Overview

Hype:

The Mountain Wash Trail in Skyline Regional Park, Buckeye, Arizona, is a 1.25-mile point-to-point trail that connects with other routes in the park, such as the Turnbuckle and Skyline Crest Trails, allowing for extended hikes and loop options. The trail traverses a wash area, providing a unique perspective of the desert's natural erosion patterns and diverse flora. Hikers will encounter typical Sonoran Desert vegetation such as creosote, brittlebush, mesquite, and various cacti, including barrel and cholla. The trail is open to hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians, with dogs permitted on a leash. As with all desert hikes, visitors should carry sufficient water and be prepared for limited shade.

Trail Condition: Class 2 (Trail may have tree roots or rocks jutting out. Navigation skills may consist of following rock cairns and choosing turns at junctions. Elevation gains may be more substantial.)

Time: 30-45 minutes

Length: 1.25 miles one way, connecting to adjacent trails

Elevation Gain: +466 ft, -40 ft

Fees: None

Recommended Ages:

	0-3
	4-11
	12-19
	20-49
	50-69
	70+

Recommended Months to Visit:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

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Dec

Location

Closest City or Region: Skyline Regional Park, Buckeye, Arizona

Coordinates: 33.488200, -112.559953

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Brochure

February 22, 2025 Trip Report

By Jeremy Dye

Trip Members

Jeremy Dye,

Story

After Vulture Peak, I went to Skyline Regional Park. I hiked a loop trail up to the peak and around the mountain. That trip included portions of the Quartz Mine Trail, the Skyline Crest Trail, and the Mountain Wash Trail. As I was nearing the summit, Tara called, and we talked for most of an hour while I laid down in the shade and rested. 

Still at Skyline Regional Park, I walked around the Red-tailed Hawk Interpretive Trail. They had a bunch of interpretive signs of the different desert plants and animals. I liked the information but did not like that the trail required you to backtrack lots of sections in order to see everything because there was no continuous loop through everything.

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