Hello readers! We got some lovely rain last week and normal temperatures. Things will be heating up again this week, but we can hope for one more cool down before summer hits. Even though it gets warm, we still need to get out and stretch our legs. We found an interesting place over the weekend called the Reach 11 Recreational Area.
It is located just past the Musical Instruments Museum and is very close to the Desert Ridge shopping center. To get there, take 101 East to the Tatum Boulevard exit but turn away from the shopping district and go right. It isn’t too far down the road and truly is just past the MIM on your right. You’ll see a sign for the “Horse Park” first, but after turning right, you would go straight through the gate for that. Take an immediate left into the dirt parking lot for the trail.
Parking is free and dogs are welcome. In fact, we read that this is a very popular dog-walking trail. NOTE: Once again, there are no human restrooms. Plan accordingly.
We met some very nice folks in the parking lot who gave us the 4-1-1. They said it is an out and back, flat dirt 
path that goes about four miles. Each under pass you go under is a mile, so it has great markers. If you are a runner, you know those help keep you going. We weren’t running today, but mom thought it was an awesome trail to do that…flat and fast!
Mom had played tennis the day before and cleaned the entire house, so we were interested in a nice, casual Sunday stroll. This was perfect. Don’t expect a super scenic trail, though, as this is in the middle of the city. Back when it was created, it was truly in the middle of nowhere. The name reflects the section of the Central Arizona Project canal that is borders. Of course, today it is surrounded by apartments, homes and shopping.
Yet, while you are in there, it feels pretty remote. For the first part, you will hear traffic, but as you continue on, the trees absorb the noise. And man, are there a lot of trees! The entire path is lined with Mesquite and Palo Verde trees, and you’ll see lots of Chaparral, too, which are in full bloom. In other words, lots of yellow going on!
In about 40 minutes or so, you’ll come to an intersection. Keep going straight. To the right is the equestrian portion of the park. The trail is friendly not only for dogs and humans but bicycles and horses. Should you be looking for an easy bike ride, this would be it.
We liked how wide the trail was so that bikers could pass with ease. Again, each overpass you come to is a mile, for a total of two for a total of four miles out and back. We didn’t go that far today, but I think mom wants to come run it.
We did meet quite a few dogs, and they were all friendly. Once we made our way back to the car, we drove over to Desert Ridge and shopped at the PetSmart there. I haven’t been inside one in a while, and I got a big case of the “wants!” I wanted this and that, and oh…that smelled heavenly!
If you plan on trying the Reach 11 Rec Area, you might want to also plan on a nice breakfast or lunch at Desert Ridge. It’s a lovely shopping center and would round out your adventure. It is about 20 minutes’ drive for us each way, and with gas prices skyrocketing, you would need to weigh out if this is worth the drive for you.
We were glad to find something easy and new, but it isn’t super scenic. Just different. And that’s all I have to say about that!
My mom, Lorraine Bossé-Smith, is kind enough to help me share my Great Adventures, big and small. My mom is a motivational speaker, corporate trainer, executive recruiter, business consultant, coach, fitness expert, and author of nine published books. More importantly, she’s the best doggy mom ever!
Enjoy my blog at https://www.lorrainebosse-smith.com/category/kuma/kumas-great-adventures/
and be sure to follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kumathedog/ and Instagram: kumaitothedog
Get outside! You never know what you’ll discover, and our paths just might cross. Happy tails!
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