Arizona Canal Path

Arizona

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Arizona Canal Path Facts

States: Arizona
Counties: Maricopa
Length: 72 miles
Trail end points: Skunk Creek Trail, near 73rd Ave. (Peoria) and S Canal Service Rd. (Salt River Pima-Maricopa Community)
Trail surfaces: Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone
Trail category: Greenway/Non-RT
ID: 6463706

Arizona Canal Path Description

Overview

The Arizona Canal Path is one of the longest multi-use trails in Maricopa County, running between Peoria, Glendale, Phoenix, Scottsdale and the Salt River Pima–Maricopa Indian Community along both sides of the Arizona Canal, one of the county's vital waterways. The trail, paved at times and unpaved at others, provides access to a large number of residences, commercial centers, schools and other recreational opportunities.

About the Route

Starting at the trail's northwestern endpoint in northern Glendale and heads southeast, crossing through Paseo Neighborhood Park and Thunderbird Paseo Park. This section of the trail encompasses shrubs, trees and open greenspaces. South of these parks, the trail is a bit less green with the dry surroundings of the canal hemmed in by suburban Phoenix. 

The trail continues south for a while before skewing north as it passes downtown Scottsdale. One highlight in the charming downtown Scottsdale is the stunning Soleri Bridge and Plaza, which opened in 2010.

As the trail leaves downtown Scottsdsale, it heads north and then west again and then exits the dense urban environment that characterizes the western portion of the trail. The end portion of the trail passes through arid and flat environments hemmed in by some farmlands.

The eastern end of the trail is sudden dead end by the Granite Reef Dam, but trail users may continue along the South Canal Path to loop back into suburban Scottsdale.

Connections

At the trail's northwestern end, it connects to Skunk Creek Trail.

In Phoenix, the Cave Creek Wash Trail connects to the Arizona Canal Path.

Near the Phoenix Airport, the trail connects to the Old Cross Cut Canal Park Path and the Crosscut Canal Path.

In Scottsdale, the trail intersects with the Indian Bend Wash Path and Pima Road Trail.

At the eastern end of the trail, it continues south as the Southern Canal Path.

Parking and Trail Access

The Arizona Canal Path runs between Skunk Creek Trail, near 73rd Ave. (Peoria) and S Canal Service Rd. (Salt River Pima-Maricopa Community).

Parking is available at:

  • Thunderbird Paseo Park, 59th Ave & Thunderbird Rd (Glendale)
  • 6505 N 20th St (Phoenix)
  • 7301 E Indian Bend Rd (Scottsdale)

See TrailLink Map for all parking options and detailed directions.

Arizona Canal Path Reviews

Caution West of Hatcher Road

I love biking the canal systems.
I entered at 56th street just across the street from the 56th hydro power plant (this is really cool place to stop stretch and read some history).
The bike under passes were fine until 27th ave and there were two transients but easily passed. The I 17 underpass was a different story.
I got 1/4 down the slope and the entire tunnel was blocked with transients. There was no way to bike safely through. At this point I turned around and went on in another direction.

AZ Canal Path from N Hayden Rd to Lower Salt River Rec Area

We rode the AZ Canal Trail on a Mt Bike and my wife on a Trike Recumbent. Started at Bashas on Hayden Rd and headed east. The ride was approx 16.5 miles one way; we had lunch in the shade at the Lower Salt River Rec Area Park. We were "very lucky" and saw 4 wild horses just south west of the Granite Reef Dam. CAUTION: Ride only the South Side of the canal and be sure to have plenty of water, no potable water sources or shade anywhere along the canal. However, there are a few dispersed porta-potties. We attempted a few portions on the canal's north-side trail but encountered locked gates and fences. The surface is not suitable for skinny tires.

Road bike travel

The majority of the canal is fantastic, however trying to get through the underpaths on the I-17, 43rd Peoria, 51rst and Cactus is dangerous. The underpaths are filled with trash, shopping carts, bonfires, strollers, dogs and homeless people. The worst area is crossing the underpath on 51rst and Cactus. It used to be kept clean and clear but no longer.

how to bike Arizona canal trail

I read all the reviews and rode this trail today. Useful information I found is where do you start? When coming from farther west there are some not so nice tunnels. I would start at Granada park at 6505 N. 20th Street and go east toward Scottsdale. There is ample parking and a police station right next to it. Nice area all the way for 20 plus miles. Good paths and you can ride 13 miles to Scottsdale or keep If you start further west, you run into the bad areas.

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