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Rio Salado Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 3,338 Google reviews · Running trail in Tempe, Arizona · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Rio Salado Park'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 former industrial area is now a desert river habitat with hiking trails & 200+ bird species.
What runners say about Rio Salado Park
“The park offers accessible parking, curb ramps, and ADA-compliant restrooms, which are clean and easy to use.”
“The scenery is beautiful 🤩 mountain views, water features, birds, and sunsets 🐦🌅 yet everything is designed so that people with disabilities can enjoy it without barriers.”
“The playground is well suited for all ages with picnic tables surrounding along with covered picnic tables in the distance.”
My first time to Tempe Town Lake. Got lucky to find a great parking spot I think for a first timer exploring. Brought my bicycle to ride around the lake, which I thought would be too much but I did it anyway. Lots of 🔥 college girls and guys too I guess if that's your thing. Paved trail all the way around.
This park must be a nest for the Bird scooters. There were SO many and it was really fun!! I had avoided renting them before tho I've seen them in every city even my own. The park gave us an open and safe place to try them and we had a ball.
Finally got to see water in the desert! Oh, I was working but I definitely snapped some photos, I will be renting a boat or something soon! Yes it's worth seeing, and yes there's an event going on right now so it may be difficult to access, but if you park on the other side and walk the trail you'll be fine!
Great place to spend time with your family and friends. We've had birthday parties, picnics, and walks at Rio Salado Park for a number of years. I visit the park at least 2 to 3 times a month. Its a routine that my youngest daughter and I will remember for a lifetime.
Trail conditions & character
“♿ Rio Salado Park is one of the most 100% wheelchair accessible parks in the Valley, and it deserves recognition for doing accessibility right.”
“The scenery is beautiful 🤩 mountain views, water features, birds, and sunsets 🐦🌅 yet everything is designed so that people with disabilities can enjoy it without barriers.”
“The park offers accessible parking, curb ramps, and ADA-compliant restrooms, which are clean and easy to use.”
“The park offers accessible parking, curb ramps, and ADA-compliant restrooms, which are clean and easy to use.”
Plan your run at Rio Salado Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitetempe.gov
- Phone(480) 350-5200
Hours
| Monday | 9 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 9 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 9 AM–10 PM |
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