P.A. Seitts (Desert Foothills Land Trust) is a 1.6-mile dog-friendly trail in Phoenix, AZ. Includes leash-required policy details · medium shade. Elevation gain is about 72 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.
P.A. Seitts (Desert Foothills Land Trust) is a 1.6-mile trail, nearly flat. The route passes a creek near the start — swim access looks likely for a hot-day cooldown. Tree cover is strongest through the final third and thins out across the middle — the open stretch can get hot midday. 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
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
100%
Great fit
✓Short & easy to complete
✓Natural & paw-friendly
✓Well-shaded route
🐕
Senior Dog
Older dogs, 7+ years
100%
Great fit
✓Flat & joint-friendly
✓Short, relaxed walk
✓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
97%
Great fit
✓Soft natural surface
✓Well-shaded — stays cooler
✓Quiet — less stressful
💪
Getting-Fit Dog
Building up stamina
100%
Great fit
✓Ideal starter length (1–2.5 mi)
✓Flat — great for conditioning
✓Can shorten route if needed
💧
Water Lover
Dogs who love to swim & splash
74%
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
Well-shaded, with swim access trail — comfortable for most dogs
— Trail gets significantly muddy — surfaces become slippery and paws stay wet
Why this trail works
~92% 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 / HEATSome shadeHeat risk present
CROWDLowTypically uncrowded
NEAREST VET2.8 km awayLovet Pet Health Care - Dove Valley
Terrain & Comfort
Elevation, surface, shade, heat, and water signals for dog hiking comfort
EffortFlat
SurfaceMixed
ShadeModerate
WaterModerate
Elevation & Width
Distance and climbing are shown together so you can judge overall effort for your dog on a 1.
Trail Effort
Easy
Flat or gently rolling. Comfortable for almost all dogs.
EasyModerate
Challenging
Strenuous
Gain:72 ftGain/mi:46 ft/miSteep sections:Low
Rated from 72 ft gain + 46 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
52%
Dirt
47%
Ground
1.2%
Quick read
Roughness: Low
This trail is mostly Not mapped. A notable share is dirt (47%). 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
MEDIUM
Moderate shade coverage
92.3%
Shade along the trail
Exposure mix
Sun
8%
Partial
0%
Shade
84%
Dense
8%
Quick read
Roughly half the trail has meaningful tree or canopy coverage. Expect mixed sun and shade.
Water Access
Water proximity is tracked along the route (67%) to help you plan hydration and cooldown stops.
Water
Hydration & splash potential
Near water: 67%
Swim: Likely
Water nearby67%
Water along the trail
Water types nearby
RiverStream
River • Stream
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 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
📍
P. A. Seitts Preserve at Go John Canyon
Primary🔓 Access not confirmed💵 Fee not posted📍 On trail
Other access points
📍
Gate #2
🔓 Access not confirmed💵 Fee not posted📍 Near trail (~40 m)
📍
Gate #3
🔓 Access not confirmed💵 Fee not posted📍 ~120 m from trail
Amenities along the route
Nearby facilities around the start, middle, and end of this trail.