Yavapai Point
Moderate 3-mile hike in Lake Pleasant Regional Park offering stunning lake views and chances to see wild donkeys.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blooming desert plants & cooler temps
Yavapai Point
Best Time
Blooming desert plants & cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Moderate 3-mile hike in Lake Pleasant Regional Park offering stunning lake views and chances to see wild donkeys.
"The views of the lake are fantastic and this trail seems a logical step up in experience."
🥾 Download Offline Maps
Cell service is unreliable; download your trail map beforehand!
🦏 Look for Wild Donkeys
Many visitors report seeing wild donkeys and burros – a unique highlight!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Wild Donkey Sightings
Spotting wild donkeys and burros is a thrilling bonus for many hikers on this trail.
Panoramic Lake Views
Enjoy stunning, expansive views of Lake Pleasant throughout the hike.
Desert Flora
Admire the unique desert plant life, including impressive saguaro cacti.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Difficulty & What to Expect
Wildlife & Park Entry
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Download Offline Maps
Cell service is unreliable; download your trail map beforehand!
🦏 Look for Wild Donkeys
Many visitors report seeing wild donkeys and burros – a unique highlight!
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
Arizona sun is intense; stay hydrated on this desert hike.
🧺 Picnic Potential
Pack a lunch to enjoy by the lake after your hike.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Download Offline Maps
Cell service is unreliable; download your trail map beforehand!
🦏 Look for Wild Donkeys
Many visitors report seeing wild donkeys and burros – a unique highlight!
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
Arizona sun is intense; stay hydrated on this desert hike.
🧺 Picnic Potential
Pack a lunch to enjoy by the lake after your hike.
🚰 Trailhead Facilities
Restrooms are available at the trailhead for your convenience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning lake views and the thrill of spotting wild donkeys on the Yavapai Point Trail. It's praised as a great family-friendly hike with beautiful desert scenery. Some note the trail can be moderately challenging with switchbacks near the top.
"During my excursion to find the elusive wild donkey, I found donkey dung within the first few hundred yards. The freshness of said dung made me aware that my target was in close proximity. I decided to track the beast in my attempts to get the mounted selfie my ego so much desired. During my time out here, I did notice the beauty of the plant life surrounding the entire area including the amazing saguaro cactus rising above the Earth in stunning fashion. I do say this would be a beautiful hike to go on during the spring flowering season. Finally, I got down to the lake itself where I thought the donkey could be spotted, perhaps getting a sip. Unfortunately this was not the case. And it is here that I decided to call off the search for donkey and decided that someday perhaps I will come back and resume the quest. Overall experience; No donkeys :0(
But lots of donkey poop !"
Phillip Lucas
"Just developing our intereest in hiking and this as well as other Lake Pleasant trails have been a great beginning. The views of the lake are fantastic and this trail seems a logical step up in experience. Thank goodness that we have this to enjoy. I'm looking forward to our next visit. Bathrooms, parking, ranger interactions and signage on the trails were all a plus."
Robert Jones
"Love this one. When you get closer to the peak you will have a lot of switchbacks. Lots of wild donkeys live out here! Very beautiful. I have gone 2X now. They have some marina options available and you can get some amazing food."
Dyneil M
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Yavapai Point Trail is located within Lake Pleasant Regional Park, about 30 minutes west of Phoenix, Arizona. The park has a $7 per vehicle entry fee.+1
Yes, it's a well-known trail within Lake Pleasant Regional Park. Follow signs for Yavapai Point Trail. Downloading an offline map is recommended due to potential cell service loss.
From Phoenix, take US-60 West to AZ-303 North, then exit for Happy Valley Road and follow signs to the park. Alternatively, take I-17 North to AZ-74 West and follow signs.
Public transportation options to Lake Pleasant Regional Park are limited. Driving is the most common and convenient way to access the park and trail.
Yes, there is parking available at the trailhead for Yavapai Point Trail within Lake Pleasant Regional Park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for Lake Pleasant Regional Park is $7 per vehicle.+1 This fee grants access to the park and its trails, including Yavapai Point.
No, advance ticket booking is not typically required for Yavapai Point Trail. You pay the park entry fee upon arrival.
Lake Pleasant Regional Park generally opens at 6 AM and closes at 10 PM daily. It's always a good idea to check the official park website for any seasonal changes or alerts.
Information on specific discounts for park entry is not widely available. The standard fee is per vehicle.
If you have a Maricopa County Parks pass, it should cover your entry into Lake Pleasant Regional Park. Otherwise, the per-vehicle fee applies.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Yavapai Point Trail is approximately 3.0 to 3.1 miles long, making it an out-and-back hike.+2
It's generally considered a moderate hike. While some find it easy, there are switchbacks near the peak that can add to the challenge.
You'll experience beautiful, panoramic views of Lake Pleasant and the surrounding desert landscape.+1
Yes, there are restrooms available at the trailhead for Yavapai Point Trail.
Yes, many find Yavapai Point Trail to be a great option for families, even those with young children, due to its moderate length and beautiful scenery.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography at Yavapai Point, casting a warm glow over the lake and desert.
You can capture stunning landscape shots of Lake Pleasant, unique desert flora like saguaro cacti, and potentially wildlife like wild donkeys.+1
The entire trail offers scenic vistas, but the higher points near the peak provide expansive panoramic views of the lake.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive lake views. A telephoto lens can be useful if you hope to photograph wildlife from a distance.
Drone usage is typically restricted in regional parks to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. Check Lake Pleasant Regional Park's specific drone regulations before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Casual Hikers & Day-Trippers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Yavapai Point Trail Experience
One of the most exciting aspects of hiking the Yavapai Point Trail is the chance to encounter wildlife, particularly wild donkeys and burros.
Planning Your Visit to Lake Pleasant Regional Park
When considering the best time to visit, spring is often highlighted for its blooming desert plants and more comfortable temperatures.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit