Filled up the truck with bikes, kids and parents and headed out for the wilderness of Queen Creek. We parked at the Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Centre on Riggs road which made for easy access to the trail. Elliott and Payton were riding their new bikes on the trail for the first time. Brooke got to ride in the cart (as it should be, ’cause she is so cute) with Rob being her driver. Laura and I were the boy’s supervision, sort of.

The Sonoqui Wash trail is relatively new, constructed of asphalt and relatively flat. This portion of the trail is a 5.8 mile part of the Maricopa Trail. The Maricopa Trail is a work in progress that encircles the Phoenix Metropolitan Area (A 782 mile more than one day trek when complete).

There is a wayside at the Desert Wells Stage Coach historical site. The well was used from about 1868 to 1916. It is 114 feet deep and contained 14 feet of water which was pumped up to the stone wall water tank. The trail, equestrian center and surrounding park land is a joint venture of the City of Queen Creek and Maricopa County. The park and trails are being built out as funds become available.

In total, we covered 7.7 miles and had a great time! Payton and Elliott are learning bike trail etiquette and getting quite good at shifting gears. They forced Grandpa to pull a bigger gear and pump the pedals hard to keep up!! Super way to celebrate Earth Day. Thanks to all for having me along.

Sjh

Sonoqui Wash Trail