Desert Ridge Fitness Fun
Desert Ridge is home to many active adults and families as evidenced by the many residents out and about most days of the year. Within the larger community of Desert Ridge are miles of well-maintained walking paths, which wind throughout the beautiful neighborhoods of Aviano, Fireside, Sanctuary, Lockwood Estates and the JW Marriott. Every part of Desert Ridge can be reached by bicycle, thanks to the miles of bike lanes present throughout these communities.
Popular Aviano Park is a destination in its own right, but also is popular with fitness enthusiasts due to its manicured soccer fields, walking paths, sand volleyball courts, and an extra-large, shaded adventure playground. Nearby Fireside Park also has nearby walking paths and two different shaded playgrounds. Both Aviano and Fireside have their own private community centers. Aviano’s center has a large pool, spa, tennis courts, and workout facility. Fireside’s community center features a large pool with beach entry, as well as a fully-equipped fitness facility. The new community of Sanctuary will also have its own community center when it is completed later in 2016.
The Reach 11 Recreation Area is adjacent to Desert Ridge to the west. This 1,500-acre park has 18 miles of seven-foot wide, groomed, multi-use trails that bisect the entire park. The Reach 11 Sports Complex has 17 lighted, international soccer fields. Desert Ridge is also home to the beautiful Wildfire Golf Club, with its two award-winning courses: the Palmer Signature Course and the Faldo Championship Course.
Desert Ridge is also conveniently located to many nearby hiking trails. The Barrier Free Access Nature Trail is just south of Desert Ridge. This multipurpose trail is used by equestrians, bicyclists, and hikers. Just northwest of Desert Ridge is the newly opened Apache Wash Trailhead off of Sonoran Desert Drive. This beautiful area features over 20 miles of trails perfect for beginning and intermediate level hikers. The trails are shared by mountain bike cyclists, hikers and horseback riders, and the views from the summits are absolutely incredible. Finally, Pinnacle Peak Park, approximately 10 miles to the east of Desert Ridge, features a 3.5-mile round-trip trail that is popular with everyone, from families to trail runners, thanks to its meticulously maintained wide trails and gorgeous vistas.
The Desert Ridge area is also home to many indoor fitness centers. Underground Fitness is a personal training studio located on Tatum Blvd, just west of the Desert Ridge shopping center. A bit further west is the very well-equipped Mountainside Fitness, which features a full roster of group exercise classes, a state-of-the-art weight room and a large childcare facility. Southeast of Desert Ridge is Lifetime Fitness which provides all types of fitness activities, from group fitness classes to swimming and basketball, in a luxury gym environment. Amenzone Fitness is in nearby DC Ranch for CrossFit fans.
