The Best Trail Running Routes in Arizona

Part of a large initiative to provide access to the Grand Canyon by bike, foot, and horseback, the Tusayan Greenway connects the South Rim Visitor's Center to the park's gateway town 6 miles south....

Less than 6 miles, this loop pairs the Village Greenway and South Rim Trails, awarding runners with breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon's dramatic landscape. Whether you're staying at a campground or visiting for the day, this route is a versatile option for anyone looking to get some exercise on their visit....

The lower stretches of the Sutherland Trail provide a mellow out-and-back route with very little climbing and stupendous views! During the springtime, this is one of the very best places near Tucson to experience the poppies and other wildflowers during their brief period of brilliance....

Sweetwater Preserve protects an 880 acre parcel of the Sonoran Desert that’s filled to bursting with towering saguaro cacti. This open space area is located just half a mile from Saguaro National Park “and a biological research preserve owned by the University of Arizona,” according to [PIMA....

Phoenix Mountains Preserve is possibly the most comprehensive, yet confusing trail network to navigate in the valley. According to azcentral.com, "Many of our current trails are old trails — originally mining roads or horse trails, and some of those may have followed historic or ancient trails....

Phoenix Mountains Preserve is possibly the most comprehensive, yet confusing trail network to navigate in the valley. According to azcentral.com, "Many of our current trails are old trails — originally mining roads or horse trails, and some of those may have followed historic or ancient trails....

White Tank Regional Park is one of the more rugged and wild hiking areas around the valley. With roughly 30 miles of trail in the park, there's something for everyone. In contrast to to the rest of the park, this route takes you on some of the best-kept trails and is an easy run no matter your ability....

Holding the title as the "Largest Municipal Park in the United States", South Mountain is a trail runners paradise. This is a perfect loop for newer trail runners, or if you're simply short on time....

Located within the Sonoran Preserve, this moderate 5-mile loop is one of the staple running loops in the northern valley. In total, the 9,600 acre preserve contains three main trailheads - Apache Wash, Desert Hills, and Desert Vista plus 36 miles of trail, according to the city of Phoenix....

Considered the best vista this side of the Grand Canyon, this 4.5 mile trail run pairs the Bridle and Transept Trails, then detours to Bright Angel Point at its furthest point....

The South Rim Trail, or simply the Rim Trail, is one of the best ways for Grand Canyon visitors to enjoy breathtaking, dramatic views of the largest canyon in the United States....

The 50-Year Trail is a classic Tucson singletrack route that’s long been popular with mountain bikers, hikers, and equestrians. While shorter loop options are available by starting at [Golder Ranch](https://fatmap.com/routeid/79908/Best_of_Golder_Ranch/@32.2260338,-111.1455403,2741.2892466,-35.8037301,0,811.5454507,normal), if you want to experience the entire 50-Year Trail, you’ll have to start further south at Catalina State Park....

More than just a single peak, Brown Mountain consists of several small summits along a low ridge measuring 1.5 miles long. The route mapped here is a quick but beautiful 4....

Just a short drive north of Flagstaff, O'Leary Peak is one of the local favorite spots to enjoy a scenic trail run. Rather than following technical singletrack and wild wilderness trails as many of the other nearby runs do, this 10-miler meanders along an old roadbed and offers a gradual and consistent climb to the 8,900-foot peak....

The Flagstaff Loop is the ultimate long run in town to explore the city's diverse and ever-evolving network of singletrack and shared-use pathways. While it's often described as a "work in progress," the current route totals around 45 miles and includes a modest 3,700-feet of vertical gain throughout....

This trail run along the Arizona Trail explores several stunning overlooks and remote singletrack along the edge of Walnut Canyon. As an out-and-back, there are two defined side trails that lead to impressive views of the canyon as you run, and the furthest point is the iconic Fisher Point Overlook, where you'll enjoy spectacular views over a large bend in the river....

The Inner Basin Loop is a short run from the Lockett Meadow Campground north of Flagstaff. It showcases the area's volcanic origins and "cataclysmic heritage," the USFS notes, and signs of ancient lava flow are evident throughout the basin....

The West Fork Trail of Oak Creek is well-removed from the city center of Sedona, yet many people still regard it as one of the best hikes and trail runs in the region! This route follows the path of the creek, which "flows through a deep, forested canyon, quite narrow in places, with many pretty eroded rock formations and plentiful wildlife," according to [AmerianSouthwest....

The overlook of the Sedona valley from the flanks of Airport Butte is one of the most incredible vistas—and most easily accessible—you’ll find in Sedona. With a paved road to the trailhead and epic views after just a short walk up the hill, you could easily roll up, snap some photos, and move on....