Home › Arizona › Phoenix › Shadow Mountain
Shadow Mountain
4.6 ★★★★★ 107 Google reviews · Running trail in Phoenix, Arizona · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Shadow Mountain'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.
Small mountain peak with a trailhead & hiking trail leading to 360-degree city views.
What runners say about Shadow Mountain
“Good for a quick hike if you're an avid hiker, great for a person new to the valley, gorgeous views of Phoenix mountains 360!”
“It's a great spot for a short hike/run and because there is no designated parking, the trails don't get busy.”
“The path at the trailhead is not well marked and is basically just a wash but is easy to navigate.”
what a great gradual mountain to run up and just enjoy. especially when it's windy it's amazing. at sunset !
This is awesome! Trails all over, and different levels of trail, could hike all over this mountain for days.
Good hike with a lot of options, especially if you live close to the area. I parked at the cul de sac on 23rd place on the south west side of the mountain. The path at the trailhead is not well marked and is basically just a wash but is easy to navigate.
Great city hike with easy access. Probably an hour round trip. If you want to go to the summit from Acoma entrance, just keep taking the high trail whenever it splits. You can see all seven of Phoenix's highest summits from here.
Trail conditions & character
“Good for a quick hike if you're an avid hiker, great for a person new to the valley, gorgeous views of Phoenix mountains 360!”
“There are trails all around it with several potential starting points - off 28th street, Sweetwater, Cave Creek and off the parking lot of the church.”
“Most of the trails are pretty much unmaintained, so it is very, very rocky even compared to the dreamy draw area.”
“The path at the trailhead is not well marked and is basically just a wash but is easy to navigate.”
Plan your run at Shadow Mountain
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitephoenix.gov
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 5 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 5 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 5 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 5 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 5 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 5 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 5 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.
Lookout Mountain Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 678 reviews
Family-friendly destination with mountain views featuring volleyball and tennis courts.
Lookout Mountain Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 782 reviews
Park featuring hiking & biking trails & sweeping views from the top of Lookout Mountain.
Shaw Butte Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 88 reviews
Hiking area with a trail leading to the top of a mountain for views of the city and desert.
North Mountain - Trail 44
4.8 ★★★★★ 247 reviews
Rocky uphill area featuring a paved path up to a radio tower at the top.
North Mountain Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 2,761 reviews
Hiking trails of varying difficulty lead to 2 summits for scenic views, plus a visitor center.