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Thunderbird Park
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
14 reviews for Thunderbird Park
14 reviews in English
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Review from Beth A.
2/28/2011 14 Check-ins Here
I hate the gym: I feel like a hamster on a wheel when I run on the treadmill. When I hike I feel like I've accomplished something, and I do some of my heaviest thinking and hardest hiking on the trails of Thunderbird Park. There are three separate mountains, and I've hiked every set of trials numerous times.
H-2: This is the trail that begins at 55th and Pinnacle Peak Rd. I trained for the Susan G. Komen half marathon on this trail because the steep incline on the west side of the mountain is a great place to build endurance. The whole trail is about 3 miles total, and it is easy to complete the loop in around 45 minutes. I stopped using this trail because it is really rocky, and I sprained my ankle pretty badly on the steep decline.
H-3: To hike this trail I usually park along Pinnacle Peak Dr. (not to be confused with Pinnacle Peak Rd.) because the major incline is located right off this road. It takes me a solid hour to finish this trail which is about 4 miles total. The path goes behind all of the mansions, and I love seeing the design of all of their backyards.
H-4 through H-4b: I usually hike all three of these loops together for an hour and a half workout. The top incline is small loop in itself, and I do this mini loop about 6 times for a really hard workout. This is one of the busier trails because it has two parking lots: one on Patrick Lane and 67th Ave. and the other right off of 59th and Pinnacle Peak. This is probably the best trail for kids and dogs because it can be modified to be as easy or hard as you like.
Here are also a few rules for new hikers:
1. Don't be offended if people pass you. Everyone has different levels stamina. On this note, please be courteous and allow others to pass if necessary.
2. Please clean up after your dog. I see people that pick up their dog's waste, and still leave the bag on the side of the trail. Even though this park is well kept, leaving the plastic bag is still equivalent to littering.
3. Control your children.
4. Be aware of the wildlife. I've seen rattlesnakes on these trails a few times. One even slithered across my path about 5 feet away from me. It is a good idea to become well versed in snake or scorpion bite care in case of an emergency.
5. Bring plenty of water. During the hot summer months it is easy to know when to hydrate, but it might be more difficult during the winter months.
Overall, this is a great place to get outdoors and workout! Hope to see you on the trail! -
Review from Monique H.
Phoenix, AZ
What an adorable place to hike, so quick and easy, in and out. It took me 45 minutes to hike up the most prominent hill and loop around back towards the parking lot. I usually hike South Mountain and once I start I can't stop, I want to be out there all day exploring new trails. Luckily, Thunderbird doesn't have that many options; apparently it has 15 miles worth of trails but it seems small. This is also the cleanest place I've hiked, I didn't see once speck of trash. If I lived in the area I would be out on these hills every morning. The trails here are super easy and I would recommend it to beginners.
Listed in: Butt Whittling
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Review from Steph R.
Phoenix, AZ
It took me a year and a half of living in Phoenix before I found this park one day while driving on 59th Avenue and I consider it somewhat of a hidden gem. It is nowhere near as challenging as Camelback Mountain or Piestewa Peak but in many ways I find it better.
There's always somewhere to park and it's free. The trails are well marked and easy to navigate. I think the trails are well kept and clean. Only once in awhile I'll have to dodge dog or horse poo. I never feel like I'm going to get lost while out wandering.
Another thing that was super important to me was that I feel safe hiking here alone in the early morning. Most of the people that hike here are friendly and will give a polite "Hello" or "Good morning" in passing - which I noticed some Yelpers tend to not like, what the heck?
On some portions of the trail you almost feel like you're not in the city anymore - it's that quiet. Definitely one of my favorite places to spend a morning in the Phoenix area. -
Review from Scott R.
Canton, MI
First time hiking and really enjoyed Thunderbird. Plenty of trails that were just challenging enough. Could have used a few more directional signs. From out of town and had a little trouble finding my car when I was done. Excellent location though. I'll be back!
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Review from Norm R.
12/10/2010 4 photos
This is officially known as Thunderbird Conservation Park (to distinguish it from Thunderbird Paseo Park, which is also in the same city) and is Glendale's only mountain preserve. I find this to be a good place for hikers who want gentle, well-marked trails and don't want to deal with more strenuous, steeper climbs such as would be found in Camelback or Piestewa Peak. There are ample parking spaces, scenic views, and several large, clean picnic ramadas are available near the parking areas.
Listed in: Nature and the Great Outdoors, Gettin' physical
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Review from Alisa H.
Phoenix, AZ
10/6/2009
This park is very convenient to my house, which is the main reason I come here quite often. There are several different trails you can take, depending on how much of a workout you want (or, in my case, how hungover you are). Yes, it does get crowded and parking in the NW lot can be difficult, especially on the weekends, so go early, by about 7 am. I do think the trails are nicer since they have been widened, but show a little trail etiquette: just because the trail is wider does not mean you get to hike 3 or 4 abreast! Take a look at the trail maps to see which ones are loops and which ones are not. I didn't do this one time and wound up somewhere out on 55th Ave - my 3 mile hike turned into an 8-miler through the scenic Arrowhead community.
And, contrary to other Yelpers, I do like when people say hello. Don't do it, and you may hear me whisper "Bitch" under my breath as you pass by! -
Review from Christine T.
Glendale, AZ
8/5/2009
As a student, sometimes you just wanna get away for an hour or so and not spend money...
Conveniently there are places like Thunderbird park that do the trick.
Located right off 59th Ave, north of the 101 is this sweet small park where you can go on that short run to get your mind off of things that piss you off, or you can long hike up to the highest top and be damn proud you did it.
Whatever your reasons are for coming out here, you'll be glad you did (just bring water... or you won't be so glad); the sights are worth it, your body'll be thankful for some exercise, and hey, why not? It's free! -
Review from Albert H.
Scottsdale, AZ
5/6/2009
Horses and dogs defecate here constantly and there's virtually no enforcement of policies to prevent this from getting worse (at least with the dogs). Often there's drunken people here on Sundays, and they're not exactly "from the area". They then meander up the trail to the smallest hill in their street casual clothes, laughing, and not watching their wandering kids.
Weekends are horrible here because everyone finds the need to say hi to every single person they see going the other direction on the path. It gets old, people. So, avoid weekends if possible.
Trails were much better before they made so-called "improvements" in the way of widenening the paths. Now there's an oversupply of overzealous mountain bikers who don't know that pedestrians have right of way, and are so lacking in dexterity that they can't seem to slow the bike without skidding down the hills.
During prime weather months it is common to have a local pastor sing religious songs on top of the lowest mountain, with a guitar. I'm not sure if I'm more bothered by the fact that he does this, or by the fact that other people are not bothered by this as much as I am. -
Review from Deb L.
The Park trails seem recently refreshed and cleaned up. With the beautiful weather the park is packed. Be prepared to scout out a parking place , if meeting friends maybe meet somewhere else to conserve parking.
Mountain biking was very popular today a the park so keep your ipods on low so you can hear them .
Also this a great place to begin mountain biking with little stress or technical requirements.Listed in: Fun for Kids of all ages, My perfect neighborhood is…, Outdoor Fun!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/25/2008
I adore hiking the trails all over this area. There are a variety of choices to choose from . Not… Read more »
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Review from Elyssa H.
Dallas, TX
3/17/2009 1 photo
Thunderbird Park offers a few different hikes ranging from about 30 minutes to a couple hours depending on your speed. The trails are all fairly easy to manage. Some are easier than others, in that they are essentially just gravel, while others have a few rocks that require traversing.
The views from each of the trails are beautiful so you won't be disappointed in any path you choose.
I've never had a problem with parking, though I've seen the lot get pretty full.
Take advantage of these fun hikes while the weather permits and remember to bring water, especially if choosing a longer hike and as the weather starts to get hot again! -
Review from Emily D.
Washington, DC
4/14/2008 2 photos
Although I have not done it nearly enough since moving here, I do LOVE to hike! I read about these trails through my friends here on YELP and thought I should check them out! I hit a trail and found myself winding up and down several smaller mountains overlooking several Arrowhead subdivisions with a beautiful view of the area. This is not a hardcore hike, but still a really nice afternoon or morning activity. The trails were very quiet and for the most part were well marked. The entire trail is a bit over 4 miles and is a pretty descent working! Unlike some larger hikes I have been on, most of this trail could easily be run if you are interested in a good ass whipping!
Go check it out! People were all friendly, parking was a breeze and it really gives you a nice view of the West Valley and beyond! -
Review from Bridget H.
Glendale, AZ
4/7/2010
This is a fabulous park for a quick but good hike. There are a lot of people there, but I like that because I feel a little safer when I want to hike alone. To me, feeling safe is very important. I agree going early is a good idea though, you don't want to be plowed over by people too much :) I'm going to go again and try a different trail. Oh, and my pups also give it 5 stars.
Listed in: hitting the trails
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Review from Todd B.
Glendale, AZ
10/18/2009 1 photo
This park had a role in why I chose this area to buy a house. I love hiking, being outdoors, and getting excercise while I'm at it. There are several hikes here, which none are to difficult, but not to easy at the same time. The hikes are not nearly as busy as Sqaw Peak or Camleback so parking or bumping shoulders with anyone is never an issue. This recreation area is truely a gem for the Arrowhead area of Glendale. I will be here at least twice a week while the temps remain under 100 in the valley.
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Review from Judy F.
Updated - 4/26/2010
Hiked part of H1 and all of H3 around 4 miles. Yes, I am still slow 2 hours. I love it. People are friendly, nice inclines, and 4 miles is just right for a good workout.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/18/2010
Thunderbird was our second hiking outing for 2010. Kerry said this hike for me, since I need… Read more »
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