Ocotillo Trail and Sidewinder Trail Loop(edit)

Overview

This is a moderate loop trail in Arizona.

Getting Started

This loop starts from the Desert Hills Trailhead at the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve located on Carefree Highway. The trailhead has plenty of parking and restrooms but no potable water. The Ocotillo is rated as moderate and is a great hiking and mountain biking trail. The trail itself is fairly wide and not to rocky. While walking or riding you will enjoy the views as you descent down and out of pretty washes as you go. The Sidewinder trail is rated as moderate/difficult and is the most technical trail in the park. This trail has some challenging climbs and steep descents for both hikers and bikers. I would start this trail going south following the Ocotillo Trail to complete the toughest part of the climb first and follow it around to the Sidewinder trail for an easier hike back to the trailhead. This is a great loop to get a quick moderately challenging work out in while enjoying the beautiful views of the desert.

Taking Children

Great for children and dogs.