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Badger Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 57 Google reviews · Running trail in Golden Valley, Arizona · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 9.5 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Badger Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Park featuring kid-friendly hikes with views among cactus plants.
What runners say about Badger Trail
“Nicely maintained, easy to follow, and the switch backs make the climb more manageable.”
“Nice walking trail mostly easy walking with minor tough spots but great views of Golden Valley and the Black Mountains.”
“Nicely maintained, easy to follow, and the switch backs make the climb more manageable.”
Beautiful trails that wind up the hills and mountains. A lot of quartz stones all over and the views will not disappoint!
Fun hike. Be very aware of cactus on the trail. On the way up there wasn't any cactus on the trail. But on the way back down there were a few peices knocked onto it. I stepped on one not looking and it went into my shoe. I felt it the whole way back lol I wouldn't recommend this trail for small children.
Great trail for a workout...not much shade , but the elevation gain is about 1,150ft in 3.2 miles...so, nice & steady...and if you're inclined to do so, yje trail is smooth enough to run / jog back down. Hiked 5/1/21...so, it's warm ( 85°+) so, the Rattlesnakes were out (2); just be cautious.
Excellent signage - there are even mile markers every 0.5 mile - so the trail is easy to follow. The views are well worth the effort. I hiked to Castle Rock and back...about 8 miles round trip.
Trail conditions & character
“Nice walking trail mostly easy walking with minor tough spots but great views of Golden Valley and the Black Mountains.”
“Nicely maintained, easy to follow, and the switch backs make the climb more manageable.”
“Lots climbing with some technical aspects throughout.”
“5 mile - so the trail is easy to follow.”
“This trail meets up with Castle Rock Trail and Sidewinder Trail, both of which tie into Beal Loop Trail and that can get you over to Monolith Gardens by going under the highway.”
“Great views pretty quickly as you get away from the parking lot.”
Plan your run at Badger Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance9.5 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, water — reported by runners
- Websiteblm.gov
- Phone+1 928-718-3700
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Golden Valley
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Cerbat Foothills Recreation Area - Coyote Pass Trailhead
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Camp Beale Loop
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Moderate-to-strenuous trail for hiking, rockhounding and viewing scenery and views.
Monolith Garden Trail
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Many iconic rock formations, formed by ancient volcanic activity, can be seen on this trail.
White Cliffs Wagon Trail
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Hiking area featuring trails with views of wagon wheel impressions from the mining era.
Locomotive Park
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Folksy locale with historic steam-powered passenger trains & nostalgic exhibits.
