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E211N

Rating: 
One-way Distance: 4.2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
MTB Skill level:
Elevation: 1506 - 1517 feet
Cellphone: 3-5 bars
Time: 1 hrs. 30 mins.
Trailhead: Barrier Free
Fee: none
Attractions: wildlife refuge




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. Of the 25 designated routes in the area the E211N, which stretches between Tatum Blvd. and the Scottsdale Road, is the second longest trail in the area.


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 the trail starts out it shares routes with the Barrier Free Nature trail. It only travels about 500 feet before it is connected to on the right by the E211S trail. Combined together the two trails create a nice loop that comes out to just under 8 miles.


At the half mile point from the trailhead the E211N and Barrier Free trails part and go their separate ways.


A little less than a quarter mile later the Coyote trail branches off on the right. The Coyote trail provides an alternate route via the Javelina trail and can be used to create a shorter loop back to the trailhead or just a change of scenery.


At the 1 mile point there is a short spur that leads over to the Burrowing Owl Observation Area.


Near the 1.2 mile point there is another short spur that this time leads up to the sidewalk on 56th Street. There isn't a trailhead on 56th St. so the spur is mainly to provide local access to the neighborhood.


A little past that the E211N and E211S trails meet up again and travel together as they go under the road.


Once on the other side of 56th Street the two trails split and E211N continues along the northern side of the wide wash through a small forest of mesquites.


At the next junction the Badger trail branches off on the right where it cuts across the middle of the wash to reach E211S. Enroute it is connected to by the E210 trail.


A little over a mile past the Badger junction the Ringtail trail branches off on the right. It also cuts across the wash to E211S and is connected to enroute by the top end of the E210 trail.


Map courtesy City of Phoenix
It is only another 500 feet later to where the E211N trail reaches the eastern boundary of the Reach 11 Recreation Area. At that point there is a short spur that runs out to a small trailhead near the corner of Princess Drive and the Scottsdale Road. E211N is a good choice for some easy hiking, mountain biking or trail running and can be combined with other trails in the area for just the right length desired. If you would like to see it for yourself then all you have to do is 'Take a hike'.