Hiking the Apache Wash Trail With Kids in Phoenix. The Apache Wash Trail is just over 2.5 miles round trip, and offers beautiful desert scenery, an overlook – and is good for kids!
What we liked about this trail was the variety of desert plants, like saguaros, teddy bear cholla, creosote, and more. This is apparently a great place to hike during wildflower season too, with poppies and lupines. We’ll have to go back this spring!
The trail starts level and has some dips as you round the side of Black Mountain. So while not completely level, it’s not difficult. Keep on the trail for about a mile, until you come to the sign for Apache Trail Vista on the left. Take this small loop for the overlook!
Two notes: the trail gets rocky at points, so wear sturdy shoes, and watch littles. Our toddler did great! Also, beware of mountain cyclists. Most were good about dinging a bell for warning, which was appreciated.
**Addition for 2023**
Wildflowers are out!
It’s about a half a mile walk or less to a great patch of poppies on the Apache Wash Trail! From the trailhead, turn left on Ocotillo Trail, and when Apache Wash goes right, take that. We also hiked about a half mile on the Ridgeway Trail, and there are beautiful purple flowers and more poppies! Note that the Ridgeway trail is steeper.
The Apache Wash Trailhead can be found at 1600 E Sonoran Desert Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85085 (off of Dove Valley/ East Sonoran Drive). There are restrooms, plenty of parking, and a couple of covered ramadas. Gates are open 5 am – 7 pm, and trails are open until 11 pm. No fees. The official website listing is here.
Lots more kid-friendly hiking trails can be found here!
Hiking the Apache Wash Trail With Kids in Phoenix
