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Old Crosscut Canal
4.5 ★★★★★ 163 Google reviews · Running trail in Phoenix, Arizona · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- 200 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Old Crosscut Canal'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.
Canal-side trail for walking, running and cycling plus a scenic urban greenbelt.
What runners say about Old Crosscut Canal
“The area is well maintained.”
“Scenic & Historic - Follows a historic irrigation canal dating back to early 20th century - Peaceful with desert landscaping and some shaded areas 3.”
“Great place to walk, jog, run, work your dog, fly your drone or just sit and enjoy natural air”
Nice smooth path for biking, scooting, jogging, skateboarding and more! Just watch for bugs and bats eating said bugs along the water after sunset!
This was is a nice and easy green belt and path for locals/visitors to use for daily living needs or one times excursions. If nothing eles is aesthetically contributing to the surrounding neighborhood. Lifting more then property value this sharply maintain walk way is fostering community unity and neighborhood pride.
I live down the road from the green belt, it's a beautiful run early ams. There isn't restrooms or playgrounds or a "designated" picnic area/tables but having a picnic isn't out of the ordinary here... Also, if you've a dog, big small average hairy, hairless, quiet or loud I've seen em in all shapes and sizes.
Great place to walk and to take your pets. You get a nice view of camelback mountain. The park is really clean. It runs on 48th st, from McDowell to Indian School.
Trail conditions & character
“Walking & Biking Path - Paved trail ideal for joggers, cyclists, and dog walkers - Connects to larger trail systems in Papago Park and Tempe Town Lake 2.”
“Scenic & Historic - Follows a historic irrigation canal dating back to early 20th century - Peaceful with desert landscaping and some shaded areas 3.”
“Walking & Biking Path - Paved trail ideal for joggers, cyclists, and dog walkers - Connects to larger trail systems in Papago Park and Tempe Town Lake 2.”
“There isn't restrooms or playgrounds or a "designated" picnic area/tables but having a picnic isn't out of the ordinary here.”
“Parking is challenging but understandable given the narrow venue.”
“Good for Exercise - Flat and accessible — perfect for morning or evening workouts - Lightly trafficked and safe 4.”
Plan your run at Old Crosscut Canal
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- Distance200 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — 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.
- Websitephoenix.gov
- Phone+1 602-262-6696
- 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 Phoenix
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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
4.7 ★★★★★ 7,273 reviews
Landmark rock formation with multiple cavelike holes in the sandstone created by erosion.
Camelback Mountain
4.8 ★★★★★ 2,062 reviews
Rocky hiking destination with two major trails featuring steep elevation gains & sweeping views.
Camelback Hike
4.8 ★★★★★ 262 reviews
Popular mountain hike featuring challenging terrain and scenic vistas, including city panoramas.
Echo Canyon Recreation Area
4.8 ★★★★★ 2,966 reviews
Sizable park housing Camelback Mountain & its 3 hiking trails, free parking & recreation area.
Echo Canyon Trailhead
4.9 ★★★★★ 2,830 reviews
Trailhead featuring a parking lot, restrooms & the start of a trail leading up Camelback Mountain.