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Jail Trail
4.4 ★★★★☆ 338 Google reviews · Running trail in Cottonwood, Arizona · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Jail 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.
What runners say about Jail Trail
“Lots of overgrowth and sand on the trails, but the cottonwood tree canopy is beautiful and it’s a low impact walk.”
“Not very well marked but hard to get lost if you orient yourself north/south.”
“easy trail, some areas get a bit sandier than others, but it's not at all difficult.”
Cool , fun and easy trail. Only wish I had more time to explore because I was really good enjoying it here. Parking super easy too.
Delightful hike to the Verde River. Note - a few signs are confusing due to their placement (go L at the first confusing sign, stay R at the second confusing sign post). Lots of lizards cross the trail! Shaded spots along the trail help keep you cool. Trail end at Verde River.
Easy, mellow walk with some spots to take a break and see the river. Lots of birds. Entrance in Old Town also has a few restaurants that are open early for breakfast, brunch, coffee, and/or cocktails.
We did not go far down this trail. There’s a parking lot right at the entrance. Per friendly and nice views
Trail conditions & character
“There’s a great parking area right in the heart of town, and we enjoyed grabbing coffee and hiking with the kids.”
“Lots of overgrowth and sand on the trails, but the cottonwood tree canopy is beautiful and it’s a low impact walk.”
“My dog loves coming down here because he loves the water.”
“Lots of overgrowth and sand on the trails, but the cottonwood tree canopy is beautiful and it’s a low impact walk.”
“Cool little trail with mostly single track with different loops and some nice features including fallen trees that form passable arches and a small pond, river.”
“Not very well marked but hard to get lost if you orient yourself north/south.”
Plan your run at Jail 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
- 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
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 Cottonwood
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
