Fall is just around the corner in Phoenix, Arizona, and that means that we can safely start hiking with our pups again. If you’ve been sticking to the early morning walks and hikes with your dog, this will give you a few more options to mix up your routine. 

All of the trails on our list of the best hiking trails and walking paths for dogs are located in Phoenix or one of the surrounding areas. So, no matter where you live in the metro area, there should be a hiking trail or a walking path to try near you. 

Looking for another way to entertain your dog in the last few hot, summer days? Check out our six favorite summer activities to do with your dog! 

Top 9 Dog-Friendly Hiking Areas near Phoenix, AZ

If you’re just getting into hiking with your pup or short on time, these are some of the best areas to start looking. Arizona is home to some premier hiking trails, and many of them are located out of the city. Still, there are a few within city limits to get you started. 

Note: There is a very limited amount of shade in most Phoenix area parks, so be sure that you check temperatures before you go, pack plenty of water, and check the ground to ensure it isn’t too hot for your dog’s paws. See more ways to protect your dog in the Arizona heat here. 

1. Phoenix Mountain Preserve

Location: Northeast Valley near Scottsdale       |         Difficulty: moderate – difficult

Pet Restrictions: Dogs on leash         |          Permit Required? No

The Phoenix Mountain Preserve is home to over 70 trails ranging from moderate to difficult. Dogs are welcome in this hiking area, but they must be on a leash and be prepared to pick up and carry out any dog waste. 

Trail distances range from a mile or two to a full day’s adventure, plus there are plenty of hills to tucker, even the youngest dog out. 

See trail options on AllTrails. 

2. McDowell Mountain Regional Park

Location: Northeast Valley near North Scottsdale and Fountain Hills          |            Difficulty: easy – difficult

Pet Restrictions: Dogs on leash      |       Permit Required? Yes

McDowell Mountain Regional Park will be a bit further away from Phoenix than some other options, but it has a lot to offer. If you’re looking for a short day trip, this is a great place to start. It affords proximity to the city while providing slightly more solitude than parks within city limits. 

See trail options on AllTrails. 

3. McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Location: Northeast Valley near central Scottsdale         |         Difficulty: moderate – difficult

Pet Restrictions: Dogs on leash         |        Permit Required? No

Not to be confused with the Mountain Preserve, McDowell Sonoran Preserve is slightly more trafficked partially due to how close to Scottsdale it is and because there is no entrance fee. 

There are plenty of hikes to choose from in this area, and you can enjoy quite the view from the top of Tom’s Thumb. 

See trail options on AllTrails.

4. South Mountain Preserve

Location: South-central valley outside of Tempe         |         Difficulty: moderate – difficult

Pet Restrictions: Dogs on leash       |        Permit Required? No

If you live in the Tempe area, the South Mountain Preserve should be your first stop for a hiking trip. With almost 100 trails to choose from, there will be a little something for all hiking abilities and dog breeds. 

There is a right mix of trail distances ranging anywhere from 1-16+ miles. There are also plenty of hills to be hiked here. From atop any of the peaks, you get a beautiful view of the city on one side and a more serene nature-focused view on the other. 

See trail options on AllTrials.

4. Thunderbird Conservation Park

Location: Northwest Valley in Glendale      |       Difficulty: easy – difficult

Pet Restrictions: Dogs on leash       |      Permit Required? No

If you live in the Glendale or Peoria area, Thunderbird Conservation Park will be one of the closest hiking options for you. While there aren’t quite as many trails to choose from compared to some of the larger parks, the location within the city makes this the perfect weekday hiking choice. 

There is a mile loop on the north side of the park that is mostly flat, perfect for older dogs or small breeds. Then you have a good mix of hilly trails throughout the rest of the park. 

This park is bustling on nights and weekends, so if you can swing it, try for a morning or early afternoon hike to avoid too many dogs and other people on the trails. 

See trail options on AllTrails.

6. White Tank Mountain Regional Park

Location: Northwest Valley near Surprise and Waddell         |         Difficulty:  easy – hard

Pet Restrictions: Dogs on leash         |        Permit Required? Yes

White Tank Mountain Regional Park is a bit further out of the city itself, which affords it more solitude and serenity. You will need a permit to enter the park, and be sure to keep your pet on a leash at all times. 

There are plenty of easy and moderate trails in this area, and if you link some trails together, you can make a fairly long day on the trail. This is a popular area for mountain biking, so be aware of bikers when hiking in certain parts of the park, and remember they always have the right of way. 

There is also plenty of camping in this park if you are looking for a weekend getaway close to home. 

See trail options on AllTrails. 

7. Dreamy Draw and Echo Canyon Recreation Area

Location: Northeast Valley near Scottsdale          |          Difficulty: moderate – difficult

Pet Restrictions: Dogs on leash       |        Permit Required? No

Primarily known for Camelback Mountain, Echo Canyon and Dreamy Draw Recreation Area have a lot to offer. Located in very close proximity to one another, you could hike both areas in one day. If you’re looking for a more moderate hike, there are plenty of loop trails that cross near the base of the hilly recreation area. 

Since this park is within city limits, it does tend to be much busier than parks further out of town. However, this can be a great after-work hiking location or early morning burn with your running buddy up Camelback. 

See trail options on AllTrails.

8. Papago Park

Location: East Valley between Phoenix, Tempe, and Scottsdale   |     Difficulty: easy – moderate

Pet Restrictions: Dogs on leash           |        Permit Required? No

One of the most popular hiking areas in the Phoenix area is Papago Park. With amazing views and hikes between red rocks, it is easy to see why there always seem to be countless hikers and families enjoying the park. It is also very close to the Botanical Gardens and home to the Phoenix Zoo. 

See trail options on AllTrails.

9. Cave Creek Regional Park

Location: North of Phoenix, between Cave Creek and Anthem      |         Difficulty: easy – moderate

Pet Restrictions: Dogs on leash        |         Permit Required? No

If you live a little further North of Phoenix, closer to Anthem, then the Cave Creek Regional Park will be a wonderful hiking spot to explore. While there are only nine trails within the park, they range from just over a mile to 22 miles in length. So, there will be a little bit of everything for everyone here!

See all trail options on AllTrails.

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Not sure which trail to choose? Find the one closest to you using the AllTrails App or website. AllTrails allows you to search according to your area and various other filters, including dog-friendly and difficulty level. 

What are your favorite dog-friendly hiking trails near Phoenix? Let us know in the comments below!

 

**All photos credited to AllTrails.