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Thunderbird Park

3.5 star rating
based on 7 reviews

Category: Parks  [Edit]

N 59th Ave & Deer Valley Rd
Glendale, AZ 85311
Good for Kids:
Yes

7 reviews for Thunderbird Park

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Photo of Christine T.

Elite '09

35

86

Christine T.

Glendale, AZ

4 star rating
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!

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Photo of Alisa H.

 

16

15

Alisa H.

Phoenix, AZ

4 star rating
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!

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Photo of Todd B.

 

17

33

Todd B.

Glendale, AZ

5 star rating
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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Photo of Albert H.

 

16

546

Albert H.

Glendale, AZ

1 star rating
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.

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Photo of Deb L.

Elite '09

476

213

Deb L.

Phoenix, AZ

4 star rating
Updated - 2/7/2009 1 photo

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.

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 5 star rating
    8/25/2008

    I adore hiking the trails all over this area. There are a  variety of choices to choose from . Not… Read more »

Photo of Elyssa G.

 

7

21

Elyssa G.

Dallas, TX

4 star rating
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!

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Photo of Emily D.

Elite '09

51

142

Emily D.

Washington, DC

4 star rating
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!

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