Biking & Running Guide
Discover Phoenix’s Scenic Routes
From flat, neighborhood-friendly canal
paths to beautiful desert scenery
and rewarding mountain trails,
find the right destination for your
next outdoor adventure.
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Grand Canalscape
Central Phoenix · Multi-Use Path
Grand Canalscape
The Grand Canalscape is a continuous
multi-use path along the Grand Canal
designed for walking, running,
and bicycling through Phoenix.
Good for:
Flat runs, longer bike rides,
urban workouts, and car-free recreation.
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Approximately 12 miles
of continuous trail.
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Concrete path approximately
10 to 12 feet wide.
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Includes lighting, seating,
crossings, and neighborhood
connections.
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Multiple access points are
available along the route.
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Phoenix Canal Trails
Greater Phoenix · Canal Network
SRP Canal Paths
SRP and local cities maintain
an extensive recreational canal
network used for running,
walking, and bicycling.
Good for:
Longer training routes,
easy navigation, and mostly flat terrain.
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More than 80 miles of developed
canal trails across the Valley.
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Some improved sections include
lighting, landscaping, public art,
and accessible paths.
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Pedal bicycles are permitted;
motorized vehicles are not
permitted on canal banks.
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Stay away from the canal edge
and never enter the water.
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Papago Park Trails
Papago Park · Running & Mountain Biking
Papago Park Trails
Papago Park’s generally easy terrain
makes it a popular choice for runners,
walkers, and mountain bikers who want
Sonoran Desert scenery without
major elevation gain.
Good for:
Easy trail runs, casual mountain biking,
fitness walks, and short scenic outings.
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Papago Park 5K Fitness Trail
— 3.1 miles.
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Double Butte Loop
— 2.3 miles.
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Crosscut Canal Path
— 1.4 miles.
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Galvin Bikeway
— 1.4 miles.
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Rio Salado
South of Downtown · Paved & Natural Trails
Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area
Rio Salado offers flat paved
and natural-surface routes beside
restored riparian habitat along
the historic Salt River corridor.
Good for:
Easy runs, walking, casual biking,
wildlife watching, and low-elevation exercise.
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North Overbank Trail
— 3.7 miles.
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South Overbank Trail
— 3.0 miles.
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Both paved routes have
essentially no elevation change.
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Stay on designated trails
to protect the restoration area.
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South Mountain
South Phoenix · Mountain Trails
South Mountain Park & Preserve
South Mountain offers a large
network of desert trails and road
routes for experienced runners
and cyclists looking for elevation
and longer outings.
Good for:
Trail running, mountain biking,
climbing workouts, and road cycling.
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Trail difficulty ranges from
accessible loops to steep
and difficult routes.
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The park includes more than
15 miles of road cycling opportunities.
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Silent Sunday reserves Summit Road
for non-motorized recreation during
scheduled closure periods.
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Choose a trail appropriate
for your fitness and experience level.
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