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Print Friendly MapThe 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 trails, including the Pima Road Trail, Indian Bend Wash Trail, Arizona Canal Path, Paradise Park Trail and Shea Boulevard Trail. The paved, tree-dotted path passes through a number of neighborhoods and offers access to several nearby parks and businesses.
Mountain View Park is a highlight offering ballfields, a sand volleyball court, picnic areas, a playground and a community center. You will also get beautiful views of Marguerite Lake along the trail. Not far from the trail's northern endpoint, Horizon Park is another landmark, with its several ballfields and scenic mountain backdrop.
Parking is available for this trail at 9738 E McDowell Mountain Ranch Rd, also called the Westworld Trailhead near the trail's northern endpoint.
See TrailLink Map for detailed directions.
Beginning at north end of trail is at Latitude: 33.632168 / N 33° 37' 55.806" Longitude: -111.873594 / W 111° 52' 24.94' with a parking lot for trailers. Just 1/10 mile down the trail at Latitude: 33.630892 / N 33° 37' 51.213" Longitude: - 111.870908 / W 111° 52' 15.268" is a parking lot and restrooms. Not really sure how long this trail really is because it merged into the Indian Bend Wash trail without us knowing it. Still a great ride. Only negative was having to cross streets at the north end of the trail.
I think this is the best path in Scottsdale. You will really enjoy this path.
This trail is fully paved and busy roads are avoided by underpasses. The path is in full bloom now (May) and the fragrance from the flowers is amazing. The underpasses are lit so even if you are there during the blue hour, you can see the other side and feel safe. People are polite. I rode my bicycle the full length and with only a couple of exceptions, the path is easy to find. I took the map from traillink and used it when the path starts in a different place. I like to go in the evening after work, so it has been light on traffic. I am sure the weekends get busy. There is shade and there are water features at the southern end. Enjoy!!
This was a great scenic ride on great surface that extends to Thunderbird Rd. 3 Mar 15 Noel Keller
This is one of the most scenic rides in AZ. It rolls along lakes, golf courses and green belts and connects up with the much longer Indian Bend Trail that takes you all the way to Tempe Town Lake. Total distance from 92th and Shea to Tempe Town Lake was 28 miles and none of it was in traffic.
There are several places to stop for bathroom breaks or to just stretch your legs under a tree or alongside a small lake. There is a pub in the parking lot at 92nd and Shea for a cool beverage at the end of the ride. I highly recommend this trail.
This is one of our favorite trails because of the park like setting. Lots of greenery and trees add to the beauty and a pretty lake just adds a lot to the enjoyment of of a walk through this beautiful area.
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