Find the top rated trails in Mesa, 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 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...
This short trail serves Hillcrest Ranch and the surrounding communities in Glendale. The trail also provides easy access to the short 67th Avenue Trail and can be connected to the much longer New...
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 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 Cave Creek Wash Trail is a paved multi-use trail along the banks of Cave Creek in Phoenix. The trail consists of two disconnected segments, the longest of which is the southern section. This...
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 Dreamy Draw Bikeway passes through the Dreamy Draw Recreation Area in Phoenix, offering ample scenery and access to the area's rustic hiking trails. The trail begins at a residential neighborhood...
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...
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...
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 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 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 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 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 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 sidepath along Litchfield Road serves to connect the communities of Litchfield Park and Goodyear, just outside of Phoenix. The utilitarian-style path is not a destination, but it is valuable as 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 Skunk Creek Trail runs along the banks of its namesake waterway, connecting Peoria, Glendale and the eastern edge of Phoenix. The trail provides a link to residences, businesses and parks, as well...
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 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...
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 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 New River Trail parallels its generally dry namesake waterway through the populous Phoenix suburbs of Peoria and Glendale. The entire route is paved and uninterrupted, with undercrossings offering...
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 asphalt and concrete trail begins at Lakeshore Drive and Navajo Drive, and travels north to Powers Avenue. It occupies the right-of-way of the Kinder Morgan company’s pipeline through Prescott...
The Cave Creek Wash Trail is a paved multi-use trail along the banks of Cave Creek in Phoenix. The trail consists of two disconnected segments, the longest of which is the southern section. This...
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 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 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...
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...
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 State Route 51 Trail parallels Arizona State Route 51, also known as the Piestewa Freeway, on a paved route between the Reach 11 Recreation Area and the golf course at E. Cactus Road near N. 42nd...
This paved, multi-use trail runs along the banks of one of Cave Creek's tributaries and connects to the longer Cave Creek Wash Trail. The Cave Creek Tributary Trail provides access to numerous...
The Dreamy Draw Bikeway passes through the Dreamy Draw Recreation Area in Phoenix, offering ample scenery and access to the area's rustic hiking trails. The trail begins at a residential neighborhood...
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 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...
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 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 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...
This short trail parallels N. 67th Avenue in Glendale and follows the edge of the Thunderbird Conservation Park. The trail provides a connection between nearby residences and Mountain Ridge High...
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...
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 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 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 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 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 New River Trail parallels its generally dry namesake waterway through the populous Phoenix suburbs of Peoria and Glendale. The entire route is paved and uninterrupted, with undercrossings offering...
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 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...
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 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 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...
This short trail serves Hillcrest Ranch and the surrounding communities in Glendale. The trail also provides easy access to the short 67th Avenue Trail and can be connected to the much longer New...
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 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 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 Skunk Creek Trail runs along the banks of its namesake waterway, connecting Peoria, Glendale and the eastern edge of Phoenix. The trail provides a link to residences, businesses and parks, as well...
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 asphalt and concrete trail begins at Lakeshore Drive and Navajo Drive, and travels north to Powers Avenue. It occupies the right-of-way of the Kinder Morgan company’s pipeline through Prescott...
The paved area starts at Broadway Road and goes all the way to Pecos and Lindsey a couple of blocks south Zanjero park about 11 miles
my experience is much different then the 2 star review. It appears major upgrades have been made along this route and while yes as it enters the city there are some crosswalks, it gets better as you get near the stadium. i am not familiar with the trail heading east past grand canal park.
Decided to try this trail instead of driving to the hills and I'll definitely be back. It was hot, few people on the path and the short section I followed was easy to navigate across various intersections. Best of all, one of the parks on Ocotillo had decent restrooms (and I'll remember to park there next time).
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 trail is great to cruise, but I really wish it had loose terrain to practice MTB tecniques and skills. Although concrete is good, but getting dirty on the dirt is even better.
I ride my bike multiple times per week on this trail. I use both Skunk Creek Trail and New River Trail. They connect and both are excellent trails! The trail is asphalt and concrete. There is a lot of vegetation and wildlife to see. I just wish it would go further west so I could ride to the trail and not have to drive there
This is a nice fully paved trail that runs parallel to the AZ 51 Fwy. There are a lot of places to pick up this trail, but I recommend parking right off of 40th St and union hills and starting at the bridge right there.
There is a huge parking lot at the batting cages on that intersection and a small sidewalk that takes you straight to the bridge.
From there you can either head north towards the 101 and connect to the w211s trail or head south towards Paradise valley Mall.
I took the trail as far south as it goes and ended up at the golf course on Cactus and Paradise village parkway.
There are some fun but also exhausting bridges that you have to cross on your way there and those are the highlight of the trip.
I'll¿ ride this again next time I want to go to PV Mall.
Some people may not like this trail and that's okay. This trail had its share of transients, litter and grafitti, but it's not without its charm.
The cave Creek wash trail runs from Union hills just between 7th avenue and central and runs till it intersects with the AZ canal trail around 32nd and Dunlap.
On this ride you will experience lots of different sights. The trail cuts through a few neighborhoods at first and give you glimpses into various people's yards, but once you get closer to 19th ave it changes shape and then you're riding past golf courses, parks, businesses and even a theme park.
Overall I would recommend this trail to everyone. This trail is Phoenix in a nutshell.
The South end of this path seems to be closed. We tried to ride it this morning (3/15/17) and could not access it from the south. It's gated and locked.
The path east from Pima Road is closed on both sides of the canal.
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