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Bajada Nature Trail

5 ★★★★★ 6 Google reviews · Running trail in Scottsdale, Arizona · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Bajada Nature Trail yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. 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.

ScenicDog-friendly

What runners say about Bajada Nature Trail

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (6 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 3 mentions

“Always park rangers or Scottsdale helpers warning of the danger of this beautiful trail.”

This is a moderate trail. Fun for the whole family and ages. Keep in mind that the climb is gradual, and I have seen so many people needing water on the trip back. Always park rangers or Scottsdale helpers warning of the danger of this beautiful trail. In my opinion, it is one of the best sunsets in Scottsdale.

★★★★★ — Tanner , May 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 6 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🐕 Dog-friendly 9 mentions

“Note: they allow dogs but must be on leash.”

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🏞️ Scenic views 4 mentions

“Always park rangers or Scottsdale helpers warning of the danger of this beautiful trail.”

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Plan your run at Bajada Nature Trail

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.

Where to find Bajada Nature Trail

18333 N Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85255

Get directions

Running trails near Scottsdale

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

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under a mile away

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Park featuring hiking trails of varying difficulty through desert terrain.

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McDowell Sonoran Preserve

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Nature preserve featuring hiking trails and mountain biking opportunities.

under a mile away

Westworld Trailhead

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Javelina Trail Head

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Bike Path off Thompson and Frank L. Wright

3.3 ★★★☆☆ 4 reviews

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Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.