As late as 2015, this small parking lot, complete with a remnant CCC ramada, was reachable by vehicle whenever the park was open. In the day, this was primarily trailhead parking for three main trails: The National or Maricopa trail, the Bajada Trail, and the Alta Trail. To the east, you can see downtown Phoenix through the saddle, but there are honestly better views elsewhere. To the west you could see the still undeveloped farms and deserts separating the South Mountains from the Estrella range.
After sunset, that was all dark, of course, until the freeway and the casino – and still mostly dark. Anyone parked here after sundown was likely more interested in fogging up their windows than looking out of them.
The monsoon in 2015 ended that by washing out part of the access road. The city has taken that opportunity to save a bit of the ecosystem and a bit of money by keeping the road closed except for limited windows ever since.
The paved roadway sans cars makes it a popular destination for cyclists. It is also open to pedestrians, but the Bajada Trail goes the same place and is a nicer hike.
The Curtis Saddle Trailhead, meaning some spots you can park at the dead end of Estrella Drive, lies about a half mile west and downhill. It’s always open.
According to the Phoenix Parks:
San Juan Road: Open from 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on the first Saturday of the month and from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on the first Sunday of the month.
You know, like Brigadoon.
Are We Lost Yet? 