding programs and animals that are not needed for breeding programs get lifelong quality care. Sanctuary also includes animals that are being rehabilitated for return to the wild or animals that have an illness or injury that keeps them from ever living a normal life if returned to the wild.

Phoenix Zoo Membership
FREE or discounted admission to more than 150 zoos and aquariums nationwide

Mailing Address:

Phoenix Zoo

455 North Galvin Parkway

Phoenix, Arizona 85008

Phone: 602.273.1341

Fax: 602.273.7078