Merkle Trail

Dogs Leashed

This is a nice and flat trail for an introductory trail run or a warm-up. It usually is not that crowded, but there is ample room to pass; four people can probably walk abreast throughout the loop. I don't usually run here, but it does make a nice quick workout when coupled with the connecting Vista Trail.

This is an accessible trail and used a lot by the park rangers to lead desert education walks. There is not much grade, and the trail is flat and wide. I marked it as a "paved path" because it is hard packed dirt and gravel, which has much the same characteristics as pavement. Wheelchairs and strollers can be used on this whole loop.

There are parking areas on both the north and south ends of the loop. The northern access is provided by a short portion of the Vista Trail.

Saguaro, cholla, mesquite and palo verde.