Export to Trail Guide
Create Guidebook 
Download GPX 
Print Friendly MapThe Western Canal Path, sometimes known as the Western Powerline Trail, is one of several trails adjacent to canals in the Phoenix metropolitan area, connecting the cities of Phoenix, Tempe, Chandler, Mesa and Gilbert on its more than 20 mile, east–west route. The useful trail provides both an active transportation and recreation resource to nearby residents.
The trail has a smooth concrete surface through Tempe and where it follows the Chandler/Mesa border. For most of its route, the concrete trail is paralleled by a gravel-surfaced trail more popular with dog walkers, joggers and hikers on the opposite side of the canal. In Gilbert, the surface varies between crushed stone and concrete, while the surface on the western end in Phoenix consists completely of unimproved gravel.
Several parks and trail connections increase the utility of the Western Canal Path. At its midpoint, the trail connects to the Kyrene Canal Path; take that route to head farther south into Chandler. From the trail's eastern end in Gilbert, the Consolidated Canal Path extends north into Mesa and south into Chandler.
Parking is available at several parks along the Western Canal Path's route:
In Gilbert, park at McQueen Park (510 N. Horne Street), which also offers restrooms, drinking fountains and playing fields.
In Mesa, parking is available at Palo Verde Park (3135 S. Dobson Road) and Carriage Lane Park (3140 S. Carriage Lane).
In Tempe, you can find parking at scenic Kiwanis Park (near the intersection of Mill Avenue and All America Way), which also offers athletic fields, picnic areas, restrooms, a recreation center and a lake at its center.
Yes there are plenty of intersections, but a fun ride in good shape. One of my favorites!
Stay away from the South Mountain side in Laveen. Not only is there almost zero shade, the surface is broken pavement with a mixture of some light gravel. There are some sketchy neighborhood spots that you have to run behind. But most importantly, way too many streets to cross without any crosswalks. Every other block you have to cross a street. And you have to fight traffic (sometimes standing in the middle because you can only get across one part of the traffic at a time). This really isn’t a trail, but a access road for powerline workers to
This is a long trail. Start early to beat the heat because the Heat almost got us and that was returning 9:39 am It’s all paved but most of it is open hardly any trees to block the Sun.. So your exposed.. But being paved gentle on the bike and us.
EAST of I-10, this is a nice, mostly-paved trail, and you will enjoy the company of may cyclists and joggers. I especially enjoyed the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch. It's a great little detour off the path, with its own network of rideable dirt paths, families, and lots of birds. This section of the path also goes right through the commercial heart of Gilbert, with many nice restaurants. It also connects to the very nice Consolidated Canal paved path, running north-south. This is a nice path for any kind of bicycle, as well as for walking and running. Every road crossing of any size has a dedicated crosswalk and signal.
WEST of I-10 is the rough dirt/gravel path along the canal. It's a somewhat depressed area of Phoenix. It doesn't connect to other paths, and there are few amenities. Not a good path for a road bike of any kind. Most crossings have no markings or signals. On a recent nice-weather day, I saw no other bikers (but plenty of wanderers that I gave a wide berth).
For the WESTERN stretch, there is a partially-paved alternative east-west path about a mile to the south (south of Baseline Road). The asphalt (in early 2021) is not in a good state of repair, but you will have the company of a few cyclists and joggers.
IN BETWEEN the EAST and WEST is the freeway crossing at Baseline Road. This is a very busy intersection at all times, with lots of turning traffic. Dangerous.
I'd stick with the EASTERN stretch of the "Western" Canal Path.
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails conservancy
(a non-profit) and we need your support!
