If you crave the fresh air and wide-open spaces just beyond the city, Tempe’s trails offer plenty of ways to escape the pavement. Whether you’re looking for an urban climb, a shaded park loop, or a serene canal path, you’ll find your perfect route close to home.
Let’s get to it.
“A” Mountain Tempe
Tempe’s urban climb of “A” Mountain, officially Hayden Butte, offers a short but satisfying workout. The trail begins with a partly paved path that leads to steep stairs near the summit. The last section is rocky, so avoid bringing wheeled gear unless you plan to carry it.
At the top, you can see Tempe Town Lake, Arizona State University’s campuses, and city landmarks. Planes and trains pass nearby, adding movement to the view. At the base, petroglyphs remind visitors of the area’s ancient history. There is no shade on the trail, making summer afternoons very hot. The busiest times fall on weekends and at sunrise or sunset, when dogs roam off leash in designated areas below. Parking requires a metered space, and there are no restrooms along the route. Water stations are also absent, so bring your own supplies. In terms of maintenance, the path remains clear of debris most days, which makes “A” Mountain a reliable spot for a quick taste of Sonoran Desert scenery and city views.
Crosscut Canal Path
The Crosscut Canal Path links Tempe and Scottsdale across 18 miles of mostly flat pavement. Wheelchairs, strollers, cyclists, and joggers share the route with ease. The total climb remains under 220 feet, with most sections barely rising above ground level.
Canal water flows beside the trail, reflecting sunlight off its surface. Ducks paddle near the banks, and desert plants dot the sandy shoulders. Papago Buttes rise on the western horizon as you approach Papago Park. Tempe Town Lake appears further south, with ASU buildings visible in the distance.
Evelyn Hallman Park and Moeur Park serve as convenient rest stops with restrooms and water fountains. Art installations near Papago Park add visual interest. Weekday mornings tend to be quieter, while Saturday afternoons and rush-hour evenings draw cyclists and e-scooters. Dogs are welcome on a leash. The path opens at sunrise and closes at sunset with clear signage guiding you through intersections. Maintenance crews repair cracks and remove debris regularly, keeping the surface safe for a smooth ride or walk.
Evelyn Hallman Park
Tucked into south Tempe, Evelyn Hallman Park covers 40 acres around a central lagoon. A flat, paved loop circles the water, making it easy to walk, roll, or bike. Elevation stays at zero, so you can focus on the scenery rather than steep hills. The ADA accessible fishing pier stretches over the lagoon’s edge.
Leashed dogs are welcome on designated paths. Shaded picnic ramadas and benches appear along the route, and bike racks stand near the parking lot. Restrooms and drinking fountains sit close to the lagoon’s south side. Public art installations add a touch of color near the main entrance. When summer sun intensifies, mornings bring comfortable temperatures for a stroll. You might see herons or kingfishers resting on the water’s surface. Park staff keep lawns trimmed and pathways clear of litter. This well maintained setting avoids the crowds found at larger parks, making it a quiet spot for a family outing, solo walk, or casual fishing trip by the water.
Rio Salado Park
Paved and dirt trails stretch for five miles along the Salt River in Rio Salado Park, creating a varied network for walkers, cyclists, equestrians, and birdwatchers. Cottonwoods and willow trees line the water’s edge and several ponds sit along the way. All paths run flat, so the elevation gain stays at zero. The paved Overbank Trails accommodate strollers and wheelchairs, and water fountains and restrooms stand by at the Equestrian Trailhead.
Birders can spot over 200 species throughout the year. Most routes run out-and-back along the river banks, so you won’t lose your way. Leashed dogs are welcome, but they must stay on the paved trails. Weekends bring moderate crowds only during special events or organized bird walks. The park opens at sunrise and closes at 7 p.m. The cooler months are the best time to visit, unless you prefer testing your limits on an “Easy” trail during a summer afternoon. Ample parking and clear signage make it easy to start at different points, and maintenance crews keep the trails free of debris.
LoPiano Bosque Habitat
On the north side of Loop 202 in Tempe, LoPiano Bosque Habitat preserves thirteen acres of restored mesquite bosque. Thick stands of mesquite, acacia, and palo verde provide a green contrast to surrounding desert. A straightforward out-and-back trail follows the Indian Bend Canal, with an optional link to Papago Park for a longer route.
The surface combines dirt and sand, mostly flat with under fifty feet of total elevation gain. Watch for uneven sections and rocky patches near the canal bank. Strollers aren’t ideal here, but walkers, joggers, and beginner mountain bikers find it inviting. Interpretive signs along the path highlight local flora and fauna, turning each visit into a self-guided nature lesson.
Street parking is available on E. Gilbert Road, and a bike rack near the Papago Park entrance offers secure storage. Early mornings and late afternoons are best for cooler temperatures and softer light. Otherwise, shade is scarce and midday heat approaches 110°F in summer. This quiet habitat remains a local favorite for low-key outdoor exploration.
Cole Park
Nestled in Tempe, Cole Park makes the most of its 3.7 acres with a smooth two-mile loop. The trail is flat and fully paved, so no special footwear or intense stamina is required. Walkers, cyclists, and strollers share the path comfortably, and large, mature trees offer generous shade when temperatures climb.
The park’s grassy meadows attract picnickers and leashed dogs, while occasional patches of standing water appear after heavy rain or an overzealous sprinkler cycle. Accessibility is clearly a priority: parking and trail surfaces accommodate wheelchairs, strollers, and scooters. Families enjoy the playground area, and nearby basketball courts stay busy when energy levels are high.
Three covered gazebos provide shelter and free Wi-Fi, enough bandwidth for basic browsing but not for streaming video. Weekdays stay quiet, so you won’t dodge crowds on a casual visit. Park staff keep the grounds tidy, though low spots can become soggy during irrigation cycles. Waterproof or old shoes come in handy when the grass is wet, but otherwise this compact gem offers a relaxed, well-maintained escape.
Papago Park in Tempe
At Papago Park in Tempe, visitors find a network of trails and loops on natural dirt and paved surfaces. The Hole-in-the-Rock Trail spans 0.2 miles with a set of stone steps near the summit. At the top, you will see views of the city skyline and surrounding desert formations.
Most loops stay on flat terrain or feature gentle grades, making them accessible for runners, walkers, and strollers. Fitness stations appear at intervals on select routes. Interpretive signs identify local cacti and desert plants. You will find water fountains and benches along main trails, as well as ramadas with picnic tables.
Restrooms are located near major trailheads, and free parking is available throughout the park. The site connects to the Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Garden by a short trail link. Crowds gather around sunrise and sunset at the buttes, but weekdays remain quiet. Dogs on a leash are allowed on marked paths. Park hours run from sunrise to sunset, and staff maintain clear trails by trimming vegetation and removing litter.
