Las Sendas Loop – Arizona Hikers Guide

  • Length:  5.8 miles round trip
  • Trailhead Elevation:  1,542 ft.
  • Gain/Loss:  +352 ft.
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Rating: 5/10
  • Solitude: Low/High
  • Season: Winter/Spring/Fall
  • Dog Friendly: Yes

If you need a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city then this “urban” hike is exactly what you are looking for!

The trailhead for the hike starts directly east of the “Las Sendas” sign. You will find a well-worn trail as shown in the picture. The hike takes you along between the beautiful Las Sendas homes and the canal for the first mile or so until you reach the Tonto National Forest boundaries. Once the trail opens up, take it to the right. You will see Red Mountain to your left and the Las Sendas neighborhood to your right.

Continue for another mile until you begin making your way uphill.  Again, continue making rights.  After you begin descending you will wind back around to see houses on your right. About ½ mile down you will see a trail sign take “Saddle TR. 51”, at this point you will start to make left turns so that you can loop back to the start. This is where the trail gets really beautiful. You will begin to move away from the houses and towards Red Mountain and the Salt River. You will see two more trail signs so be sure to take the trail that leads you back to the start. Although this hike is definitely an “urban” hiking experience it doesn’t feel that way.  Continue on the path until you have completed the full loop and end where you started.

Directions:
Park at the Walgreens on Power & Thomas: 3624 N Power Rd. Mesa, AZ 85215 and then walk across the street to the trail head.

The trail really is best suited for runners, hikers, and mountain bikers. There is no shade so make sure you bring lots of water and go when the weather is nice. I’ve completed this hike as a run 4 times, 3 times in the spring and once in early fall. If the weather is above 90 degrees, it can be brutal (and dangerous).  Each time I’ve run the trail I’ve seen other hikers, runners and mountain bikers, so if solitude is what you’re looking for I would consider another hike.

  • Bring lots of water & sun protection.
  • Be cautious of mountain bikers, it’s easier for you to move then them.
  • Park at the Walgreens on Power & Thomas: 3624 N Power Rd  Mesa, AZ 85215 and then walk across the street to the trailhead.

Let me know in the comments below and I will do my best to do a personal write up about it! Your comments and feedback are appreciated and taken seriously.