Home › Arizona › Waddell › Mesquite Canyon Trail
Mesquite Canyon Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 51 Google reviews · Running trail in Waddell, Arizona · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Mesquite Canyon 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.
Hiking area offering varying difficulty levels, scenic views, and a waterfall.
What runners say about Mesquite Canyon Trail
“Beautiful mountains, plants, saw some deer, coyotes, and birds.”
“For anyone who hikes regularly, this is going to be an easy hike.”
First time doing the mesquite / willow loop. It was a little over 8 miles. Beautiful views, saw a few deer, snakes and a chipmunk. Take plenty of water and good soled hiking shoes.
Well maintained trail takes you around saguaros and various desert plant life. Difficulty ranges from easy at the beginning to strenuous toward the switchbacks and rocky areas. Parking lot can fill quickly on weekends.
Great easy hike. Good for exercising. Did it on a cool cloudy morning. Lots of animals came out to play
This trail is wonderful for trail running. Its a steady, relatively easy climb with great views. I ran about 4.20 miles out from the parking lot before turning back. It was just enough to catch a nice view of Barry Goldwater peak.
Trail conditions & character
“For this trail, you can find parking by first navigating to Waterfall Canyon Trail Parking on Google Maps; from there, pass the playground area.”
“Not a difficult trail but the steady rise in elevation requires some cardio fitness and the surface is rocky.”
“For this trail, you can find parking by first navigating to Waterfall Canyon Trail Parking on Google Maps; from there, pass the playground area.”
“Not a difficult trail but the steady rise in elevation requires some cardio fitness and the surface is rocky.”
“While broad in places, probably best to leave dogs at home given foot traffic and rough surface.”
“Very beautiful lollipop loop with the Willow Track back.”
“I just did a short part of the trail at the start which seemed relatively flat.”
Plan your run at Mesquite Canyon Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- 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.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- 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.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitemaricopacountyparks.net
- Phone+1 623-935-2505
- Social Facebook
Running trails near Waddell
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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