With craggy Camelback Mountain rising on one side, and lushly landscaped ranch-style houses rambling on the other, the Arizona Canal cuts a scenic path through the historical Phoenix/Scottsdale neighborhood of Arcadia. And—good news for cyclists and pedestrians—the canal is bordered by a wide flat surface perfect for a speedy bike ride or an ambitious power walk. The nearly 70-mile Arizona Canal Path runs along the canal's length; for this walking tour, we'll explore 5 miles of the paved trail.
For years, the Arizona Canal, as well as a number of other manmade waterways in the Phoenix area, has served a dual purpose: Carrying water to Arizona’s Valley of the Sun, and providing an alternative-transportation route. Arcadia is just one example of the countless neighborhoods bisected by the Arizona Canal Path. From the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community in the eastern reaches of the Valley to the northwestern community of Peoria, the path links diverse neighborhoods. Arcadia is a convenient spot to begin a canal ride or walk—in part because of the scenic terrain, but also for the easy access and parking at a number of city parks, as well as the food-and-drink offerings along the path.
For those interested in canal history, Arcadia’s G.R. Herberger Park (5802 East Indian School Rd.) offers a perfect spot to set out. Before hitting the trail, it pays to check out the park’s Arizona Falls, a waterfall created by a natural 20-foot drop along the Arizona Canal between 56th and 58th streets. From there, head west, and you’ll soon come across OHSO, which stands for Outrageous Homebrewer’s Social Outpost (4900 East Indian School Rd.), and serves as a brewery, distillery and restaurant that caters to path users. With its location directly on the canal, its funky back patio featuring bike-tire fans, and its full menu, OHSO is a prime spot for path refreshments.
A bit farther up the path, another eatery, Chelsea’s Kitchen (5040 40th St.), offers a lovely setting along the canal and open-air dining. From there, the path continues to the northwest, and passes by the venerable Arizona Biltmore, a Phoenix classic. This marks the 5-mile point for cyclists and walkers/runners out for a moderate trip.
For those looking for a longer-distance workout, the trail continues on, passing under major freeways, through suburban parks and ultimately linking up with Peoria’s Skunk Creek Trail and the New River Trail. Both can easily be accessed from the Rio Vista Community Park, located just east of the 101 Loop, at 8866 West Thunderbird Rd. The intersection of the New River, Skunk Creek, and Arizona Canal trails is also near the Peoria Sport Complex, the spring-training home of Major League Baseball teams San Diego Padres and the Seattle Mariners Major League Baseball.
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With a comfort-food menu, the restaurant features open-air dining and a patio overlooking the Arizona Canal
With a comfort-food menu, the restaurant features open-air dining and a patio overlooking the Arizona Canal
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A canal-side brewery and eatery that caters to cyclists and runners along the Arizona Canal Path
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