Latitudes with Lucy

Phoenix is a trail runner’s paradise for about 9 months of the year. Something I’ve grown to love about running in the desert is the lack of trees—wide open views keep me from getting too bored. Just beware the brutal sun and prickly plants. A hat, sunglasses, sun shirt, running vest, and headlamp are my armor. I almost exclusively trail run at sunset (I’m not a morning person) to avoid brutal midday sun. Plus, Arizona sunsets are the best. 

In theory, you could run any trail, but I look for trails that are not crowded, not too rocky, and have gradual elevation change. In my opinion, these are the best trails for trail running near Phoenix:

1. Pass Mountain, Usery Mountain Park
2. Mesquite Canyon and Willow Canyon Loop, White Tank Regional Park
3. Bursera Loop, South Mountain Preserve
4. Shaw Butte, North Mountain Park
5. Dreamy Draw, Phoenix Mountain Preserve

Pass Mountain, Usery Mountain Park

8 miles, 1000 ft elevation

I saw more trail runners than hikers on this trail; it’s a classic. Pass Mountain is in Usery Mountain Park, just outside the Superstition Mountains. Usery Mountain Park has an entry fee station, so I prefer to park at one of the neighborhood trailheads along the loop.

This trail is super beautiful with colorful rocks and desert plants, especially in spring when the poppies bloom!

Mesquite Canyon and Willow Canyon Loop, White Tank Regional Park

8.5 miles, 1500 ft elevation

There are numerous routes suitable for trail running in White Tank Regional Park. It’s $10 per vehicle to enter the park.

Mesquite Canyon and Willow Canyon Loop is not crowded (past the first couple miles), and the trail is not too rocky with relatively gradual elevation change. If you try this route, I recommend taking a half-mile detour down the Goat Camp trail. It ascends out of the canyons to a ridge with fantastic views. 

Bursera Loop, South Mountain Preserve

3.5 miles, 800 ft elevation

South Mountain Preserve is huge, so there are probably lots of trails great for running. However, I find many of them too crowded with hikers and bikers. (I’m afraid of being hit by a mountain biker.)

Bursera Loop has been my favorite route to run at South Mountain. It’s quiet, not too rocky, and very scenic. Run the loop counterclockwise—up the ridgeline on Bursera trail and down the switchbacks on Bursera Canyon.

Shaw Butte, North Mountain Park

3 miles, 800 ft elevation

Shaw Butte is North Mountain’s quieter neighbor. It’s too steep for me to run, but it’s great hill training for serious runners. The trail is wide, not too rocky, and never crowded.

My distance tracked is out-and-back from Shaw Butte Trailhead, but there are numerous possible routes.

Dreamy Draw, Phoenix Mountain Preserve

(Multiple Routes)

Dreamy Draw is quieter and has smoother trails than other regions of Phoenix Mountain Preserve, which makes it ideal for trail running. I’ve seen run clubs here before. It’s not the most scenic midday, but I’ve caught many great sunsets at Dreamy Draw.

There are numerous intersecting trails, so you can mix up your route to keep things interesting. There’s even a paved path near the parking lot.

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For road running, I mostly stick to the canals in my neighborhood. I’m planning to train for a marathon and explore paved trails soon, so check back later this year for a road running guide!