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#60 - Nature Trail

Phoenix, AZ · Maricopa County · 2.0 mi · Out & back

A rolling 2.0-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 #2

#60 - Nature Trail is a 2.0-mile dog-friendly trail in Phoenix, AZ. Includes leash-required policy details · high shade. Elevation gain is about 528 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
55%
Fair fit
Manageable length
Natural & paw-friendly
Well-shaded route
Senior Dog
Older dogs, 7+ years
60%
Fair fit
Some challenging climbs
Comfortable distance
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
89%
Great fit
Soft natural surface
Well-shaded — stays cooler
Moderate traffic
Getting-Fit Dog
Building up stamina
87%
Great fit
Ideal starter length (1–2.5 mi)
Moderate hills — start easy
Can shorten route if needed
Water Lover
Dogs who love to swim & splash
81%
Great 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 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
  • Natural, soft surface

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 VET3.8 km awayPalo Verde Animal Hospital

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 2.

Trail Effort

Moderate

Gentle hills. Most healthy adult dogs will enjoy this.

EasyModerate
Challenging
Strenuous
Gain:528 ftGain/mi:263 ft/miSteep sections:High
Rated from 528 ft gain + 263 ft/mi.
Elevation Profile
1,581 ft1,306 ft0 mi2.0 mi12
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
90%
Not mapped
9.0%
Unpaved
1.1%

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

HIGH

High shade coverage

100.0%
Shade along the trail
0 mi2.0 mi12SunPartialShadeDense

Exposure mix

Sun
0%
Partial
0%
Shade
95%
Dense
5%

Quick read

Most of the trail benefits from consistent tree cover.

Water Access

Water proximity is tracked along the route (95%) to help you plan hydration and cooldown stops.

Water

Hydration & splash potential

Near water: 95%
Swim: Likely
Water nearby95%
Water along the trail
StreamDry — no water within 200 mStreamDry — no water within 200 mStream0 mi2.0 mi12Stream

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 Lots6
Capacity105spaces est.
FeeFree

This section covers 3 trailheads listed, 6 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📍 ~290 m from trail🅿 Large lot

Other access points

Parking #2
🔓 Access not confirmed💵 Fee not posted📍 ~290 m from trail🅿 Large lot
Parking #3
🔓 Access not confirmed💵 Fee not posted📍 ~310 m from trail🅿 Small lot

Amenities along the route

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

Near the start

Mostly parking nearby

🅿️Parking
6
closest: 414 m • nearby
Point details
  • Parking area
    414 m • nearby
    ↗
  • Parking area
    415 m • nearby
    ↗
  • Parking area
    473 m • nearby
    ↗
Show 3 more
  • Parking area
    478 m • nearby
    ↗
  • Parking area
    486 m • nearby
    ↗
  • Parking area
    489 m • nearby
    ↗

Near the middle

No mapped amenities near this part of the trail.

Near the end

No mapped amenities near this part of the trail.

Parking details

🅿 Parking

Large parking area
~105 spacesEstimated capacity
6 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

Highlights

0 total
Closest: — · —

No highlights are available for this trail yet.

Bailout & exit options

Exit options (Bailouts)

Bailout: mediumScore: 0.35

Fast exits if you need to shorten the route.

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

Based on trail graph connectivity and nearby exits.

Total spots: 2Actionable exits: 2Dead ends: 0Closest near Start: 0 mClosest near Midpoint: 151 mClosest near End: —
🚪 ExitsTrail entrance / exit · 0 m from startTrail entrance / exit · Trail entrance / exit0 mi2.0 mi1.0 mi
2 actionable exits· closest 0 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 · 0 m from start

EntranceDead End
0 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: 2.3 mi

Palo Verde Animal Hospital

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

Larkspur Cat Clinic

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

Lovet Pet Health Care - Madison

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

Harmony Veterinary Hospital

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

Catalina Animal Hospital

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

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 #60 - Nature Trail?

Yes, dogs are allowed on #60 - Nature Trail.

Do dogs need to be on a leash on #60 - Nature Trail?

Yes, dogs are required to be on a leash at all times on #60 - Nature Trail, as per Phoenix city park policy.

Is there drinking water available for dogs along #60 - Nature Trail?

Unknown based on available data.

Is #60 - Nature Trail mostly shaded or sun-exposed?

#60 - Nature Trail has high shade coverage, with a shade proxy percentage of 1.

What is the trail surface like for dog paws on #60 - Nature Trail?

The trail surface is primarily dirt, with approximately 88.75% dirt and 1.25% unpaved.

How muddy does #60 - Nature Trail get after rain?

#60 - Nature Trail has a high mud risk due to its mostly natural surfaces.

How crowded does #60 - Nature Trail get, and when is the best time to visit?

#60 - Nature Trail is considered medium crowd class, with reasons including large parking nearby and proximity to residential/commercial areas. The best time to visit is unknown based on available data.

What is the parking situation at #60 - Nature Trail?

There are 6 parking points at #60 - Nature Trail with an estimated capacity of 105 vehicles. Whether there is a parking fee is unknown.

What amenities are available at #60 - Nature Trail (restrooms, waste bins, benches)?

Unknown based on available data.

Are there any safety concerns for dogs on #60 - Nature Trail (heat, terrain, water crossings)?

The heat risk for #60 - Nature Trail is low. There are no reported road or water crossings, and no cliff or steep edge hazards. The terrain is considered low roughness risk.