Limestone Trail (Tonto N.F.) is a 13.9-mile dog-friendly trail in Phoenix, AZ. Includes leash-required policy details · low shade. Elevation gain is about 3356 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
ℹ
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
10%
Not ideal
×Long for small breeds
✓Natural & paw-friendly
–Mostly exposed
🐕
Senior Dog
Older dogs, 7+ years
27%
Tough
–Some challenging climbs
×Long for senior dogs
✓Smooth surface — easy going
⚠️
Reactive Dog
Reactive to dogs & strangers
100%
Great fit
✓Usually quiet — fewer encounters
✓All dogs leashed — controlled
✓Can cut short if needed
🌸
Sensitive Dog
Anxious or paw-sensitive dogs
77%
Good fit
✓Soft natural surface
–Mostly exposed
✓Quiet — less stressful
💪
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
66%
Good fit
✓Swim spots confirmed on this trail
–Water near parts of the trail
–Leash required — limits water play
Trail Suitability
Who this trail works best for — and what to watch
ℹ
Exposed, with swim access trail — comfortable for most dogs
Best for
Reactive dogsWater-loving dogsHigh-energy dogs
Use caution if
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
Avoid after heavy rain
— Trail gets significantly muddy — surfaces become slippery and paws stay wet
Why this trail works
Swim access confirmed — water features along the route
Natural, soft surface
3356 ft of elevation gain — good cardio workout
Safety & Conditions
Hazards, heat exposure, crowd level, and nearby emergency vet context
HAZARDSLow
SHADE / HEATExposedHeat risk present
CROWDLowTypically uncrowded
NEAREST VET9.7 km awayLovet Pet Health Care - Dove Valley
⚠
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
EffortRolling
SurfaceMixed
ShadeLow
WaterSome
Elevation & Width
Distance and climbing are shown together so you can judge overall effort for your dog on a 13.
Trail Effort
Moderate
Gentle hills. Most healthy adult dogs will enjoy this.
EasyModerate
Challenging
Strenuous
Gain:3,356 ftGain/mi:241 ft/miSteep sections:High
Rated from 3,356 ft gain + 241 ft/mi.
Elevation Profile
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: Not mapped
Surface data is limited, so expect changing conditions.
Soft footingSmooth / Paw-friendly
Top surfaces
Not mapped
56%
Dirt
40%
Ground
4.0%
Quick read
Roughness: Low
This trail is mostly Not mapped. A notable share is dirt (40%). Surface data is incomplete for some sections—expect variety. Generally comfortable for most dogs.
Best fordogsrunnerscasual hikes
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
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 (35%) to help you plan hydration and cooldown stops.
Water
Hydration & splash potential
Near water: 35%
Swim: Likely
Water nearby35%
Water along the trail
Water types nearby
SpringLake/PondRiverStream
Spring • Lake/Pond • River
Quick read
Water is limited near the trail—bring enough for you and your dog. Swimming spots may be available. Check current/flow after rain.
Access & Entry
Trailheads, parking, and entry logistics for hiking with dogs
Parking Lots0
Capacity—
FeeFree
This section covers 3 trailheads listed, 0 parking lots, and amenity placement so you can plan start points and access logistics before arriving.
Primary trailhead
📍
Dragon Fly Trail
Primary🔓 Access not confirmed💵 Fee not posted📍 On trail
Other access points
📍
Jewel of the Creek Parking
🔓 Access not confirmed💵 Fee not posted📍 ~280 m from trail🅿 Medium lot
📍
Jewel of the Creek Parking
🔓 Access not confirmed💵 Fee not posted📍 ~280 m from trail🅿 Medium lot
Parking details
🅿 Parking
Parking availability unknown
—Estimated capacity
0 parking locations
No known parking fee
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: 0.4
Fast exits if you need to shorten the route.
Actionable: 8Dead ends: 0Closest Start: 0 m
Method + full metrics
Based on trail graph connectivity and nearby exits.
Total spots: 8Actionable exits: 8Dead ends: 0Closest near Start: 0 mClosest near Midpoint: 1.5 kmClosest near End: 1 m
Dog policy context, emergency resources, and trail hazard overview
Current hazard level is marked as low. 1 nearby emergency veterinary option mapped where available.
Dog Emergency
Emergency help nearby
Nearest vet: 6.0 mi
Lovet Pet Health Care - Dove Valley
6.0 mi from trail · Veterinary · 4815 East Carefree Highway, Cave Creek, 85331
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 Limestone Trail (Tonto N.F.)?
Yes, dogs are allowed on the Limestone Trail.
Do dogs need to be on a leash on Limestone Trail (Tonto N.F.)?
Yes, dogs are required to be on a leash at all times on the Limestone Trail, as per Phoenix city park policy.
Is there drinking water available for dogs along Limestone Trail (Tonto N.F.)?
Unknown based on available data.
Is Limestone Trail (Tonto N.F.) mostly shaded or sun-exposed?
The Limestone Trail has low shade coverage, meaning it is mostly sun-exposed.
What is the trail surface like for dog paws on Limestone Trail (Tonto N.F.)?
The Limestone Trail is primarily composed of natural surfaces, with approximately 72.24% dirt and 7.27% ground. There is also a small percentage of wood surface.
How muddy does Limestone Trail (Tonto N.F.) get after rain?
The Limestone Trail has a high risk of becoming muddy, especially after rain, due to its mostly natural surfaces.
How crowded does Limestone Trail (Tonto N.F.) get, and when is the best time to visit?
The Limestone Trail is generally not crowded, with low access infrastructure nearby contributing to this. The best time to visit is unknown based on available data.
What is the parking situation at Limestone Trail (Tonto N.F.)?
Unknown based on available data.
What amenities are available at Limestone Trail (Tonto N.F.) (restrooms, waste bins, benches)?
Unknown based on available data.
Are there any safety concerns for dogs on Limestone Trail (Tonto N.F.) (heat, terrain, water crossings)?
The Limestone Trail has a low heat risk. While there are no reported water crossings or steep edges, the trail surface is mostly natural, which can lead to muddy conditions.
More Phoenix trails
Dog-friendly trails in Phoenix you can explore next