Dreamy Draw Recreation Area

One thing I don’t see mentioned in other reviews of this park is that it’s quite obviously a pickup spot. On a recent family outing, we saw at least two sketchy-​looking individuals lurking in the culverts right off the paved trail we were walking on, and our 19 year old daughter was propositioned by a young male biker as she was walking literally 30 feet ahead of the rest of the family. The fact that the park is popular, and fairly heavily used, probably means that it’s overall safe, but I would definitely not feel comfortable being here by myself late in the afternoon.

An abundance of trails at Dreamy Draw so one can feel like they are secluded, since the trails aren’t busy. Love that it’s right off the freeway, so it’s easy to get to. There are many mountain bikers and the occasional horseback rider. My dog loves running around these various trails, great views of downtown Phoenix, and you can’t be that desert landscape here! I love coming out here every so often.

My wife and I decided to take a little putt and have a picnic dinner and watch the sunset. Kinda like a little romantic mid-​week ride. The picnic tables were clean and parking the bikes where we could see them was available also. We had a beautiful view of the sunset and the people hiking were very friendly. I love Phoenix and this little gem in the city is nice to have. Very quiet in the midst of chaos. Definitely a place where you can go to just be alone with your thoughts.

So beautiful and really makes you feel like you got away from the city. There is a wide variety of trails for all fitness levels.
Very tranquil.

After growing up here and having this open space it is difficult to see it developed into the park it is. It is well maintained consideering the use it gets and is a nice recreation spot

I love Dreamy Draw! There’s always plenty of parking. Plus they have bathrooms, a ranger station on site, water fountains, lots of covered picnic tables and even grills. Come and have dinner with the family. Or pack up some water and snacks and head out on the trails. There’s lots of trails to choose from here in any direction — paved paths, easy desert nature trails and more rigorous climbing up the peaks.
Super convenient right off the Northern exit off the 51. Just follow the signs for «Dreamy Draw.» The entrance gate closes at 7pm, so get there before then. You can still exit after that time, so don’t worry about getting locked in there. You can have dogs on a leash or even ride your pony up these trails. Some are brave enough to take bikes too.
This is the desert — be prepared! You will need water. And then, you’ll also need more water. Beware of rattlers, scorpions, coyotes and jackrabbits (I think those things are terrifying!)
Have fun and be courteous of the public park. Pick up after yourself!

Nice park. Exploring this park you get all the scenery and outdoor hiking/​biking/​recreation you could want, without the insane crowds of nearby Piestawa Peak park. There is also a nice bicycle route that meanders through the park allowing cyclists to freely ride between uptown and midtown/​downtown without having to brave the traffic on busy roadways.

I was looking for a quick place to take a hike before heading out to watch the G-​Men at Scottsdale Stadium. My sister suggested this place as another one of her favorite easy spots, that would also be good to take my 3-​year-​old. Dreamy Draw (DD) also happens to be only a few miles from her house as well, so it was conveniently located in the city and not out in the sticks. So, we set off on another Father & Son Hike.
Parking– There’s a paved lot located at the end of N Dreamy Draw Dr that holds about 60 cars. It was about 40% full on a Wednesday morning, so I can imagine it probably fills up fast on the weekends.
Restroom & Amenities– There’s a restroom located at the south end of the parking lot that’s pretty decent; they have stainless steel facilities which are not preferred, but get the job done. There’s also some covered and uncovered picnic tables close by the restrooms – as well as a Volley Ball Court (WTH?).
Trails– The dirt trails were pretty rough and rocky, much like Piestewa Peak – but unlike Piestewa Peak, there are some paved trails here which is muy bueno. We hiked mostly dirt trails, so I’m not sure how far the paved ones extend; I do know they start way down by the freeway (Hwy 51) entrance at the beginning of the park.
Scenery– The overall scenery is nowhere on the level of the Piestewa Peak trails, but there’s still some pretty bitching desert scenery to behold. Unfortunately, these trails don’t go very high so you don’t get the majestic views, but that’s what makes these trails so easy – ye old catch-​22.
Difficulty– On a scale of 1 – 10 I’d rate DD’s trails as a 2 for adults and a solid 5 for kids, but that’s based on the dirt trails. If you do the paved trails I’d imagine those numbers could go down. Of course the 800-​lb Gorilla when talking about hiking in AZ is the weather; that could add a +3−5 on any given day.
Mystique– I didn’t know this until after my hike was over, but my Unilocal friend, Mark R, informed me there are rumors that there’s a UFO buried underneath the Dreamy Draw Dam. I was a bit skeptical, but after a quick internet search I discovered he wasn’t pulling my leg! I need to go back and do some investigation of my own, and I’ll report back then – assuming I’m not grabbed by visitors! Until then check out this website:
I was originally going to give DD a 4-​star rating, but after finding out about the buried UFO it just sent the coolness factor through the roof! I’m so stoked to go back and check out that DD Dam, I almost want to go on a night hike! In all seriousness DD is still a really good place to introduce kids to hiking and is a great way to get in a quick and light workout in Phoenix.

I LOVE Dreamy Draw and I’m there almost every weekend. The park is large with plenty of parking and there are numerous paths/​trails so your sure not to get bored.

While much of Phoenix definitely fits the stereotype of overgrown suburbs and masses of humanity, its nice to remember that we have several wilderness areas where you can get outside and experience nature, and they’re conveniently located right in the center of town. Places like Camelback Mountain, South Mountain, North Mountain Park, and Piestewa Peak are probably the best known, but Dreamy Draw certainly holds its own.
Located right off of the 51 and Northern, Dreamy Draw is a hidden gem right in the center of town. With plentiful parking, and both paved and unpaved trails for every skill level, Dream Draw is a great place to go for a walk, a run, a hike, a mountain bike ride, or even just have a picnic. The different levels of trails means that you’ll enjoy it whether your skill level consists of keeping up with your kids or your avid hiker /​trail runner brother-​in-​law. And you can even bring your dog or ride your horse (if you have one).
So if you want a break from the everyday hustle and bustle of the city streets, take a break and head over to Dreamy Draw. You went believe how real this dream seems.

I was very disappointed with this hiking area. The trails are not well marked and there was a lot of litter. Some areas were more like a trash dump than a nature preserve.
I am a very seasoned hiker with a keen sense of my surroundings and did not feel safe.

Dreamy Draw is a couple of miles from my house. It is a beautiful place to hike, bike, photograph or simply contemplate nature. And most importantly it is the protected home of a large population of indigenous animals and birds … legally protected under Title 13 — Criminal Code — Chapter 29 from abuse and acts of cruelty.
Please remember when you are enjoying this public park that the wildlife was there before you and this is their home, it is not their obligation to get out of YOUR way because you feel they inconvenience you or are a threat to the living bait you dangle before their eyes.
Thread lightly and please don’t throw rocks at the wildlife. If you fail to understand and appreciate the animal kingdom perhaps you should visit you nearest Wal-​Mart and take your aggressions out on humans. You’ll find that they are far less tolerant of senseless human anger and more likely to fight back.
Aside from the wildlife haters you might run across occasionally you will find that the other 99% of visitors to Dreamy Draw appreciate this natural oasis in the heart of a major metropolitan area and welcome their encounters with its full-​time residents during their part-​time visits.

My favorite DD, the best DD, ever (okay I’m a liar, the DDs that make sure I get home safely after a couple of cocktails are epically amazing), but Dreamy Draw is such a sweet treat!!! I love that this is my backyard. I bring my pup here and there are miles and miles of meandering trails. After a few twists and curves I almost forget I’m in the center of the city!
There is a lot of wildlife out here, so watch out for snakes — you will see them — or hear them — in warm months. The coyotes are wiley and bold, and if you have a small dog (as I do), this is not the spot to let her run a few paces ahead of you off leash. I never have, and never will, take my girl off leash here. There is also the occasional javelina, and if you spot one of those pesky peccaries, just turn around. Their personalities are about as sweet as they smell.
Watch out for mountain bikers! Some of these trails have somewhat blind curves, and if you can get out of the path as the bikers come around, they (and you) will be grateful for your reflexes and skip to the side.
I don’t give this five stars because this is a park in which the sense of isolation and solitude attracts some interesting activity. I’ve encountered some drifter types who may be merely homeless, whereas others were clearly using. Either way, as a single woman hiker, it’s just not a great idea for me to linger around the back parts of park for too long so I haven’t explored as much of the park as I would like.

A couple weekends ago some friends from church and I went on an early morning ride through Dreamy Draw to a great breakfast joint in PV, and back again. I didn’t know this trail existed! I’m glad I do now.
I’m getting into mountain biking, and even more importantly getting used to my new bike clips. This trail was pretty good for me to get some easy time in.
We stayed on the paved path through Dreamy Draw. The view was beautiful, and the path is very well cared for. It’s wide enough for walkers, joggers, dog-​walkers, and cyclists — and for cyclists to go around! I’ll definitely be back to this park with my bike and to hike off the paved path.
We came through here around 6:30 — 7:30 a.m. in July, and between 9 – 10 a.m. on the way back after breakfast. At that time of the year, I definitely recommend getting up earlier to avoid the heat and humidity. By the time we arrived back at our parking lot at 10 a.m. it was nearly 100 degrees. However, there were kids along and you’re not likely to get them up at 4 a.m. (ideal time to get started on a bike ride and to be back home by 7:30 a.m.).
Be sure to follow proper walker/​hiker/​biker etiquette! Stay to the right… hikers yield to horses, and mountain bikers yield to everyone.

There’s tons of parking and this is close to where I live the hike is not amazing but its near west phx and the parking lot is big and safe. Not much to see but you can see it off the freeway and its really near the exit. You can mountain bike here.

*****Coyote Alert!!****I love the Draw for hiking, particulary the Voaz loop up above Christianson trail. it is very beautiful up there and it is such a nice place to forget you are in the middle of the city. In fact be prepared to encounter wildlife. I saw a rattlesnake on Thursday and then a coyote approached my dog 3 times on Friday, and by approached I mean ran right up to him. I thought it was a brown dog off-​leash at first. (my dog is close to 40 lbs-​a Wheaten terrier) I had to stomp my feet and yell for the coyote to scamper away. I even had to toss some rocks in its direction. He definitely was stalking us. The coyote was not afraid of me at all but very interested in my dog. I was very lucky that my dog did not get bitten-​close call! If you have a small/​medium dog-​definitely take precautions. I found out that it is coyote pup season so they are particularly aggressive.
Anyway, the coyote scare aside, Dreamy Draw is a great place to hike the many trails as well as mountain bike.

My dogs and I love taking our hikes here!

I love this place! The park is one of the last ones where parking and day use is free. The parking lot is almost always empty. You can pick the sidewalk trail if you’re in the mood or on a different day, you can pick the trails going up to the peak. It’s picturesque, bring your camera. There’s lots of ramada seating.
But on top of that, it also has a mysterious nature. Google Dreamy Draw Park and you’ll find a Wikipedia article about its UFOs and ghosts. Apparently, a UFO crashed around the same time as the Roswell UFO. This is the reason the Highway is numbered 51, after Area 51. The dam was an excuse to pour dirt on top of the crash site, giving this a cool factor rating of 5.
But wait! Read on and you’ll learn that there is a green lady spector seen on the dam at night. Also, there used to be a cinnabar mine there and many hundreds of miners died in the dangerous conditions. The cool factor goes up to 10.
Upon learning about this, I had to go close to sundown and try to record an EVP, which I had done at other places, just never found anything. (I’ve also been to the Eisendrath House, but all was silent there.) Well, here on a peice of audio when I didn’t realize my husband had left the camera rolling, we caught a sarcastic? or excited? ethereal voice saying, «Nooo, wait» right before I shut off the camera.
The last time I was there, a bee hive was above the water fountain. You couldn’t get close to the fountain. Take your own water. Also, be aware that there are no palo verdes in this park. Once you’re on the trails, you’re exposed to the sun all the time.
So if you’re looking for the paranormal, rest, excitement or adventure, you’ll find it here.

My friend Sage and I took a nature walk at Dreamy Draw last week after the death of our dear friend Nicholas.
We decided to hike here and reflect, and this place was the perfect place for it. There’s something about nature that is very therapeutic. The passing of our friend was definitely life altering, but it really made us think about our existence.
Sometimes, the things that we can’t change really end up changing us.
Hiking and reflecting here was very healing, during our challenging days and significant loss of our friend, the ever-​present power of nature was there for our healing and regeneration.
While strolling at one of the trails, it gave me an opportunity to think deeply.
We are only here on earth for a very short time, maybe 100 years at the very most. During that time, we must try to do something benevolent, something good and proactive with our lives because life can be cut short at any time.
Bye Nick!

Most people would think it is absolutely insane to go for a hike at 1pm in the middle of August in Phoenix. me on the other hand, invite this sort of absurdity and embrace doing things out of the norm. Determined to not have a repeat of my Camelback mountain fail, I approached the trails of Dreamy Draw fully hydrated and ready to kick some ass.
There are a few different trails you can follow based off the level of difficulty you can manage. To be quite honest, I have no idea which trail I was on because I’m pretty sure I got lost at one point. and if not lost, severely off track. Thankfully I found my way, but holy shit, I got my ass kicked in a few spots. This area is pretty fascinating, you don’t even realize you are situated in the middle of the city because of its serenity. However when you reach the peaks, there are wonderful 360° views. Horses and dogs are welcome, but apparently a lot of people do not understand the concept of cleaning up shit because there was a good amount of fecal matter scattered about.
Not only is Dreamy Draw awesome for hiking, but picnics and bike rides too. There are plenty of tables & charcoal grills. They also have restrooms, but be advised, the stalls do not have doors. There is plenty of parking, and you can also maintain cell phone reception in all areas. even if your provider is the suck that is known as AT&T.
One thing that was pointed out to me that was super sketch was the amount of shirtless men wandering into the depths of the hills on the other side of the parking lot… not sure if this is true, but apparently it is some hook up spot for homosexuals. who knows. who cares. to each his own.
Highly recommend this area to anyone, at any agility level. It was not as strenuous as other locations, but certainly a great workout.