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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

  • Scottsdale, Arizona

    Hike Bell's Pass

    7.3 mi / 1700 ft gain
    Starting 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...
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  • Phoenix, Arizona

    Apache Wash Loop Trail

    5.79 mi / 541 ft gain
    This 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...
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  • Phoenix, Arizona

    Lost Ranch Ruins Trail to Lost Ranch Mines Trail Loop

    5.0
    4.97 mi / 1184 ft gain
    Lost Ranch Ruins Trail to Lost Ranch Mines Trail Loop is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Phoenix, Arizona.
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  • Scottsdale, Arizona

    Sunrise Trail to Sunrise Peak

    4.8
    3.73 mi / 1037 ft gain
    Sunrise Peak, also known as Sunrise Trail, is located at the residential foothills of the McDowell Mountains in Scottsdale, Arizona. The trail will start next to a residential neighborhood, but after about a quarter mile you'll be immersed in the pristine Sonoran Desert. The trail will lead you t...
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  • Scottsdale, Arizona

    Tom's Thumb

    4.3
    3.98 mi / 1236 ft gain
    The 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...
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  • Scottsdale, Arizona

    Upper Ranch and Brown's Ranch Road Trail

    3.98 mi / 154 ft gain
    Upper Ranch and Brown's Ranch Road Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Scottsdale, Arizona.
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  • Goodyear, Arizona

    Hike Estrella Mountain's Baseline Trail

    4.0
    2.4 mi / 259 ft gain
    Baseline 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...
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  • Cave Creek, Arizona

    Hike the Go John Trail

    5.0
    5.6 mi / 804 ft gain
    As 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...
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  • Fort McDowell, Arizona

    Hike the Lower Salt River Nature Trail

    2.5
    2.4 mi
    This 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...
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  • Waddell, Arizona

    Hike Goat Camp Trail

    16 mi
    This 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...
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  • Waddell, Arizona

    Hike Mesquite Canyon Trail

    13 mi / 1394 ft gain
    This 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...
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  • Morristown, Arizona

    Hike the Wild Burro Trail

    4 mi / 112 ft gain
    Hike along the shoreline of beautiful Lake Pleasant. This 4.0 mile out-and-back trail is worth its weight in beautiful views. The path is well maintained and perfect for beginner hikers who enjoy leisurely hikes while looking for wild burros. The Wild Burro trail starts with a small descent from ...
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  • Buckeye, Arizona

    Hike Valley Vista from Turnbuckle Trail

    5.0
    2 mi
    The Valley Vista trail is a short hike in Skyline Regional Park, located in the southern region of the White Tank Mountains west of Phoenix.  From the top you'll have a great view of the Estrella Mountain Range and the southwest valley.  For the most direct route, take the Turnbuckle trail.  This...
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  • Morristown, Arizona

    Yavapai Point Trail

    5.0
    3.08 mi / 525 ft gain
    Yavapai Point Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near New River, Arizona.
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  • Queen Creek, Arizona

    Hike the Dynamite and Goldmine Loop

    5.0
    4.7 mi / 773 ft gain
    This 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 ...
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  • Apache Junction, Arizona

    Camp at Lost Dutchman State Park

    4.8
    Lost 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...
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