Export to Trail Guide
Create Guidebook 
Download GPX 
Print Friendly MapThe Cave Creek Wash Trail is a paved multi-use trail along the banks of Cave Creek in Phoenix. The trail consists of two disconnected segments, the longest of which is the southern section. This section also traverses Cave Creek Park and connects to both the Arizona Canal Path and the Cave Creek Tributary Trail. The shorter northern section provides access to Werner's Field Park.
Both sections provide access to residences, businesses and other recreational opportunities.
Parking can be found at the southern end of the trail at the Rose Mofford Sports Complex (9833 N. 25th Avenue, Phoenix). Farther north, parking is available in Cave Creek Cholla Park (near the intersection of 25th Avenue and Cholla), Cave Creek Cactus Park (near 25th Avenue and Cactus Road), and Cave Creek Thunderbird Park (at 23rd Avenue and Thunderbird Road). On its northern end, park at Werner's Field Park (7th Avenue and Grovers Avenue).
I accessed this from a park on Cholla street. My daughter does volley ball at AZ sky and I always look for places for my son to bike and I run along with him. This trail was right there 5-10 min jog from AZ sky volleyball. I just don’t know how to access the canal system from this trail. I start around N19th/cholla street. I am new to to phoenix. If someone knows how to access canal system from this trail please if you can email me- emailrashi@gmail.com. It is a peaceful trail and has some tunnels and parks. Thanks!
There were small portions of the trail starting at the northern end that were nice (Union Hills and 4th) but within a half mile it quickly became trashy. The trails end abruptly and you’re left without a clue which direction to ride. Pressing south the trails became filled with trash and debris until you hit the golf course. There things started looking better but the asphalt along the course was rough and the lawn mowers spewed the cut grass and rocks onto the trail. I’m tempted to start my ride again at the golf course heading south and see how that looks. As I told my friend - there were two things I liked about that ride: 1) the weather was nice and 2) I was in my bicycle. This ride falls to the bottom of my list of trails in this area!
Some people may not like this trail and that's okay. This trail had its share of transients, litter and grafitti, but it's not without its charm.
The cave Creek wash trail runs from Union hills just between 7th avenue and central and runs till it intersects with the AZ canal trail around 32nd and Dunlap.
On this ride you will experience lots of different sights. The trail cuts through a few neighborhoods at first and give you glimpses into various people's yards, but once you get closer to 19th ave it changes shape and then you're riding past golf courses, parks, businesses and even a theme park.
Overall I would recommend this trail to everyone. This trail is Phoenix in a nutshell.
parking at Rose Mofford Sports Complex is nice and easy. the trail runs along the water canals found all around Phoenix. the main trail is asphalt, but I ran on the sand between the trail and the canal. didn't notice any shade. no water stops along the trail. carry your water! is nice. lots of bikes along the trails.
I rode my bicycle two miles from my house to the northern end. This is a very rustic ride at the northern end - through desert. There is some shade in parts. It is fully paved except for one small part that my hybrid bike had no problems on. There is trash in the wash, including old shopping carts and bigger items. It has a very musky smell. The underpasses are not lit - so I did not feel too safe - i couldn't see the other side. I had to call 911 because I could hear a fight under one of the underpasses near the park at a more southern point. They responded quickly and they were very polite. I understand there were people living under there. I am not going back. This is not what I expected after reading the other reviews - but it looks like it has been a little while since it was reviewed.
We hopped on at the northern end. Parked at the church lot across the street. Connecting the segments was a little challenging the first time. The first one happens at the bottom of the canal. It is a left, then a right up the hill to the south. The second one happens at 19th. Hang a left then turn into the golf course entrance. The path connects near the practice range. This trail is scheduled to be closed Feb 24-Sep 2 2014!
The southern end is full of parks, bridges and playgrounds, the northern end dips and plays under streets and across a little dirt. Very fun to ride any time of day, decent amount of shade along the path- a rarity in this part of town. I like to connect it with the az canal and union hills to the 51 bike path for a 20+ mile loop with minimal traffic(union hills has a bike lane- all other part of loop can be ridden free from traffic on bike path or canal)
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails conservancy
(a non-profit) and we need your support!
