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#300 - Summit Trail

Phoenix, AZ · Maricopa County · 1.8 mi · Point to point

A hilly 1.8-mile point to point. Mostly sun-exposed; water access along most of the route; best in the morning or evening during summer.

Dogs allowedAllowed
Leash ruleRequired
Trail effortChallenging
ShadeExposed
Certified dog policySource: Trail Rules | Phoenix Parks and RecreationAvoid midday in summer.
Best entry:Parking #1

#300 - Summit Trail is a 1.8-mile dog-friendly trail in Phoenix, AZ. Includes leash-required policy details · low shade. Elevation gain is about 840 ft. Looking for more options in Phoenix dog-friendly trails or across dog-friendly trails across Arizona? Use the sections below for dog policy, access points, shade/heat, water, terrain, and safety.

#300 - Summit Trail is a 1.8-mile trail on mostly dirt tread, a steady climb. A notable stop is Piestewa Peak (0.9 mi in). The route passes a creek near the start. It runs mostly in the open, so time it for cooler hours and pack water. Dogs must stay leashed on this trail, and you'll find benches along the way.

Dog Fit

Dogs allowed status, leash expectations, and suitability by dog type

Dogs must be on a leash in all Phoenix city parks. Phoenix City Code §23-18.
Suitability by dog type

By Dog Type

How this trail suits different kinds of dogs

Small Dog
Toy & small breeds
55%
Fair fit
Short & easy to complete
Natural & paw-friendly
Mostly exposed
Senior Dog
Older dogs, 7+ years
53%
Caution
Steep — hard on aging joints
Short, relaxed walk
Smooth surface — easy going
Reactive Dog
Reactive to dogs & strangers
76%
Good fit
Moderately busy — stay alert
All dogs leashed — controlled
Can cut short if needed
Sensitive Dog
Anxious or paw-sensitive dogs
69%
Good fit
Soft natural surface
Mostly exposed
Moderate traffic
Getting-Fit Dog
Building up stamina
69%
Good fit
Ideal starter length (1–2.5 mi)
Too steep for fitness building
Can shorten route if needed
Water Lover
Dogs who love to swim & splash
28%
Tough
Water nearby — no swim confirmed
Water along most of the route
Leash required — limits water play

Trail Suitability

Who this trail works best for — and what to watch

Exposed, waterside trail — some factors to plan around

Best for

Water-loving dogs

Use caution if

Reactive dogs

Trail conditions may be challenging for reactive dogs

Senior dogs

Steep sections present — hard on aging joints and cardiovascular system

Most comfortable when

Morning or late afternoon

— Limited shade — more comfortable outside peak midday hours

Weekday visits

— Moderate traffic — calmer on weekdays

Avoid after heavy rain

— Trail gets significantly muddy — surfaces become slippery and paws stay wet

Why this trail works

  • Water accessible near ~76% of the trail
  • Natural, soft surface
  • 840 ft of elevation gain — good cardio workout

Safety & Conditions

Hazards, heat exposure, crowd level, and nearby emergency vet context

HAZARDSLow
SHADE / HEATExposedHeat risk present
CROWDMediumModerate use, mix of busy and quiet times
NEAREST VET3.2 km awayPalo Verde Animal Hospital

Heat exposure

Low shade coverage — bring extra water and avoid midday in summer.

Terrain & Comfort

Elevation, surface, shade, heat, and water signals for dog hiking comfort

EffortChallenging
SurfaceMixed
ShadeLow
WaterModerate

Elevation & Width

Distance and climbing are shown together so you can judge overall effort for your dog on a 1.

Trail Effort

Challenging

Noticeable climbs. Better for fit, active dogs.

EasyModerate
Challenging
Strenuous
Gain:840 ftGain/mi:469 ft/miSteep sections:High
Rated from 840 ft gain + 469 ft/mi.
Elevation Profile
2,425 ft1,585 ft0 mi1.8 mi1
Trail Width
Narrow
Narrow
< 6 ft
In-between
6-10 ft
Wide
10+ ft
NARROWTypical: ~0 ftWIDE

Mostly single-file with tighter passing space.

Surface & Paws

Surface coverage helps you plan for paw comfort and choose routes that match your dog's tolerance for rough or hot terrain.

Surface

What your dog will walk on

Mostly: Dirt

Softer footing that can feel easier on paws and joints.

Soft footingSmooth / Paw-friendly

Top surfaces

Dirt
96%
Unpaved
4.3%

Quick read

Roughness: Low

This trail is mostly Dirt. Softer footing—can get muddy after rain. Generally comfortable for most dogs.

Best forrelaxed walksexpect mud after rain

Shade & Heat

Shade coverage and heat exposure are summarized to show when this trail is safer for warm-weather dog hikes.

🌳 Shade

LOW

Low shade coverage

0.0%
Shade along the trail
0 mi1.8 mi1SunPartialShadeDense

Exposure mix

Sun
100%
Partial
0%
Shade
0%
Dense
0%

Quick read

Limited natural shade. Expect prolonged sun exposure.

Water Access

Water proximity is tracked along the route (76%) to help you plan hydration and cooldown stops.

Water

Hydration & splash potential

Near water: 76%
Swim: Unlikely
Water nearby76%
Water along the trail
0 mi1.8 mi1Stream

Water types nearby

CanalStream

Canal • Stream

Quick read

You’ll likely pass some water. Carry water for longer stretches. Swimming spots are unlikely.

Access & Entry

Trailheads, parking, and entry logistics for hiking with dogs

Parking Lots8
Capacity307spaces est.
FeeFree

This section covers 2 trailheads listed, 8 parking lots, and amenity placement so you can plan start points and access logistics before arriving.

Primary trailhead

Parking #1
Primary🔓 Access not confirmed💵 Fee not posted📍 ~180 m from trail

Other access points

Parking #2
🔓 Access not confirmed💵 Fee not posted📍 ~180 m from trail

Amenities along the route

Nearby facilities around the start, middle, and end of this trail.

Amenities along the trail
🪑 Benches (1)0 mi1.8 mi1

Near the start

A few amenities nearby

🪑Seating
1
closest: 7 m • at the spot
🅿️Parking
4
closest: 431 m • nearby
Point details
  • Seating area
    7 m • at the spot
    ↗
  • Parking area
    431 m • nearby
    ↗
  • Parking area
    432 m • nearby
    ↗
Show 2 more
  • Parking area
    477 m • nearby
    ↗
  • Parking area
    479 m • nearby
    ↗

Near the middle

Mostly parking nearby

🅿️Parking
4
closest: 465 m • nearby
Point details
  • Parking area
    465 m • nearby
    ↗
  • Parking area
    465 m • nearby
    ↗
  • Parking area
    485 m • nearby
    ↗
Show 1 more
  • Parking area
    485 m • nearby
    ↗

Near the end

No mapped amenities near this part of the trail.

Parking details

🅿 Parking

Large parking area
~307 spacesEstimated capacity
8 parking locations
No known parking fee

Parking generally sufficient for peak times.

Map & Route

Trail layout, trailheads, parking, and dog-relevant points of interest

Map

Explore More

Highlights, viewpoints, and bailout options

Highlights

1 highlight on or near the trail

⛰️ Peak0 mi1.8 mi1

Highlights

1 total
Closest: Piestewa Peak · 5 m

Piestewa Peak

Peak · Peak

Very close
5 mfrom trail
Open OSM
Bailout & exit options

Exit options (Bailouts)

Bailout: mediumScore: 0.35

Fast exits if you need to shorten the route.

Actionable: 2Dead ends: 0Closest Start: 329 m
Method + full metrics

Based on trail graph connectivity and nearby exits.

Total spots: 2Actionable exits: 2Dead ends: 0Closest near Start: 329 mClosest near Midpoint: —Closest near End: 1 m
🚪 Exits0 mi1.8 mi0.9 mi
2 actionable exits· closest 329 m from start
  • Low dead-end count (2) improves bailout options.
  • Entrance count is estimated from graph topology (proxy).
  • Graph-based route structure estimate using stored segment geometry.

Top exits near Start

Trail entrance / exit

Near Start · 329 m from start

EntranceDead End
329 mGoogle Maps OSM unavailable

Rules & Safety

Dog policy context, emergency resources, and trail hazard overview

Current hazard level is marked as low. 5 nearby emergency veterinary options mapped where available.

Dog Emergency

Emergency help nearby

Nearest vet: 2.0 mi

Palo Verde Animal Hospital

2.0 mi from trail · Veterinary · 1215 East Northern Avenue, Phoenix, 85020-4216

Banfield Pet Hospital

2.3 mi from trail · Veterinary

Lovet Pet Health Care - Madison

2.5 mi from trail · Veterinary · 531 East Glendale Avenue, Phoenix, 85020

BluePearl

3.4 mi from trail · Veterinary · East Indian School Road, Phoenix, 85016

Phoenix Veterinary

4.0 mi from trail · Emergency vet · 4015 East Cactus Road, Phoenix, 85028

Hazards

Updated: —

Low

No major hazard concentrations reported.

Show hazard breakdown
Road crossings
Total: 0
Water crossings
0
Cliff / steep edge
0
Bike conflict
0
Off-leash conflict proxy
0

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about dogs on this trail

Are dogs allowed on #300 - Summit Trail?

Yes, dogs are allowed on #300 - Summit Trail.

Do dogs need to be on a leash on #300 - Summit Trail?

Yes, dogs are required to be on a leash at all times on #300 - Summit Trail, as per Phoenix city park policy.

Is there drinking water available for dogs along #300 - Summit Trail?

Unknown based on available data.

Is #300 - Summit Trail mostly shaded or sun-exposed?

#300 - Summit Trail has low shade, meaning it is mostly sun-exposed.

What is the trail surface like for dog paws on #300 - Summit Trail?

The trail surface is primarily dirt, making it a natural surface trail.

How muddy does #300 - Summit Trail get after rain?

#300 - Summit Trail has a high risk of getting muddy after rain due to its natural surface.

How crowded does #300 - Summit Trail get, and when is the best time to visit?

#300 - Summit Trail is considered medium crowded, likely due to large parking nearby. The best time to visit is unknown based on available data.

What is the parking situation at #300 - Summit Trail?

There are 8 parking areas with an estimated capacity of 307 vehicles. Whether there is a parking fee is unknown.

What amenities are available at #300 - Summit Trail (restrooms, waste bins, benches)?

There is 1 bench available on #300 - Summit Trail. Restrooms and waste bins are not available.

Are there any safety concerns for dogs on #300 - Summit Trail (heat, terrain, water crossings)?

The trail has a low heat risk and low terrain roughness risk. There are no water crossings or road crossings identified as hazards.