Maricopa Trail (Usery) is a 26.9-mile dog-friendly trail in Phoenix, AZ. Includes leash-required policy details · low shade. Elevation gain is about 2900 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
33%
Tough
×Long for small breeds
✓Natural & paw-friendly
–Mostly exposed
🐕
Senior Dog
Older dogs, 7+ years
50%
Caution
✓Gentle slope
×Long for senior dogs
✓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
57%
Fair fit
×Too long for early fitness training
✓Gentle grade — good challenge
✓Can shorten route if needed
💧
Water Lover
Dogs who love to swim & splash
72%
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
ℹ
Exposed, with swim access trail — good fit with minor considerations
Best for
Senior dogsWater-loving dogsHigh-energy dogs
Use caution if
Reactive dogs
Trail conditions may be challenging for reactive dogs
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
— Surfaces can get muddy after wet weather
Why this trail works
Swim access confirmed — water features along the route
Natural, soft surface
2900 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 VET5.8 km awayComet Veterinary 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
EffortFlat
SurfaceMixed
ShadeLow
WaterModerate
Elevation & Width
Distance and climbing are shown together so you can judge overall effort for your dog on a 26.
Trail Effort
Easy
Flat or gently rolling. Comfortable for almost all dogs.
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.
Paw-friendlySmooth / Paw-friendly
Top surfaces
Not mapped
51%
Unpaved
42%
Dirt
6.6%
Quick read
Roughness: Low
This trail is mostly Not mapped. A notable share is unpaved (42%). 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 (59%) to help you plan hydration and cooldown stops.
Water
Hydration & splash potential
Near water: 59%
Swim: Likely
Water nearby59%
Water along the trail
Water types nearby
CanalLake/PondRiverStream
Canal • Lake/Pond • River
Quick read
You’ll likely pass some water. Carry water for longer stretches. Swimming spots may be available. Check current/flow after rain.
Access & Entry
Trailheads, parking, and entry logistics for hiking with dogs
Parking Lots2
Capacity76spaces est.
FeeFree
This section covers 3 trailheads listed, 2 parking lots, and amenity placement so you can plan start points and access logistics before arriving.
Primary trailhead
📍
Bulldog Canyon OHV Staging Area
Primary🔓 Access not confirmed💵 Fee not posted📍 On trail
Other access points
📍
Hawer Trail Parking
🔓 Yes access💵 Fee not posted📍 ~170 m from trail
📍
Hawer Trail Parking
🔓 Yes access💵 Fee not posted📍 ~170 m from trail
Amenities along the route
Nearby facilities around the start, middle, and end of this trail.