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Rio Salado Trail
4.4 ★★★★☆ 82 Google reviews · Running trail in Phoenix, Arizona · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Rio Salado 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.
Scenic reserve featuring a network of trails for hiking and biking as well as birdwatching.
What runners say about Rio Salado Trail
“Beautiful Habitat & Riparian Restoration Area along the Salt River in South Phoenix.”
“This is the perfect place to go for a nice long walk or to clear your head as its never crowded so its quite peaceful.”
I have to say this really is a new River. the high-water has washed away 40 years of topsoil to reveal foundations . Homes were once so close to the river their roofs would have been 12 ft un away is the tropicalderwater. There are now new beaches and alot of accessible Beach and trails yet-to-be made .
This is the perfect place to go for a nice long walk or to clear your head as its never crowded so its quite peaceful. We went on a cloudy (somewhat rainy) day but the simple beauty of the trail was still tranquil and relaxing.
Located in between downtown Phoenix and South Mountain is the Rio Salado trail. In fact, there are several trails here that parallel the Salt River. The trail you pick will depend on your activity. The paved trails are ideal for bikes, but the closer you get to the river the rockier it becomes.
This lovely little hidden gem along Rio Salado is located at 2801 S 7th Ave Phoenix AZ. Just walking into this little reserve is absolutely beautiful and relaxing. The views of the river the wildlife and places to sit and rest are really nice.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful Habitat & Riparian Restoration Area along the Salt River in South Phoenix.”
“The paved trails are ideal for bikes, but the closer you get to the river the rockier it becomes.”
“This is the perfect place to go for a nice long walk or to clear your head as its never crowded so its quite peaceful.”
Plan your run at Rio Salado Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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 trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–7 PM |
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.
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