Reach 11 Recreation Area

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Reach 11 Recreation Area is located in the northeastern part of Phoenix, Arizona.


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Summary

It is a popular outdoor recreation destination for locals and tourists alike. One of the main reasons to visit Reach 11 is its extensive trail system, which includes over 18 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

In addition to its trails, Reach 11 also features several sports fields and a BMX park. Visitors can enjoy playing sports like soccer and baseball, or watch tournaments and games that are held at the recreation area.

Another point of interest at Reach 11 is its riparian areas, which are home to a variety of wildlife and plant species. Visitors can spot birds like herons and egrets, or look for native plants like mesquite and cactus.

One interesting fact about Reach 11 is that it was once used as a landfill before being transformed into a recreation area. Today, the area is a testament to the power of restoration and conservation efforts.

The best time of year to visit Reach 11 is during the cooler months of fall, winter, and spring. Summer temperatures in Phoenix can be extreme, making outdoor activities less enjoyable. However, visitors can still enjoy the recreation area during the summer by staying hydrated and taking breaks in shaded areas.

Overall, Reach 11 Recreation Area is a great destination for anyone looking to enjoy the outdoors in the Phoenix area. With its trails, sports fields, and riparian areas, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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