Round Trip Distance: 1.8 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: 1498 - 1506 feet
Cellphone: 3-5 bars
Time: 1 hrs.
Trailhead: North Tatum Blvd.
Fee: none
Attractions: Paved interpretive trail
The Barrier Free Nature trail is a wheelchair accessible interpretive trail located in the Reach 11 Recreation Area in Phoenix, Arizona. Bordering the north side of the Central Arizona Project Canal the 1,500 acre Reach 11 Recreation Area has 18 miles of multiple use trails that bisect its nearly 7 mile long and half mile wide expanse.
The Barrier Free trailhead is located on the east side of N. Tatum Blvd., in the 19,000 block, across from the Arizona Horse Lovers Park.
As it leaves the parking area the trail follows a concrete path sharing routes with the E211N trail for a half mile before they separate and the Barrier Free trail transitions from concrete to asphalt.
Interpretive signs along the trail relate interesting facts about the local flora and fauna.
Within a couple hundred feet of leaving the E211N trail a fork comes up and the Barrier Free trail begins making a loop.
Mesquite, Palo Verde and Creosote provide a bit of shade to some parts of the trail.
As the Barrier Free trail bumps up against the Javelina trail there is a small lovely pond that offers a scenic respite for hikers as well as a watering hole for the animals in the area.
Those seeking to enjoy a picnic at this shady oasis will find a table waiting to accommodate their needs.
Map courtesy City of Phoenix |