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Crosscut Canal Path
4.6 ★★★★★ 32 Google reviews · Running trail in Tempe, Arizona · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Crosscut Canal Path'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.
This paved canalside cycling/walking track links Scottsdale & Tempe & offers city views.
What runners say about Crosscut Canal Path
“Beautiful well maintained paved path along the canal which is great for walkers and bikers alike.”
“Great trail for jogging or biking with a great view of both Tempe and Phoenix.”
I walked on part of this path from the Phoenix Zoo/ Papago Park area (next to the Hole in the Rock). It's concrete and nicely paved. Unfortunately, there wasn't much shade. Didn't see many hikers, most a few bikes going along the trail. It got hot, so I had to turn back.
Great trail for jogging or biking with a great view of both Tempe and Phoenix. Also great spot for fishing!
Beautiful well maintained paved path along the canal which is great for walkers and bikers alike. Connects to the vast expansive trail system in Papago park. Well worth a visit and easy to access by light rail/public transportation as well.
Rode the Crosscut Canal path from Arizona Falls on the North to Mill Ave Trail head and back. It's about 10 miles round trip. Half flat and then some hills on the Tempe end. You would hardly believe you're in the middle of the city.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful well maintained paved path along the canal which is great for walkers and bikers alike.”
“Beautiful well maintained paved path along the canal which is great for walkers and bikers alike.”
Plan your run at Crosscut Canal Path
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- 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.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitephoenix.gov
- Phone(602) 495-5458
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 5 AM–11 PM |
| Tuesday | 5 AM–11 PM |
| Wednesday | 5 AM–11 PM |
| Thursday | 5 AM–11 PM |
| Friday | 5 AM–11 PM |
| Saturday | 5 AM–11 PM |
| Sunday | 5 AM–11 PM |
Running trails near Tempe
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Evelyn Hallman Park
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Waterside green space featuring walking paths along a canal and/or pond.
Papago Park in Tempe
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Public park with a restroom, playground, and picnic tables, as well as hiking trails.
Papago Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 12,935 reviews
Expansive hiking & picnicking area that includes the Phoenix Zoo & famed Hole-in-the-Rock formation.
Hole in the Rock
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Landmark rock formation with multiple cavelike holes in the sandstone created by erosion.
LoPiano Bosque Habitat
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This 13-mile habitat features walking & biking trails, a variety of wildlife & native desert trees.
Canal Trailhead
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