Dreamy Draw Recreation Area

The Dreamy Draw Recreation Area, located in north Phoenix at the side of Piestewa Peak, is a scenic city park with hiking trails and picnic areas. This is the place to go to get away from city traffic, without having to leave the city. The serene desert park is filled with typical lower Sonoran desert flora like saguaros, golden barrel cacti, creosote, ocotillos and other desert trees and shrubs. Wildlife spotted in this area include jackrabbit, cottontail rabbit, ground squirrel, kit fox an...

The Dreamy Draw Recreation Area, located in north Phoenix at the side of Piestewa Peak, is a scenic city park with hiking trails and picnic areas. This is the place to go to get away from city traffic, without having to leave the city. The serene desert park is filled with typical lower Sonoran desert flora like saguaros, golden barrel cacti, creosote, ocotillos and other desert trees and shrubs. Wildlife spotted in this area include jackrabbit, cottontail rabbit, ground squirrel, kit fox and more than 50 types of birds. Most hiking trails at Dreamy Draw are easy to moderate, and picnic areas can accommodate 200 people. To get to the park, drive east along Northern Avenue to the parking lot located under Piestewa Freeway. The park can be accessed by foot or bicycle along a paved trail that starts just south of Shea Boulevard and 40th Street. 2421 E. Northern Ave. Trailhead Hours - 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Trail Hours - 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Difficulty:Moderate Access: Start at the 302 Trailhead. Proceed to Piestewa Peak Freedom Trail to connect to Piestewa Peak Summit Trail. Description: The Dreamy Draw Nature Trail is a short multi-access loop trail that provides a true Sonoran Desert experience. The trail crosses a number of desert washes and, at times, becomes somewhat rocky. Trail users will observe a wide variety of native Sonoran trees and other plant life and may encounter a glance at the resident wildlife. Coyotes and rabbits are commonly observed on this trail. The springtime wildflowers may offer beautiful photo opportunities. This loop trail is part offers great views of Piestewa Peak and other secluded areas near the trailhead. A restroom and drinking fountain are located near the trailhead. Distance: 1.5 miles Elevation Change:180 feet