Nature Trail

by Chris  5/28/2000
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The tamely named Squaw Peak Nature Trail is much more than one might imagine. This 1.5 mile loop trail tears through a patch of Sonaron desert with enough valleys and hills to give you a workout. The trail is well marked and could be just what you need to feel that you made something useful of your afternoon. Additionally, this trail gets its classy "Nature Trail" status thanks to the many signs identifying the desert plants along the way. If you can spot a ranger along the way, hit her/him up for an informational booklet that allows you to identify plants according to brown numbered posts.

The Nature Trail is numbered as #304 and begins from the north side of the Apache Ramada parking area. Start left of the informational board and descend a hill to get started. Along your way you will encounter Circumference Trail (302) and come within eyesight of the more crowded Summit Trail.

Getting There: From the Squaw Peak Parkway, take Lincoln Avenue (Glendale Road exit) east to the Squaw Peak Mountain Preserve entrance. Drive to the parking lot at the end of the road at Apache Ramada.