315-Mile Maricopa Trail Links Regional Parks All Around the County

maricopa trail map
The red line shows the Maricopa Trail circling the county. Map courtesy Maricopa County

Nearly two decades ago, county planners envisioned a 315-mile trail that would circle Maricopa County, connecting all the county parks and other trails into one giant system. To mark completion of the loop this year, all county parks will waive entry fees on Saturday, Nov. 17, which is also national Take a Hike Day.

The loop now connects 1,521 miles of trails, used by walkers, runners, cyclists and equestrians.

The northern part of the trail hugs the southern edge of Anthem, connecting Lake Pleasant Regional Park to Cave Creek Regional Park and the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area. It goes under I-17 in Deadman Wash at the Daisy Mountain Drive interchange.


SUBSCRIBE & STAY INFORMED
North Phoenix Newsletter
Anthem Newsletter


The trail goes under I-17 and the onramp and offramp, just south of the Daisy Mountain Drive overpass. Photos by Robert Roy Britt

“Open space is one of the most valuable assets we have in Maricopa County and I think it’s fitting that we celebrate this milestone on National Take a Hike Day,” said District 3 Supervisor Bill Gates.

At Cave Creek Regional Park, a grand opening will mark installation of a Maricopa Trail kiosk, after which rangers will conduct guided hikes. Game & Fish and other organizations will be there to talk about what they do.

Grand Opening Ceremony
10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 17
Cave Creek Regional Park
37900 E. Cave Creek Parkway
www.maricopacountyparks.net
602-506-2930
[email protected]
Free

Maricopa Trail Access Points in the North Valley

Anthem Equestrian Trailhead
Daisy Mountain Fire Station 145
1120 W. Desert Hills Road, adjacent to eastern Anthem

Andy Kunasek at Spear S Ranch Trailhead
New River Road, just north of Desert Hills

Overton Trailhead
Cave Creek Regional Park
37900 E. Cave Creek Parkway

The Anthem Equestrian Trailhead in Desert Hills has a map and trail information for the Maricopa Trail
It’s surprisingly quiet under I-17 on the Maricopa Trail. But mud and debris from October rains, still evident in early November, suggest you wouldn’t want to be in this spot during a flood.

Brand New Anthem Home for Sale

ADVERTISEMENT
This never-lived-in Ravenna model in Circle Mountain, by Pulte, is fresh and ready to make memories. Perfect floorplan! Phoenix utilities.
4 BEDS | 2.5 BATHS | 3-CAR GARAGE | 2,582 SQFT | $399,000
44622 N 41st Drive, Anthem
Call or CLICK TO LEARN MORE

Robert Roy Britt
NoPho resident Robert Roy Britt has written for In&Out publications since its inception in 2005. Britt began his journalism career in New Jersey newspapers in the early 1990s. He later became a science writer and was editor-in-chief of the online media sites Space.com and Live Science. He has written four novels. .

Robert Roy Britt

NoPho resident Robert Roy Britt has written for In&Out publications since its inception in 2005. Britt began his journalism career in New Jersey newspapers in the early 1990s. He later became a science writer and was editor-in-chief of the online media sites Space.com and Live Science. He has written four novels. .

npneditor has 481 posts and counting.See all posts by npneditor