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Paseo Highlands Park

Phoenix, AZ · Maricopa County · 2.8 mi · Out & back

A flat 2.8-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 effortFlat
ShadeHigh shade
Certified dog policySource: Trail Rules | Phoenix Parks and RecreationBest in spring and fall; avoid midday in summer.
Best entry:Parking #2

Paseo Highlands Park is a 2.8-mile dog-friendly trail in Phoenix, AZ. Includes leash-required policy details · high shade. Elevation gain is about 92 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
70%
Good fit
Manageable length
Smooth, easy on paws
Hot in summer — go early
Senior Dog
Older dogs, 7+ years
78%
Good fit
Flat & joint-friendly
Comfortable distance
Smooth surface — easy going
Reactive Dog
Reactive to dogs & strangers
41%
Tough
Often busy — high encounter risk
All dogs leashed — controlled
Can cut short if needed
Sensitive Dog
Anxious or paw-sensitive dogs
21%
Not ideal
Paw-friendly surface
Hot pavement can burn paws
Busy — may cause anxiety
Getting-Fit Dog
Building up stamina
85%
Great fit
Good training length
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

Well-shaded, with swim access trail — good fit with minor considerations

Best for

Senior dogsSmall dogsEasy walksWater-loving dogsFirst-time trail dogs

Use caution if

Heat-sensitive dogs

High heat index — go early or on cooler days

Reactive dogs

Heavy foot traffic — frequent dog and person encounters

Most comfortable when

Before 10 AM or after 6 PM

— Heat exposure is significant — trail is considerably cooler in morning and evening

Weekday mornings

— Busy trail — foot traffic drops significantly on weekday mornings

Why this trail works

  • ~100% shade coverage along the route
  • Swim access confirmed — water features along the route
  • Paved surface — easy on paws

Safety & Conditions

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

HAZARDSMedium
SHADE / HEATHigh shadeHeat risk present
CROWDHighBusy trail — expect company on weekends
NEAREST VET2.8 km awaySNiP Vet

Terrain & Comfort

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

EffortFlat
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

Easy

Flat or gently rolling. Comfortable for almost all dogs.

EasyModerate
Challenging
Strenuous
Gain:92 ftGain/mi:33 ft/miSteep sections:Low
Rated from 92 ft gain + 33 ft/mi.
Elevation Profile
1,398 ft1,375 ft0 mi2.8 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: Not mapped

Surface data is limited, so expect changing conditions.

Hard surface riskSmooth / Paw-friendly

Top surfaces

Not mapped
50%
Concrete
48%
Asphalt
1.8%

Quick read

Roughness: Low

This trail is mostly Not mapped. A notable share is concrete (48%). Surface data is incomplete for some sections—expect variety. Generally comfortable for most dogs.

Best forstrollersroad bikesquick walks

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 mi2.8 mi12SunPartialShadeDense

Exposure mix

Sun
0%
Partial
0%
Shade
100%
Dense
0%

Quick read

Most of the trail benefits from consistent tree cover.

Water Access

Water proximity is tracked along the route (100%) to help you plan hydration and cooldown stops.

Water

Hydration & splash potential

Near water: 100%
Swim: Likely
Water nearby100%
Water along the trail
StreamDry — no water within 200 mStreamDry — no water within 200 mStream0 mi2.8 mi12Stream

Water types nearby

CanalStream

Canal • Stream

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 Lots12
Capacity881spaces est.
FeeFree

This section covers 3 trailheads listed, 12 parking lots, and amenity placement so you can plan start points and access logistics before arriving.

Primary trailhead

Parking #3
Primary🔓 Access not confirmed💵 Fee not posted📍 Near trail (~25 m)

Other access points

Parking #1
🔓 Access not confirmed💵 Fee not posted📍 Near trail (~40 m)🅿 Medium lot
Parking #2
🔓 Access not confirmed💵 Fee not posted📍 Near trail (~45 m)🅿 Medium lot

Amenities along the route

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

Amenities along the trail
🚻 Restrooms (1)Restrooms at 0.0 mi💧 Water (1)Water at 0.0 mi🛖 Shelters (6)22 shelters near 0.0-0.1 miShelters at 0.1 miShelters at 0.4 miShelters at 0.9 miShelters at 1.2 mi🪑 Benches (8)22 benches near 0.0-0.1 mi22 benches near 0.1-0.2 mi44 benches near 0.9-0.9 mi🍽️ Picnic tables (5)Picnic tables at 0.1 miPicnic tables at 0.1 miPicnic tables at 0.4 miPicnic tables at 0.9 miPicnic tables at 1.2 mi0 mi2.8 mi12

Near the start

Water nearby • Restrooms nearby

💧Water
1
closest: 52 m • at the spot
🚻Restrooms
4
closest: 47 m • at the spot
🛖Shelter
10
closest: 58 m • at the spot
Show 2 more
🪑Seating
25
closest: 56 m • at the spot
🅿️Parking
4
closest: 146 m • very close
Point details
  • Restrooms area
    47 m • at the spot
    ↗
  • Restrooms area
    47 m • at the spot
    ↗
  • Water area
    52 m • at the spot
    ↗
Show 41 more
  • Restrooms area
    54 m • at the spot
    ↗
  • Restrooms area
    54 m • at the spot
    ↗
  • Seating area
    56 m • at the spot
    ↗
  • Shelter area
    58 m • at the spot
    ↗
  • Seating area
    58 m • at the spot
    ↗
  • Shelter area
    60 m • at the spot
    ↗
  • Seating area
    60 m • at the spot
    ↗
  • Seating area
    60 m • at the spot
    ↗
  • Seating area
    61 m • at the spot
    ↗
  • Seating area
    63 m • at the spot
    ↗
  • Seating area
    67 m • at the spot
    ↗
  • Seating area
    70 m • at the spot
    ↗
  • Seating area
    74 m • at the spot
    ↗
  • Seating area
    75 m • at the spot
    ↗
  • Seating area
    75 m • very close
    ↗
  • Shelter area
    80 m • very close
    ↗
  • Shelter area
    80 m • very close
    ↗
  • Seating area
    86 m • very close
    ↗
  • Shelter area
    87 m • very close
    ↗
  • Seating area
    87 m • very close
    ↗
  • Shelter area
    88 m • very close
    ↗
  • Seating area
    89 m • very close
    ↗
  • Shelter area
    89 m • very close
    ↗
  • Seating area
    89 m • very close
    ↗
  • Shelter area
    89 m • very close
    ↗
  • Seating area
    91 m • very close
    ↗
  • Seating area
    94 m • very close
    ↗
  • Seating area
    95 m • very close
    ↗
  • Seating area
    110 m • very close
    ↗
  • Seating area
    110 m • very close
    ↗
  • Shelter area
    113 m • very close
    ↗
  • Shelter area
    113 m • very close
    ↗
  • Seating area
    114 m • very close
    ↗
  • Seating area
    115 m • very close
    ↗
  • Parking area
    146 m • very close
    ↗
  • Parking area
    147 m • very close
    ↗
  • Seating area
    147 m • very close
    ↗
  • Seating area
    153 m • short walk
    ↗
  • Seating area
    160 m • short walk
    ↗
  • Parking area
    170 m • short walk
    ↗
  • Parking area
    172 m • short walk
    ↗

Near the middle

A few amenities nearby

🛖Shelter
2
closest: 80 m • very close
🪑Seating
10
closest: 77 m • very close
🅿️Parking
4
closest: 48 m • at the spot
Point details
  • Parking area
    48 m • at the spot
    ↗
  • Parking area
    48 m • at the spot
    ↗
  • Seating area
    77 m • very close
    ↗
Show 13 more
  • Seating area
    78 m • very close
    ↗
  • Parking area
    80 m • very close
    ↗
  • Seating area
    80 m • very close
    ↗
  • Shelter area
    80 m • very close
    ↗
  • Seating area
    80 m • very close
    ↗
  • Shelter area
    80 m • very close
    ↗
  • Parking area
    83 m • very close
    ↗
  • Seating area
    89 m • very close
    ↗
  • Seating area
    90 m • very close
    ↗
  • Seating area
    104 m • very close
    ↗
  • Seating area
    104 m • very close
    ↗
  • Seating area
    132 m • very close
    ↗
  • Seating area
    135 m • very close
    ↗

Near the end

No mapped amenities near this part of the trail.

Parking details

🅿 Parking

Large parking area
~881 spacesEstimated capacity
12 parking locations
No known parking fee

Parking generally sufficient for peak times. Multiple access points reduce congestion near trailheads.

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: —
Method + full metrics

Based on trail graph connectivity and nearby exits.

Total spots: 2Actionable exits: 2Dead ends: 0Closest near Start: —Closest near Midpoint: 1 mClosest near End: —
🚪 ExitsTrail entrance / exit · Trail entrance / exitTrail entrance / exit · Trail entrance / exit0 mi2.8 mi1.4 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 medium. 5 nearby emergency veterinary options mapped where available.

Dog Emergency

Emergency help nearby

Nearest vet: 1.8 mi

SNiP Vet

1.8 mi from trail · Veterinary · 2480 W Happy Valley Rd, Phoenix, 85085

Lovet Pet Health Care - Norterra

2.0 mi from trail · Veterinary · 2005 West Happy Valley Road, Phoenix, 85085

Banfield Pet Hospital

2.2 mi from trail · Veterinary · 2901 West Agua Fria Freeway, Phoenix, 85027

Valet Vet Mobile Veterinary Services

2.5 mi from trail · Veterinary

Beardsley Animal Hospital

3.7 mi from trail · Veterinary

Hazards

Updated: —

Medium
Road: 11Water: 2

Primary concerns: Water crossings (2)

Show hazard breakdown
Road crossings
Total: 11
Water crossings
2
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 Paseo Highlands Park?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Paseo Highlands Park.

Do dogs need to be on a leash on Paseo Highlands Park?

Yes, dogs are required to be on a leash at all times on Paseo Highlands Park, as per Phoenix city park policy.

Is there drinking water available for dogs along Paseo Highlands Park?

Yes, there is drinking water available at Paseo Highlands Park. One drinking water amenity is located near the trail.

Is Paseo Highlands Park mostly shaded or sun-exposed?

Paseo Highlands Park has high shade coverage, with a shade proxy percentage of 100%.

What is the trail surface like for dog paws on Paseo Highlands Park?

The trail surface at Paseo Highlands Park is primarily paved, with approximately 96.49% concrete and 3.51% asphalt.

How muddy does Paseo Highlands Park get after rain?

Paseo Highlands Park has a low mud risk, as it is mostly paved.

How crowded does Paseo Highlands Park get, and when is the best time to visit?

Paseo Highlands Park is considered high crowd class, with large parking nearby and many trailhead amenities contributing to this. The park is open daily from 05:30 to 22:00.

What is the parking situation at Paseo Highlands Park?

There are 12 parking spots available at Paseo Highlands Park, with an estimated capacity of 881 vehicles. Whether there is a parking fee is unknown.

What amenities are available at Paseo Highlands Park (restrooms, waste bins, benches)?

Paseo Highlands Park offers 21 benches, 12 shelters, 4 restrooms, and 14 picnic tables. Waste bins are not explicitly listed.

Are there any safety concerns for dogs on Paseo Highlands Park (heat, terrain, water crossings)?

Paseo Highlands Park has a high heat risk. There are 11 mapped road crossings and 2 water crossing points on the trail.