Find the top rated trails in Florence, whether you're looking an easy walking path or a long bike trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
The paved Rio Salado Paths run along both banks of the Salt River in Tempe. The generally dry waterway was expanded into Tempe Town Lake in 1999, and the scenic waterfront area is now a popular...
This trail runs parallel to Shea Boulevard in Scottsdale. The trail consists of several disconnected segments on both sides of the road. The western end has a much more suburban feel than the eastern...
Tucked in the southeastern corner of Phoenix, this trail serves as a connector between its namesake communities of Mountain Park Ranch and Lakewood. The paved path runs within a greenway corridor...
The Old Cross Cut Canal Park Path is a 2 mile multiuse trail that runs parallel to N. 48th Street in Phoenix. It is a useful resource for the community, connecting nearby residences to schools,...
The Santa Cruz River Park Trail follows the Santa Cruz River throughout Tucson, providing access to various amenities and neighborhoods, as well as the Rillito River Park Trail, Cañada del Oro River...
The paved Crosscut Canal Path links Tempe and Scottsdale via a route alongside the Crosscut Canal, which dates to 1912. The trail follows the entire length of the canal thanks to a southern extension...
The Grand Canal Path is one of the longest multi-use trails in the Phoenix metropolitan area, linking the large cities of Glendale, Phoenix and Tempe. Like many of the area's trails, the Grand Canal...
The Kyrene Canal Path runs alongside the Kyrene Canal in Tempe and Chandler, providing a connection between residences, businesses, shopping destinations and the Ken McDonald Golf Course. The trail is...
The Consolidated Canal Path runs north–south along the entire length of the Consolidated Canal, an 18-mile-long waterway dating back to 1891. The route consists of both a paved path and a...
The Indian Bend Wash Trail follows the banks of Indian Bend Wash between Scottsdale and Tempe. Along the way, the paved path connects a number of public parks, schools and businesses. A highlight...
The Queen Creek Wash Trail has a more rural feel than other trails in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Located within the community of Queen Creek, and following the banks of Queen Creek Wash, this...
This trail passes through a landscaped greenway in an overhead electric utility corridor though the city of Gilbert, just outside Mesa and Phoenix. The trail runs from a junction with the Eastern...
The Southern Canal Path is an unpaved route along the South Canal in Maricopa County. One of several trails along the extensive canal network in the area, the Southern Canal Path links to four others:...
The Arizona Canal Path is one of the longest multi-use trails in Maricopa County, running between Peoria, Glendale, Phoenix, Scottsdale and the Salt River Pima–Maricopa Indian Community along both...
This short trail carves its way along a greenway corridor through the neighborhoods of Bent Tree, Preston Hills and Casa Rica in Scottsdale. The trail provides recreational opportunities to residents...
The Cañada del Oro River Park Trail follows its namesake waterway in the northern suburbs of Tucson from a junction with the longer Santa Cruz River Park Trail in Marana to Oro Valley. The recently...
Scottsdale has several miles of multiuse paths and on-road bike lanes. The paths are accessible from several locations throughout the city. A detailed map is posted on the city's website. For more...
This short trail parallels Gainey Ranch Road from Scottsdale Rotary Park to E. Mountain View Road. It offers a great family recreation opportunity to nearby residents.
The Highline Lateral Canal Path runs along its namesake waterway through the Arizona cities of Phoenix and Tempe and the smaller town of Guadalupe. Open in several disconnected segments, the trail...
This trail and its short spur pass through the communities of Paradise Park Manor and Paradise Park Trails in Scottsdale. While the trail primarily serves residences, it connects to the Central...
The Eastern Canal Path spans the entire length of its namesake waterway through Mesa, Gilbert and Chandler in suburban Phoenix. The trail, which at times has a smooth paved surface and at others a...
The Tempe Canal Path parallels the Tempe Canal between the cities of Tempe and Mesa. The trail consists of two disconnected segments, separated by the private Mesa Country Club. Both segments serve a...
The Consolidated Canal Path runs north–south along the entire length of the Consolidated Canal, an 18-mile-long waterway dating back to 1891. The route consists of both a paved path and a...
The Southern Canal Path is an unpaved route along the South Canal in Maricopa County. One of several trails along the extensive canal network in the area, the Southern Canal Path links to four others:...
The Western Canal Path, one of several trails adjacent to canals in the Phoenix metropolitan area, connects the cities of Phoenix, Tempe, Chandler, Mesa and Gilbert on its more than 20 mile, east–west...
The Pima Road Trail consists of two disconnected segments along Pima Road in Scottsdale. The longer southern section connects to both the Arizona Canal Path and Central Arizona Project to Arizona...
The Indian Bend Wash Trail follows the banks of Indian Bend Wash between Scottsdale and Tempe. Along the way, the paved path connects a number of public parks, schools and businesses. A highlight...
This short trail parallels Gainey Ranch Road from Scottsdale Rotary Park to E. Mountain View Road. It offers a great family recreation opportunity to nearby residents.
This trail passes through a landscaped greenway in an overhead electric utility corridor though the city of Gilbert, just outside Mesa and Phoenix. The trail runs from a junction with the Eastern...
This trail runs parallel to Shea Boulevard in Scottsdale. The trail consists of several disconnected segments on both sides of the road. The western end has a much more suburban feel than the eastern...
The Central Arizona Project to Arizona Canal Trail links its two namesake waterways via a winding route through the north side of Scottsdale. Along the way, the trail connects to a number of other...
The paved Rio Salado Paths run along both banks of the Salt River in Tempe. The generally dry waterway was expanded into Tempe Town Lake in 1999, and the scenic waterfront area is now a popular...
The Kyrene Canal Path runs alongside the Kyrene Canal in Tempe and Chandler, providing a connection between residences, businesses, shopping destinations and the Ken McDonald Golf Course. The trail is...
The Highline Lateral Canal Path runs along its namesake waterway through the Arizona cities of Phoenix and Tempe and the smaller town of Guadalupe. Open in several disconnected segments, the trail...
The Grand Canal Path is one of the longest multi-use trails in the Phoenix metropolitan area, linking the large cities of Glendale, Phoenix and Tempe. Like many of the area's trails, the Grand Canal...
The paved Crosscut Canal Path links Tempe and Scottsdale via a route alongside the Crosscut Canal, which dates to 1912. The trail follows the entire length of the canal thanks to a southern extension...
Tucked in the southeastern corner of Phoenix, this trail serves as a connector between its namesake communities of Mountain Park Ranch and Lakewood. The paved path runs within a greenway corridor...
The Old Cross Cut Canal Park Path is a 2 mile multiuse trail that runs parallel to N. 48th Street in Phoenix. It is a useful resource for the community, connecting nearby residences to schools,...
This short trail carves its way along a greenway corridor through the neighborhoods of Bent Tree, Preston Hills and Casa Rica in Scottsdale. The trail provides recreational opportunities to residents...
The Cañada del Oro River Park Trail follows its namesake waterway in the northern suburbs of Tucson from a junction with the longer Santa Cruz River Park Trail in Marana to Oro Valley. The recently...
The Queen Creek Wash Trail has a more rural feel than other trails in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Located within the community of Queen Creek, and following the banks of Queen Creek Wash, this...
The Kyrene Canal Path runs alongside the Kyrene Canal in Tempe and Chandler, providing a connection between residences, businesses, shopping destinations and the Ken McDonald Golf Course. The trail is...
The paved Crosscut Canal Path links Tempe and Scottsdale via a route alongside the Crosscut Canal, which dates to 1912. The trail follows the entire length of the canal thanks to a southern extension...
The paved Rio Salado Paths run along both banks of the Salt River in Tempe. The generally dry waterway was expanded into Tempe Town Lake in 1999, and the scenic waterfront area is now a popular...
The Western Canal Path, one of several trails adjacent to canals in the Phoenix metropolitan area, connects the cities of Phoenix, Tempe, Chandler, Mesa and Gilbert on its more than 20 mile, east–west...
This short trail carves its way along a greenway corridor through the neighborhoods of Bent Tree, Preston Hills and Casa Rica in Scottsdale. The trail provides recreational opportunities to residents...
The Old Cross Cut Canal Park Path is a 2 mile multiuse trail that runs parallel to N. 48th Street in Phoenix. It is a useful resource for the community, connecting nearby residences to schools,...
The Pima Road Trail consists of two disconnected segments along Pima Road in Scottsdale. The longer southern section connects to both the Arizona Canal Path and Central Arizona Project to Arizona...
The Central Arizona Project to Arizona Canal Trail links its two namesake waterways via a winding route through the north side of Scottsdale. Along the way, the trail connects to a number of other...
The Santa Cruz River Park Trail follows the Santa Cruz River throughout Tucson, providing access to various amenities and neighborhoods, as well as the Rillito River Park Trail, Cañada del Oro River...
The Consolidated Canal Path runs north–south along the entire length of the Consolidated Canal, an 18-mile-long waterway dating back to 1891. The route consists of both a paved path and a...
This short trail parallels Gainey Ranch Road from Scottsdale Rotary Park to E. Mountain View Road. It offers a great family recreation opportunity to nearby residents.
Tucked in the southeastern corner of Phoenix, this trail serves as a connector between its namesake communities of Mountain Park Ranch and Lakewood. The paved path runs within a greenway corridor...
This trail runs parallel to Shea Boulevard in Scottsdale. The trail consists of several disconnected segments on both sides of the road. The western end has a much more suburban feel than the eastern...
The Cañada del Oro River Park Trail follows its namesake waterway in the northern suburbs of Tucson from a junction with the longer Santa Cruz River Park Trail in Marana to Oro Valley. The recently...
The Indian Bend Wash Trail follows the banks of Indian Bend Wash between Scottsdale and Tempe. Along the way, the paved path connects a number of public parks, schools and businesses. A highlight...
This trail passes through a landscaped greenway in an overhead electric utility corridor though the city of Gilbert, just outside Mesa and Phoenix. The trail runs from a junction with the Eastern...
The Highline Lateral Canal Path runs along its namesake waterway through the Arizona cities of Phoenix and Tempe and the smaller town of Guadalupe. Open in several disconnected segments, the trail...
The Grand Canal Path is one of the longest multi-use trails in the Phoenix metropolitan area, linking the large cities of Glendale, Phoenix and Tempe. Like many of the area's trails, the Grand Canal...
The Eastern Canal Path spans the entire length of its namesake waterway through Mesa, Gilbert and Chandler in suburban Phoenix. The trail, which at times has a smooth paved surface and at others a...
I've only lived in Phoenix a few months now but after several outings I can confidently review this trail. Compared to the Arizona Canal Path, which roughly parallels the Grand Canal (farther north), the Grand Canal is terrible. At first I was going to say that it had been neglected by the city. After my ride today, I'd say more accurately that the city has essentially abandoned it, at least for most of its length. Basically, this path has become a corridor for the homeless. There is glass everywhere, as well as trash. The pavement, for much of its length is in really poor condition.
On the plus side, the canal does get you away from traffic. Well, sort of. With the exception of crossings at major highways such as the 202 and Hwy 51, there are no tunnels under or bridges over major roadways. Trying to cross 7th Ave, 7th St and others is impossible during the week without having to detour to crosswalks. On Sundays, I might consider changing my review to 3 stars because you can usually cross the road.
The Arizona Canal path (mentioned above) has tunnels at all the major roadways, much better pavement, less trash, less glass and goes through more areas with services such as restaurants and convenience stores. Don't bother with the Grand Canal until Phoenix decides to spend some money to upgrade.
Had already done S part of path, so started at Elliot and rode N to Broadway and back.
Parked at elementary school at Elliott & Greenfield, rode wide sidewalk E to path. Nice asphalt path, fair amount of walkers/joggers/cyclists on weekend, older asphalt Southern to Broadway, then gravel so turned around.
Nice and scenic, easy road crossings, goes under the 60, will ride this path again.
The path east from Pima Road is closed on both sides of the canal.
It appears the hard paved part starts on the S end of the path just S of Pecos, so we got on the path at Pecos and rode N to Guadalupe then back.
We parked in a small shopping center parking lot on the NE corner of Lindsay & Pecos, which was right next to the path.
The path is asphalt on the W side of the canal the whole way, and in addition there is a very nice concrete path on the E side of the canal from Warner to Guadalupe.
There is a signalized crossing at Elliott, the other major street crossing all have room in the median to cross half of the street at a time.
There were a fair number of other cyclists on a sunny Saturday. We will ride this path again, and also try farther N.
This beautiful and well maintained trail runs along lakes and golf courses. It is the most pleasant ride I've had.
The southern end, near the Walmart is nice, but crossing I-10 is treacherous and only for an ugly, poorly maintained trail. Turn around when the trail stops.
I was in town to ride in the 34th El Tour de Tucson, November of 2016. From the Candlewood Suites on River Road I connected to the Loop on the Rillito River Trail (from the parking lot!). I crossed to the south side of the Rillito at Camino de la Tierra (fast traffic, dump trucks, rough pavement...be careful!). On the Rillito I connected to the Santa Cruz Trail and rode north catching the CDO Trail just north of Orange Grove Road.
The trail heads NE and is generally a gentle uphill grade all the way to where I turned around at N Oracle Road. It wasn't exhausting, just constant pedaling. On a recumbent trike I wasn't going more than 6 or 7 mph, but that's what I like about the trike. I could focus on the vistas and just enjoy the ambiance of the ride especially the views of the Santa Catalina Mountains.
On the return I was now going downhill most of the way. I shifted into the big ring and cruised along at about 15 mph enjoying the self-made breeze. It was a Friday and traffic on the trail was light.
According to Strava I rode 28.6 miles at an average of 7.7 mph (max of 22 mph) climbing a total of 501 feet. The nice thing was expending the most energy on the climb and then enjoying the ease of the return trip. This trail is a fun ride.
Arrived in Tucson two weeks before the 34th El Tour de Tucson (early November 2016). I stayed at the Candlewood Suites on River Road. The parking lot adjoins the Rillito River Trail which is part of the Loop system. I used to ride my bicycle where the hotel now sits.
My trip was particularly nostalgic because I grew up within a mile of the hotel in the late 50s and early 60s. I was enjoying riding as well as being on home turf. It's changed a bit, indeed, but it was home to me. I hadn't had a serious visit in nearly thirty years.
The morning I rode the Santa Cruz Trail was cool, sunny and clear warming into the low 80s F. I rode NW via the Rillito, crossing over to the south side at N Camino de la Tierra (public street, fast traffic, dump trucks, rough pavement). Coming back up onto the trail there are restrooms and water. Continuing on NW I crossed under I-10 and connected with the Santa Cruz Trail heading back SE. The trail is paved and you will parallel I-10, passing businesses (trucking, sand/gravel, construction) until you reach Camino del Cerro where you cross (you hop into the median to cross, watch the traffic) and now parallel the river (east side). The views down into the river are majestic.
Side note: I find that people either love the desert or hate it. Maybe it's because I grew up here that sand runs in my veins and cacti permeate my dreams, but I love the Sonoran Desert. Seeing the giant Saguaro and other cacti, lizards, Gambel Quail, the Santa Catalina Mountains... Sigh..... Hey, I'm retired now and I'm moving here in time to catch the spring flowers. I don't mind the summer heat and I tell people that the frogs wear headbands and carry canteens. Some get it and some don't. 8-]
Back to the trail now. I continued on south along the river passing an impressive solar farm and a water treatment plant (didn't have to hold my nose). I passed under Grant Road, Speedway and St. Mary's all the way to Congress where I would have to cross Congress itself (near downtown) if I continued SE. At that point I crossed, in a bike lane, to the west side of the river and headed back NW.
The ride back north took me along the river in places and through some picturesque open spaces until I crossed again at Camino del Cerro. From there I backtracked to the hotel. It was a an enjoyable ride covering 26.5 miles at an average of 7.8 mph on my Catrike 559, according to Strava. When I return I'll be riding a Catrike Dumont. I'm counting the days.
There were no challenging climbs and the views were spacious. I enjoyed the ride and traffic on the trail was light since it was Monday. I recommend this trail for the views and the wide open spaces. In another several days I would be riding 37 miles in El Tour de Tucson. That's another story.
Rode the path N from Germann Rd to Ray Rd. Good parking at a vacant building SE corner of Germann & Airport Blvd, it's right next to the bike path and other cyclists and walkers park there, busy intersection so lots of visibility for your car. Path was quiet and somewhat busy on a weekend day. Concrete path on the E side of the canal, and asphalt path on the W side. Road crossings are signalized. Public restrooms at park on N side of Chandler Rd. We will ride this path again.
The northern entrance at Rio Salado is closed by a fence. So we had to ride surface streets to find another entrance further south.
Path is partially asphalt and some concrete and while the settlement cracks look to have been repaired years ago, these are again in need which makes for a rough transition with uneven surfaces.
At major crossroads, one has to navigate these busy streets as there are few if any crosswalks at these junctures. INSANE scenario.
With the amount of revenue Tempe and Mesa generate from residents, businesses and tourists, one would think some could be devoting to optimize this potentially great pathway.
We turned back after 2.5 miles due to the unsafe nature of the outing. Wow!
Got on it at Riggs Rd, start of the paved section, rode N up to 202 then back. Parked at shopping center NW corner of Riggs & McQueen and rode wide sidewalk W .3 mi to path (shopping center lot empty on weekend).
Section from Riggs Rd to Chandler Heights Rd, expansion joints jarring, but N of there smooth. This section also appeared to have poor drainage, with evidence of puddles and dirt/gravel on path from previous rains.
Quiet and enjoyable path, well marked and signalized crossings of major roads, we'll use it again, and try further N.
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