Thunderbird Conservation Park
Trailhead Entrances
- 59th Avenue between Deer Valley and Pinnacle Peak Roads
- 55th Avenue off of Pinnacle Peak Road
- 67th Avenue and Patrick Lane
Be advised: open fires are prohibited in Glendale Parks per Glendale City Code 16-16.
If you witness park violations please contact the Park Ranger at 623-695-3004.
Have You Been Here?
Experience the Beauty of Thunderbird Conservation Park
If you appreciate spending time in nature, Thunderbird Conservation Park offers a serene and scenic setting for all to enjoy. The park features well-maintained trails suitable for hiking, biking, running, and horseback riding.
For those seeking a quieter experience, there are also peaceful areas perfect for relaxation and reflection. With a variety of outdoor opportunities, the park provides something for visitors of all interests and activity levels.
Thunderbird Conservation Park Video
About Thunderbird Conservation Park
Thunderbird Conservation Park is a 1,185-acre natural preserve located in the Hedgpeth Hills, dedicated to the protection and appreciation of the desert environment. The hills are named after Robert Hedgpeth, an early homesteader in the area. The park itself was named in honor of the nearby World War II pilot training facility, located approximately four miles to the south.
The City of Glendale initially acquired the park in 1951 through a lease agreement with the federal government, and with the support of the Glendale Women’s Club and the Glendale Rotary Club, full ownership was obtained in 1956. From 1963 to 1984, Maricopa County managed the park, a period during which many significant improvements were made. In 1984, operational responsibility was returned to the City of Glendale.
Today, Thunderbird Conservation Park offers a variety of recreational opportunities including picnicking, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, jogging, and bird watching. Approximately 15 miles of multi-use trails have been developed through the dedicated efforts of numerous volunteer groups, helping to make the park a treasured destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Trail Etiquette at Thunderbird Conservation Park
During peak times, trails at Thunderbird Conservation Park can become quite busy. As the number of visitors increases, so does the importance of following responsible trail use guidelines. These practices help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all park users.
Please remember—courtesy goes a long way, and you might even make a new friend along the way. Most importantly, help us protect this fragile desert environment by staying on designated trails. Your cooperation helps preserve the park’s natural beauty for everyone to enjoy.
Trail Safety Tips
Check the Weather
Arizona’s dry heat can be misleading—and dangerous. Plan your hike for the cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late afternoon, when there’s more shade.
Dress Smart
Wear sturdy shoes, lightweight clothing, a hat, and don’t forget the sunscreen.
Pack Plenty of Water
Start hydrating before you hit the trail, and bring more water than you think you’ll need. Head back before you finish your supply—don’t wait until it’s gone.
Stay Connected
Bring your phone in case of emergency.
Hike with a Buddy
It’s always safer (and more fun) to hike with others. If you go alone, make sure someone knows your route and expected return time.
Know Your Limits
Be honest with yourself and don’t overdo it. Even experienced athletes have gotten into trouble on Arizona trails due to dehydration.
Stick to the Trail
Help protect the desert and yourself—stay on marked paths and avoid wandering off.
Be Prepared, Be Responsible
Don’t be the one who needed rescuing because they weren’t ready. Respect your limits, follow safety tips, and enjoy the desert the smart way.
Trails
| Trail Name |
Description |
Length |
Level of Difficulty Rating |
| Coach Whip |
Originates at 67th Avenue parking lot at Patrick Lane and concludes at 51st Avenue & Potter. Not designated as a looped trail. |
Approximately 5.0 Miles |
Easy |
Flatlander
|
Originates at 55th Ave & Pinnacle Peak parking lot and is a looped trail. |
Approximately 1.25 Miles
|
Easy |
| Arrowhead Point |
Originates south of Pinnacle Peak parking lot along the Coach Whip trail and ends at Ramadas 14 and 15. |
Approximately 1.5 Miles |
Moderately Strenuous |
| Cholla Loop |
Originates at parking lot A and ends at Coach Whip near 55th Avenue and Pinnacle Peak Rd. |
Approximately 3.0 Miles |
Moderately Strenuous Difficult in certain areas |
| Sunrise |
Originates at the North end of the amphitheater, or near Ramada 11. A branch of this trail originates at Ramada 11, travels west and intersects the Coach Whip trail on the west side of the park. |
Approximately 2.0 Miles with the west branch |
Moderate |
| Ridgeline |
Originates off of the Coach Whip trail and intersects with the Sunrise trail. |
Approximately .4 Miles |
Moderate |
| Desert Iguana |
Originates at 67th Avenue and Patrick Lane parking lot and concludes at parking lot B. |
Approximately .75 Miles |
Easy |
| Chuckwalla |
Originates at Ramada 13 and concludes at Ramada 9. |
Approximately .25 Miles |
Easy |
Viewing Blinds
Four wildlife viewing blinds are located at Thunderbird Conservation Park along the north side of the sedimentation basin. Three of the viewing blinds are accessible from the trails off Pinnacle Peak Road and the fourth is handicap accessible and located off 59th Avenue. These blinds provided areas for viewing the park's 50+ different species of birds and wildlife attracted to the man-made water feature. They feature a decorative block wall with "windows" for viewing, benches and a path to access them. Check them out and be sure to bring binoculars to get an even closer look and/or a camera to capture those precious animals.
Park Wildlife
Sonoran Desert Inhabitants
Mammals
- Desert ground squirrel
- Rock squirrel
- Chipmunk
- Cottontail rabbit
- Jackrabbit
- Kangaroo rat
- Pack rat
- Mice
- Bats
- Peccary (Javelina)
- Mule deer
- Coyote
- Gray fox
- Kit fox
- Raccoon
- Caoti
- Skunks
- Bobcat
- Mountain lion
- Ringtail
Reptiles
- Kingsnakes
- Rattlesnakes
- Non-venomous snakes
- Toads and frogs
- Chuckwalla
- Horned lizard
- Gila monster
- Collared lizard
- Gecko
- Various lizards
- Desert tortoise
- turtles
Birds
- Cactus wren
- Gambels quail
- Dove
- Ducks
- Killdeer
- Herons
- Hummingbirds
- Owls
- Falcons
- Hawks
- Vultures
- Roadrunner
- Osprey
- Raven
- Woodpeckers
- Various song birds
- Coots
- Loons
- Grebes eagles
Cautions
- Teddy bear cholla cactus have segments that readily detach and have very sharp spines that easily penetrate shoe leather. A large comb and pliers are useful in removing them
- Several species of rattlesnakes inhabit some of our parks. If encountered, always leave them a way to escape. Do not tease or harass the snake. The result may be a bite and a trip to the hospital.
- Always look where you place your hands and feet. When hiking, walk with a heavy foot. The snake will sense your approach and leave before you get to it.
- Scorpions and spiders may be found under rocks, in bushes and other places. As with snakes, always look where you place your hands and feet and before you sit down.
- To avoid bees, yellow jackets and wasps, do not wear perfume or scented lotions. Avoid swarms and nests. Do not make loud noises. Bees, yellow jackets and wasps will defend their hives and nests if threatened. If attacked, get out of the area as quickly as possible. Report the attack to the Glendale Parks and Recreation Department at 623-930-2820.
- Other wildlife (coyotes, fox, javelina, etc.)––If encountered on the trail, freeze where you are. Leave a route for the animal to escape. If you are blocking the only escape route, slowly move out of the way and allow the animal to pass.
Location
22800 N 59th Ave, Glendale, AZ 85310 View Map
33.6943417,-112.1879751
22800 N 59th Ave ,
Glendale, AZ 85310
22800 N 59th Ave ,
Glendale, AZ 85310
Thunderbird Conservation Park