Phoenix, Arizona

Looking for the best running in Phoenix? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Phoenix. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Running Spots in and near Phoenix

  • Phoenix, Arizona

    Piestewa Peak Summit

    4.4
    2.25 mi / 1050 ft gain
    Piestewa Peak, formerly known as Squaw Peak and conveniently located in the heart of the Phoenix metropolitan area, is a relatively short hike that yields impressive views of the city and is a perfect spot to watch the sunset. Piestewa Peak is a popular spot for locals who do not want to drive or...
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  • Phoenix, Arizona

    Mojave Connector Trail #202

    2.18 mi / 820 ft gain
    The best starting point to access this hike is parking at the Mojave Picnic Area and heading up the Mojave Trail #200. At .4 miles, you will hit the junction and stating point for the Mojave Connector Trail. Head left at the saddle and begin a rapid ascent up switchbacks to a small flattened summ...
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  • Phoenix, Arizona

    North Mountain Trail

    4.7
    1.42 mi / 571 ft gain
    Beginning from the start of the trail on 7th Street, this short hike can be a good quick workout that offers great views of the greater Phoenix area.  Be aware that this hike is a fairly steep climb 600 feet to the top.   Once you reach the summit of North Mountain you'll find great views of the...
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  • Phoenix, Arizona

    Mojave Trail #200

    4.5
    1.88 mi / 430 ft gain
    The entrance for the Piestewa Peak area is located at 2701 E. Squaw Peak Drive. The Mojave Picnic Area & Trailhead is the first parking area on the right. This is a very popular trail when the outside temps drop a bit so get there early for sunset hikes to ease parking. The trail begins on t...
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  • Phoenix, Arizona

    Ruth Hamilton Trail

    3.32 mi / 981 ft gain
    Ruth Hamilton Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Phoenix, Arizona.
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  • Phoenix, Arizona

    Quartz Ridge Trail

    4.5
    2.29 mi / 509 ft gain
    Quartz Ridge in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve (also known as Trail 8A) is a great escape getaway trail that can be done as a single track or combined with many intersecting trails. It is a very popular trail for hikers, trail runners, pet walkers, sky gawkers and more! The trailhead sits in a sm...
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  • Phoenix, Arizona

    Shaw Butte Trail

    5.0
    4.22 mi / 866 ft gain
    The Shaw Butte Trail is a short loop hike that leads you to the top of Shaw Butte in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve.  Beginning from the trailhead on Central Avenue, The first section of trail follows a steady uphill service road to the top.  Near the top you'll find an array of towers and a good...
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  • Phoenix, Arizona

    Shadow Mountain Loop

    2.07 mi / 600 ft gain
    Shadow Mountain Loop is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Phoenix, Arizona.
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  • Phoenix, Arizona

    Echo Canyon Trail on Camelback Mountain

    4.5
    2.46 mi / 1214 ft gain
    If you live near or around Phoenix, you know that Camelback Mountain is pretty hard to miss. Due to the mountain's height, this hike isn't exactly what you would call easy. There are two sides of the mountain you can hike, Echo Canyon and Cholla Trail. Echo Canyon is shorter, but still an extreme...
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  • Phoenix, Arizona

    Arizona Canal Trail

    5.0
    3.58 mi / 46 ft gain
    Arizona Canal Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Phoenix, Arizona.
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  • Phoenix, Arizona

    Double Butte Loop

    4.4
    2.2 mi / 151 ft gain
    From the rocks in Papago Park you can see all of Tempe and into Downtown Phoenix. During the summer it is a tremendous vantage point to watch the infamous haboobs (intense dust storm) roll through the valley. If they're at sunset or just before, the color experience is phenomenal. Of course, y...
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  • Phoenix, Arizona

    Hole in the Rock

    3.9
    0.27 mi / 33 ft gain
    Papago Park is located right next to the Phoenix Zoo. The park is known for its rock formations and short hiking / running trails. The main attraction, the Hole in the Rock, at the top of the short trail, is a great place to take pictures as it is one of the highest points in the area and it off...
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  • Phoenix, Arizona

    Reach 11 Trail

    4.0
    6.3 mi / 118 ft gain
    Located in north Phoenix, Arizona, the Reach 11 Recreation Area offers an extensive network of trails winding through 1,500 acres of preserved desert habitat. This urban trail system provides a perfect escape for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure within city limits, offering a unique blend ...
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  • Phoenix, Arizona

    Acer Summit Via Mormon Trail

    2.46 mi / 758 ft gain
    Acer Summit Via Mormon Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Phoenix, Arizona.
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  • Glendale, Arizona

    Thunderbird Park 3 Peaks Loop

    5.0
    7.31 mi / 1417 ft gain
    This is a great spot to go for a quick run or a short hike if you're in North Phoenix. Thunderbird park is easily accessible with free entry and a number of picnic areas. There are 3 main hills with a variety of trail options to hike up/around each. From the top you'll find a nice view of valley...
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  • Glendale, Arizona

    Arrowhead Point Loop

    2.37 mi / 492 ft gain
    The Arrowhead Point Loop in Arizona is a 2.4-mile trail located in Thunderbird Conservation Park near Phoenix, Arizona. This trail offers a moderately challenging route with rewarding desert views, particularly at sunrise or sunset. The loop trail features rocky terrain and mild elevation gain,...
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