Tempe, Arizona
Looking for the best running in Tempe? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Tempe. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Running Spots in and near Tempe
-
Phoenix, Arizona
Shaw Butte Trail
5.04.22 mi / 866 ft gainThe 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...Read more -
Scottsdale, Arizona
Hike Bell's Pass
7.3 mi / 1700 ft gainStarting at 1800 ft elevation, the trail begins at Gateway Loop. This part of the trail will start off pretty flat and be more crowded than Bell's Pass depending on the day and time you are hiking. If you enjoy running this would be the time to do it before you reach Bell's Pass and the incline i...Read more -
Fort McDowell, Arizona
Hike the Lower Salt River Nature Trail
2.52.4 miThis scenic loop offers views of Four Peaks, the Salt River & Verde River, and a desert landscape with plenty of wildlife. Keep an eye out for eagles, wild horses, and other wildlife while you're on the trail. This trail starts from the Phon D Sutton Recreation site, which is located at the...Read more -
Scottsdale, Arizona
Tom's Thumb
4.33.98 mi / 1236 ft gainThe infamous “thumb” can be seen from most places in the valley – a white burst of rock jutting skyward out of the desert ridgeline. The new Tom’s Thumb Trailhead in 2012 has nice restrooms and offers tons of information about the surrounding rock climbing areas, day hikes and desert knowledg...Read more -
Queen Creek, Arizona
Hike the Dynamite and Goldmine Loop
5.04.7 mi / 773 ft gainThis trail is a moderately-rated hike. It is used for a variety of activities including hiking, mountain biking, running, and walking. To access the trail, it is important to note that there is a $7 cash parking fee, so be prepared! The beginning of the trail is the most challenging part as it ...Read more -
Scottsdale, Arizona
Upper Ranch and Brown's Ranch Road Trail
3.98 mi / 154 ft gainUpper Ranch and Brown's Ranch Road Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Scottsdale, Arizona.Read more -
Glendale, Arizona
Run at Thunderbird Park
5.02 mi / 475 ft gainThis 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...Read more -
Apache Junction, Arizona
Camp at Lost Dutchman State Park
4.8Lost Dutchman State Park is located near the Superstition Mountains in central Phoenix, about 40 miles from Phoenix. There is a $7 day use fee to enter the park, which is waived if you’re camping ($15/night). The park offers 134 campsites, each with a picnic table, barbeque grill, and fire pit, a...Read more -
Phoenix, Arizona
Apache Wash Loop Trail
5.79 mi / 541 ft gainThis hike begins at the Apache Wash Trailhead where you will find restrooms and a covered rest area. This loop is simple to follow and offers various shortcuts along with an access to an optional summit climb. The loop begins from the north-east end of the parking lot near the restrooms. Turn l...Read more -
Apache Junction, Arizona
Treasure Loop via Jacob's Crosscut Trail
3.78 mi / 620 ft gainStarting Treasure Loop from Jacob's Crosscut offers a slight variation on Treasure Loop as well as ~1.5 miles if you're looking for a little extra distance. This trail is dog friendly on-leash and is used by hikers and runners.Read more -
Goodyear, Arizona
Hike Estrella Mountain's Baseline Trail
4.02.4 mi / 259 ft gainBaseline Trail is a 2.4 mile moderately trafficked loop trail. This trail features lovely wild flowers and is rated as intermediate. You can use this trail not just for hiking but you can also use the trail for running as well as mountain biking. On the trail you are allowed to bring your furry f...Read more -
Apache Junction, Arizona
Hike the Dutchman's Second Canyon Loop
5.016 miTo get to the trail head, drive past Lost Dutchman State Park on the 88 and then take the dirt road (on your right) with arrows leading you to First Water Trail Head. There is an outhouse at the trailhead, so I suggest visiting it before you begin this hike. I also started this hike about an ho...Read more -
Apache Junction, Arizona
Hike Black Mesa Loop
4.59 miFrom First Water Trailhead, a short walk east brings you to the junction of the Dutchman trail and the Second Water trail. If you follow the Dutchman trail to the right you'll be heading southeast for a while, catching glimpses of Weaver's Needle in the distance. You can complete the loop going...Read more -
Cave Creek, Arizona
Hike the Go John Trail
5.05.6 mi / 804 ft gainAs you park at the trailhead, you have the option to take this trail in either direction. I recommend that you travel north, which will immediately provide 0.75 miles of elevation gain. You will then reach a pass with panoramic views of the Tonto National Forest. A bench in this area provides the...Read more -
Waddell, Arizona
Hike Goat Camp Trail
16 miThis is one of the less traveled trails in White Tank Mountain Regional Park. If you're looking for a solid day hike in the west valley, try this one. It isn't a loop, but it ultimately connects with some of the other long trails so if you're up for a long hike, you have options. This starts f...Read more -
Waddell, Arizona
Hike Mesquite Canyon Trail
13 mi / 1394 ft gainThis is a great place to begin your hike in the White Tank Mountains. From the Ramada Way area, the trail begins to lead steadily into a small canyon. As you get further up, the trail will begin get more steep. After a short time it leads up to the first saddle and wraps around a ridge and bec...Read more