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#306 - Shaw Butte Trail

Phoenix, AZ · Maricopa County · 6.8 mi · Out & back

A rolling 6.8-mile out & back. Good shade throughout; water access along most of the route; best in the morning or evening during summer.

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

#306 - Shaw Butte Trail is a 6.8-mile dog-friendly trail in Phoenix, AZ. Includes leash-required policy details · high shade. Elevation gain is about 1581 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.

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
22%
Not ideal
May need extra breaks
Some rough patches
Well-shaded route
Senior Dog
Older dogs, 7+ years
16%
Not ideal
Some challenging climbs
Long for senior dogs
Good shade available
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
67%
Good fit
Some rough patches
Well-shaded — stays cooler
Moderate traffic
Getting-Fit Dog
Building up stamina
52%
Caution
Too long for early fitness training
Gentle grade — good challenge
Can shorten route if needed
Water Lover
Dogs who love to swim & splash
79%
Good fit
Swim spots confirmed on this trail
Water along most of the route
Leash required — limits water play

Trail Suitability

Who this trail works best for — and what to watch

Well-shaded, with swim access trail — comfortable for most dogs

Best for

Heat-sensitive dogsWater-loving dogsHigh-energy 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

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

  • ~100% shade coverage along the route
  • Swim access confirmed — water features along the route
  • 1581 ft of elevation gain — good cardio workout

Safety & Conditions

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

HAZARDSLow
SHADE / HEATHigh shadeHeat risk present
CROWDMediumModerate use, mix of busy and quiet times
NEAREST VET3.7 km awayLarkspur Cat Clinic

Terrain & Comfort

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

EffortRolling
SurfaceMixed
ShadeHigh
WaterGood

Elevation & Width

Distance and climbing are shown together so you can judge overall effort for your dog on a 6.

Trail Effort

Moderate

Gentle hills. Most healthy adult dogs will enjoy this.

EasyModerate
Challenging
Strenuous
Gain:1,581 ftGain/mi:232 ft/miSteep sections:High
Rated from 1,581 ft gain + 232 ft/mi.
Elevation Profile
2,024 ft1,358 ft0 mi6.8 mi123456
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 footingSome rough stretches

Top surfaces

Dirt
91%
Not mapped
7.7%
Unpaved
1.0%

Quick read

Roughness: Medium

This trail is mostly Dirt. Softer footing—can get muddy after rain. Some uneven stretches may require attention.

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

HIGH

High shade coverage

100.0%
Shade along the trail
0 mi6.8 mi123456SunPartialShadeDense

Exposure mix

Sun
0%
Partial
0%
Shade
91%
Dense
9%

Quick read

Most of the trail benefits from consistent tree cover.

Water Access

Water proximity is tracked along the route (86%) to help you plan hydration and cooldown stops.

Water

Hydration & splash potential

Near water: 86%
Swim: Likely
Water nearby86%
Water along the trail
Dry — no water within 200 mStreamDry — no water within 200 mStreamDry — no water within 200 mStreamDry — no water within 200 mStreamDry — no water within 200 mStreamDry — no water within 200 mStreamDry — no water within 200 mStreamDry — no water within 200 mStreamDry — no water within 200 mStreamDry — no water within 200 mStreamDry — no water within 200 m0 mi6.8 mi246Stream

Water types nearby

CanalStreamLake/Pond

Canal • Stream • Lake/Pond

Quick read

Water is frequently near the route—great for cooling breaks. Bring a bowl anyway. Swimming spots may be available. Check current/flow after rain.

Access & Entry

Trailheads, parking, and entry logistics for hiking with dogs

Parking Lots0
Capacity119spaces est.
FeeFree

This section covers 2 trailheads listed, 0 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📍 ~120 m from trail🅿 Medium lot

Other access points

Parking #2
🔓 Access not confirmed💵 Fee not posted📍 ~130 m from trail🅿 Medium lot
Parking details

🅿 Parking

Large parking area
~119 spacesEstimated capacity
0 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

3 highlights on or near the trail

👁️ ViewpointViewpoint · 0.3 mi⛰️ PeakShaw Butte · 2.3 mi🏛️ HistoricCloud 9 · 0.3 mi0 mi6.8 mi246

Highlights

3 total
Closest: Viewpoint · 17 m

Viewpoint

Viewpoint · Viewpoint

Very close
17 mfrom trail
Open OSM

Cloud 9

Historic · Ruins

Very close
22 mfrom trail
Open OSM

Shaw Butte

Peak · Peak

Nearby
93 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: —
Method + full metrics

Based on trail graph connectivity and nearby exits.

Total spots: 2Actionable exits: 2Dead ends: 0Closest near Start: —Closest near Midpoint: 584 mClosest near End: —
🚪 ExitsTrail entrance / exit · Trail entrance / exitTrail entrance / exit · Trail entrance / exit0 mi6.8 mi3.4 mi
2 actionable exits
  • 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

No mapped exits near Start. Try switching to a different anchor.

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: 2.3 mi

Larkspur Cat Clinic

2.3 mi from trail · Veterinary · 2915 West Cactus Road, Phoenix

Palo Verde Animal Hospital

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

Catalina Animal Hospital

3.6 mi from trail · Veterinary · 9023 North 35th Avenue, Phoenix, 85051

Harmony Veterinary Hospital

4.1 mi from trail · Veterinary · 1745 West Glendale Avenue, Phoenix, 85021

Lovet Pet Health Care - Madison

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

Hazards

Updated: —

Low
Cliff: 2

Primary concerns: Cliff/steep edge (2)

Show hazard breakdown
Road crossings
Total: 0
Water crossings
0
Cliff / steep edge
2
Bike conflict
0
Off-leash conflict proxy
0

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about dogs on this trail

Are dogs allowed on #306 - Shaw Butte Trail?

Yes, dogs are allowed on the #306 - Shaw Butte Trail.

Do dogs need to be on a leash on #306 - Shaw Butte Trail?

Yes, dogs are required to be on a leash at all times on the #306 - Shaw Butte Trail, as per Phoenix city park policy.

Is there drinking water available for dogs along #306 - Shaw Butte Trail?

Unknown based on available data.

Is #306 - Shaw Butte Trail mostly shaded or sun-exposed?

The #306 - Shaw Butte Trail has high shade coverage.

What is the trail surface like for dog paws on #306 - Shaw Butte Trail?

The #306 - Shaw Butte Trail is primarily a dirt surface, with approximately 90.5% dirt and 91.6% natural surface.

How muddy does #306 - Shaw Butte Trail get after rain?

The #306 - Shaw Butte Trail has a high mud risk due to its mostly natural surfaces.

How crowded does #306 - Shaw Butte Trail get, and when is the best time to visit?

The #306 - Shaw Butte Trail is considered medium crowd class, with reasons including large parking nearby. The best time to visit is unknown based on available data.

What is the parking situation at #306 - Shaw Butte Trail?

The #306 - Shaw Butte Trail has an estimated parking capacity of 119 vehicles. Whether there is a parking fee is unknown.

What amenities are available at #306 - Shaw Butte Trail (restrooms, waste bins, benches)?

Unknown based on available data.

Are there any safety concerns for dogs on #306 - Shaw Butte Trail (heat, terrain, water crossings)?

Safety concerns include two cliff or steep-edge proxies nearby. The trail has a low heat risk. There are no water crossings listed as hazards, but there are swim access points.