Metro Phoenix is blessed with a large number of hiking trails around our communities and some great weather to hike in. Why not load up the dog and hit a trail?
The city of Phoenix alone has 88 trails and then add into that, wonderful trails north of Scottsdale and other Maricopa County trails throughout, and you have a lot of options for you and the pooch.
New law: You can’t hike with your dog on city of Phoenix trails if it is 100 degrees or hotter!
Here’s a list of some of our favorites, with some shady areas, well groomed trails and good bail-out points. They are all very easy on the dogs and hikers.
We’ll add more trails and include some longer jaunts as well as some good ones for out of town.
General pointers for hiking with your dog:
- Most national U.S. parks do not allow dogs on the trail
- Cholla, Echo Canyon and Piestawa Peak in Phoenix don’t allow dogs on the trail
- Parking lots at most trailheads are open daily from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- What to take in your bag for the dog? We’ve got that
City of Phoenix trails:
- Phoenix Mountain Preserve:
- Dreamy Draw: Trails aren’t well marked but the trails are relatively smooth.
- North Mountain Trailhead: The path up Shaw Butte is a popular one for dogs; it’s steep but dogs seem to love it. North Mountain Visitor Center is super dog friendly and a good place for you and the dog to cool down, if necessary. There’s a dog water bowl right underneath the indoor water fountains.
- Phoenix Sonoran Preserve
- Apache Wash: lovely, smooth, well-groomed trails with some shady spots. Watch out for mountain bikers, tho!
McDowell Sonoran Preserve:
- Brown’s Ranch: Easy-peasy through lush desert. Perfect for new hikers and their dogs.
- Frasefield: Fat Beagle approved — very level, little exertion. Brand-spanking new facilities
- Taliesin Overlook: Little bit more challenging but still very, very do-able.
Maricopa County Parks
- Spur Cross — Dragonfly: Very simple hike through lush desert and stream beds
Out of town hiking
- Groom Creek near Prescott: Good trail, steep in some places and definitely a climb to the top but the views are terrific. Watch for horses. Dog-friendly restaurants near Prescott for after the hike.
- Horton Creek near Payson: Does your dog like to play in water? Babbling brook provides a quiet place to get away
- Parsons Trail near Sedona: Quiet, with some water hopping. Very dog friendly
- Wilson Meadow at Hart Prairie near Flagstaff: A hike that can go as short as you want it to go. Wilson Meadow offers plenty of romping room and a pond to swim in (That’s for the dog; not you).
- Griffith Spring Trail: near Flagstaff: Another short hike that allows your dog to wade in a creek.Dog-friendly restaurants near Flagstaff for after the hike.
