Home › Arizona › Mesa › Velda Rose Desert Nature Trail
Velda Rose Desert Nature Trail
4.3 ★★★★☆ 46 Google reviews · Running trail in Mesa, Arizona · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- 2 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Velda Rose Desert Nature 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 2-mile trail showcasing a variety of cacti.
What runners say about Velda Rose Desert Nature Trail
“A beautiful hiking opportunity with the added bonus of walking into the domain of the wild horses that freely roam these parts.”
“The natural surroundings were peaceful, with fresh air, greenery, and scenic views that made the hike truly refreshing.”
A beautiful hiking opportunity with the added bonus of walking into the domain of the wild horses that freely roam these parts. Wear a hat and good walking shoes...and don't forget your camera!
I really like to walk and hike so loved checking out this cactus trail. Variety of cactus and animals. The walking path is neat and clear. It’s so peaceful. Lots of heart shaped rocks which always catch my eye. Hot sun and low humidity makes Arizona my favorite place to be.
Velda Rose Naturewalk is my favorite morning walk. I almost always take pictures even in the drought season when the wildflowers are gone. Meeting lots of bunnies and friendly people on the way, no bicycles allowed on trail - all of this makes this a great experience.
Lovely place for a walk. Critters abound. Rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, something we call prarie dogs but not sure it's correct. Quails, lizards, peach- faced lovebirds, even have seen coyotes and a beautiful fox once. Best time to go is March/ April when everything is blooming but there is beauty here all year.
Trail conditions & character
“A beautiful hiking opportunity with the added bonus of walking into the domain of the wild horses that freely roam these parts.”
“The natural surroundings were peaceful, with fresh air, greenery, and scenic views that made the hike truly refreshing.”
“Rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, something we call prarie dogs but not sure it's correct.”
Plan your run at Velda Rose Desert Nature Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- Distance2 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
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 Mesa
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Dreamland Villa Desert Nature Trail
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Velda Rose Nature Trail
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Red Mountain Park
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Green space housing facilities for sports from baseball to volleyball, plus picnicking sites.
Red Mountain District Park
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City park offering lighted baseball & soccer fields, plus picnic areas, over 1,146 desert acres.
Desert Trails Bike Park
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Sizable, 35-acre bike park with scenic views, a series of rugged biking trails & some big jumps.
