Find the top rated walking trails in Phoenix, whether you're looking for an easy short walking trail or a long walking trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a walking trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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 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...
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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...
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...
This shared use path is wide, smooth and flat and exists in disconnected segments along Jackrabbit Lane, between Litchfield and Buckeye. The trail begins just north of the the Valley Metro park and...
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 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 Venturoso Park. The trail provides access to...
The Sonoqui (pronounced so-NO-kee) Wash Trail is a 5.8 mile multi-use trail through the community of Queen Creek, Arizona. The rural trail weaves through aesthetic native desert, and is open to both...
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...
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 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 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...
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 Indian Bend Wash Path 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. There are two...
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...
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 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 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 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 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 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...
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 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 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 Venturoso Park. The trail provides access to...
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 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 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 shared use path is wide, smooth and flat and exists in disconnected segments along Jackrabbit Lane, between Litchfield and Buckeye. The trail begins just north of the the Valley Metro park and...
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 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:...
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 paved Rio Salado Pathway runs 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 shared use path is wide, smooth and flat and exists in disconnected segments along Jackrabbit Lane, between Litchfield and Buckeye. The trail begins just north of the the Valley Metro park and...
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 Sonoqui (pronounced so-NO-kee) Wash Trail is a 5.8 mile multi-use trail through the community of Queen Creek, Arizona. The rural trail weaves through aesthetic native desert, and is open to both...
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 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 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...
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 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 Venturoso Park. The trail provides access to...
Accessed the trail from the parking lot of 16th St south of the 17. Ran on the south side of the trail and was able to run almost 3 miles east and did not have stop to cross the street. The path is flat except when going under bridges. The only tough climb is about a mile east when you go under 24th street, the rest wasn’t too bad. There are stickers and painted arrows to guide you to the trail that takes you under the bridges, thanks to whomever does that. Heading East I enjoyed a great view of Phoenix Sky Harbor airport but if I had taken the north side of the trail I wouldn’t have gotten that Far East as the trail seemed to end by then.
Hubby & I did this ride departing from Tumbleweed park. It was 16 miles to Hohokam Park in Mesa. The map said that was the end of the line but it appeared we could continue on the gravel path The trail goes concrete to gravel frequently. I didn’t think crossing the railroad tracks was a big deal as other reviews mentioned it. We did this ride mostly at night and it was lighted on the east side most of the way. It took us 2.5 hrs to do the 32 miles round trip. We were on pedal assist bikes and averaged 16 mph.
This is an easy bike ride. Lots of horses to look at. Park at the equestrian center. Restroom off to the left as you drive into the equestrian center. Finding the trailhead: Turn off of Riggs Rd and drive in the front entrance of the equestrian center. As you drive under the big entrance sign look to your immediate left. The trailhead starts there with a map of the trail. The first 1/8 mile is packed dirt/pea gravel, but it quickly turns into asphalt.
My dog and I were tired of hiking around the neighborhood to get in our daily four miles, so we expanded our walking horizon to the Skunk Creek Trail. This is a fairly well kept trail that is fully paved on the south side of the Creek, and partially paved on the north side. When paved meets dirt and gravel at paved trail's end on the north side, the hiking is still easy. We liked the taste of desert still within the city limits. Today was our second adventure having located a place to park and access the trail. We saw a road runner, quail (collectively), and, because I know they perch high in the trees that surround a trail, one little hummingbird. We passed other hikers and bikers, all of whom were friendly enough to say hello (and adhere to the trail 'rules' or suggestions posted -- communicate!). I liked that bikers who can easily sneak up behind a walker, called out their intention to pass us as they approached. Thank you! I also discovered that there appears to be a man living under the 59th Street overpass, on the south side of the trail. I wasn't sure when I passed that way on the first part of our walk as I was on the north side, but being on the south trail on our return, I clearly saw him hiking down from the side of the hill to resume his 'perch' under the overpass. The only downside to hiking the Skunk Creek Trail is one that responsible dog owners can relate to: there is a great deal of dog poo along all sides of the trail, although there are poo stations offering pick-up bags and disposal cans. I will never understand not taking responsibility for your own dog (and I wonder what those persons' yards and homes look like). We'll hike this trail again...it was a good outing.
This is a utility road where they put up bike trail signs. Tirned out to be a pleasant ride. There are NO trailheads at either end of the trail. Enter by using the park on horne road and ridingthe road to access the trail. Sections of the trail have washboard and lots of broken glass. Gets prettier as u go north. At t
When/If you find yourself on this path it's pretty nice, however It's completely unmarked and abruptly ends in places, as was my experience with all of the Phoenix area trails.
For someone new to the area I was horribly frustrated. Finding a trail head was difficult in itself, and there is no overnight trailhead parking. I don't think I ever saw the name of the trail posted anywhere. The trail is mostly the maintenance access route for the canal so there are many no trespassing signs, but that's really the trail. The surface is mixed blacktop, concrete, packed gravel. The underpasses west of Scottsdale are littered with personal belongings and people. Most of the road crossings are unprotected and require dismounting and waiting for traffic. never again.
the parking area in Tempe was easy to find. start with a nice run along the lake. the trail is clean and well lighted for the first couple miles? i don't recall how far before the lights end. i noticed one water fountain near the parking area. bring a water bottle. no trash cans. i carried my empty Huma pack back to the park. pack it out- pack it in. not many people on the trail when i started but when i returned there were many runners and bikers.
trail is concrete ans asphalt. some nice sculptures along the way. runs next to the airport.
i ran 5 miles out and back.
i ran this trail as i'm currently working on an injury. i wanted something easy.
I also started at the Rio Park and found it delightful. Having ridden the Arizona Canal Trail the previous day I much preferred the New River Trail. There are no road crossings at all. The surface was either paved or concrete the whole way. There was a section or two where a trike would find bumpy as the seams are not flat. My turning radius is horrible thus there were 3-4 areas where I had to back up several times to make the turn. But overall it is a great Trail.
Rode the trail this morning. I started at Rio Salado on the south side at 15th Ave. Was able to ride all the way to Dobson Rd. McClintock Rd was the only place where I was required to cross a road. If you are looking for an east-west, Phoenix to Mesa connector this is a good one.
This section is a wide paved section. I was only on the south side. I didn't ride the north side of the lake this morning. There are plenty of places to pull off and rest. Or even ride off the trail to a store or restaurant.
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