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Quartz Trail

Phoenix, AZ · Maricopa County · 12.7 mi · Network

A rolling 12.7-mile network. Partial shade (87% coverage); best in the morning or evening during summer.

Dogs allowedAllowed
Leash ruleRequired
Trail effortRolling
ShadeSome shade
Certified dog policySource: Trail Rules | Phoenix Parks and RecreationAvoid midday in summer.
Best entry:Quartz Trail Parking

Quartz Trail is a 12.7-mile dog-friendly trail in Phoenix, AZ. Includes leash-required policy details · medium shade. Elevation gain is about 2218 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
43%
Caution
Long for small breeds
Natural & paw-friendly
Well-shaded route
Senior Dog
Older dogs, 7+ years
65%
Good fit
Flat & joint-friendly
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
89%
Great fit
Soft natural surface
Well-shaded — stays cooler
Quiet — less stressful
Getting-Fit Dog
Building up stamina
67%
Good fit
Too long for early fitness training
Flat — great for conditioning
Can shorten route if needed
Water Lover
Dogs who love to swim & splash
62%
Fair 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

Well-shaded, with swim access trail — comfortable for most dogs

Best for

Senior dogsHeat-sensitive dogsReactive dogsWater-loving dogsHigh-energy dogs

Most comfortable when

Avoid after heavy rain

— Trail gets significantly muddy — surfaces become slippery and paws stay wet

Why this trail works

  • ~87% 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

HAZARDSMedium
SHADE / HEATSome shadeHeat risk present
CROWDLowTypically uncrowded
NEAREST VET3.9 km awayAnimal Specialty Group of Scottsdale

Terrain & Comfort

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

EffortRolling
SurfaceMixed
ShadeModerate
WaterSome

Elevation & Width

Distance and climbing are shown together so you can judge overall effort for your dog on a 12.

Trail Effort

Moderate

Gentle hills. Most healthy adult dogs will enjoy this.

EasyModerate
Challenging
Strenuous
Gain:2,218 ftGain/mi:175 ft/miSteep sections:Low
Rated from 2,218 ft gain + 175 ft/mi.
Elevation Profile
2,664 ft1,519 ft0 mi12.7 mi24681012
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
Surface along the trail
UnknownDirtUnknownDirt0 mi12.7 mi24681012UnknownNatural/Soft

Top surfaces

Dirt
82%
Not mapped
16%
Concrete
0.9%

Quick read

Roughness: Low

This trail is mostly Dirt. A notable share is not mapped (16%). Surface data is incomplete for some sections—expect variety. 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

MEDIUM

Moderate shade coverage

86.9%
Shade along the trail
0 mi12.7 mi24681012SunPartialShadeDense

Exposure mix

Sun
11%
Partial
1%
Shade
87%
Dense
0%

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 (22%) to help you plan hydration and cooldown stops.

Water

Hydration & splash potential

Near water: 22%
Swim: Likely
Water nearby22%
Water along the trail
Dry — no water within 200 mStreamDry — no water within 200 mStreamDry — no water within 200 mStreamDry — no water within 200 mStreamDry — no water within 200 mStreamDry — no water within 200 mStreamDry — no water within 200 mStreamDry — no water within 200 mStreamDry — no water within 200 mCanalDry — no water within 200 mCanalDry — no water within 200 m0 mi12.7 mi36912StreamCanal

Water types nearby

SpringCanalStreamLake/Pond+1 more

Spring • Canal • Stream

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 2 trailheads listed, 0 parking lots, and amenity placement so you can plan start points and access logistics before arriving.

Primary trailhead

Quartz Trail Parking
Primary🔓 Yes access💵 Fee not posted📍 ~300 m from trail🅿 Large lot

Other access points

Quartz Trail Parking
🔓 Yes access💵 Fee not posted📍 ~300 m from trail🅿 Large 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

1 highlight on or near the trail

⛰️ PeakPeak · 1.1 mi0 mi12.7 mi36912

Highlights

1 total
Closest: Peak · 83 m

Peak

Peak · Peak

Nearby
83 mfrom trail
Open OSM
Bailout & exit options

Exit options (Bailouts)

Bailout: mediumScore: 0.4

Fast exits if you need to shorten the route.

Actionable: 4Dead ends: 0Closest Start: 1 m
Method + full metrics

Based on trail graph connectivity and nearby exits.

Total spots: 4Actionable exits: 4Dead ends: 0Closest near Start: 1 mClosest near Midpoint: 17.4 kmClosest near End: 3.3 km
🚪 ExitsTrail entrance / exit · 1 m from startTrail entrance / exit · Trail entrance / exitTrail entrance / exit · Trail entrance / exitTrail entrance / exit · Trail entrance / exit0 mi12.7 mi6.4 mi
4 actionable exits· closest 1 m from start
  • Route structure (network) supports alternate exits.
  • 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 · 1 m from start

EntranceDead End
1 mGoogle Maps OSM unavailable

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: 2.4 mi

Animal Specialty Group of Scottsdale

2.4 mi from trail · Veterinary · 7410 East Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale, 85255

Pinnacle Peak Animal Hospital

2.5 mi from trail · Veterinary · 23425 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 85255

Southwest Veterinary Surgical Service

3.0 mi from trail · Veterinary

Vetcare Internal Medicine

3.1 mi from trail · Veterinary

Arizona Veterinary Oncology

3.1 mi from trail · Veterinary

Hazards

Updated: —

Medium
Water: 4Cliff: 25

Primary concerns: Water crossings (4), Cliff/steep edge (25)

Show hazard breakdown
Road crossings
Total: 0
Water crossings
4
Cliff / steep edge
25
Bike conflict
0
Off-leash conflict proxy
0

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about dogs on this trail

Are dogs allowed on Quartz Trail?

Yes, dogs are allowed on the Quartz Trail.

Do dogs need to be on a leash on Quartz Trail?

Yes, dogs are required to be on a leash at all times on the Quartz Trail, as per the blanket Phoenix city park leash policy.

Is there drinking water available for dogs along Quartz Trail?

Unknown based on available data.

Is Quartz Trail mostly shaded or sun-exposed?

The Quartz Trail has medium shade, with a shade proxy percentage of 86.88%.

What is the trail surface like for dog paws on Quartz Trail?

The Quartz Trail is primarily a dirt surface, with 83% natural surface and 16.6% unknown surface type.

How muddy does Quartz Trail get after rain?

The Quartz Trail has a high mud risk due to its mostly natural surfaces.

How crowded does Quartz Trail get, and when is the best time to visit?

The Quartz Trail is considered low crowd density, likely due to low access infrastructure nearby. The best time to visit is unknown based on available data.

What is the parking situation at Quartz Trail?

There are 0 parking spots available at the Quartz Trail, and whether there is a parking fee is unknown.

What amenities are available at Quartz Trail (restrooms, waste bins, benches)?

There are no amenities such as benches, shelters, toilets, information kiosks, picnic tables, or waste baskets available at Quartz Trail.

Are there any safety concerns for dogs on Quartz Trail (heat, terrain, water crossings)?

The Quartz Trail has a low heat risk. Safety concerns include 25 cliff or steep edge proxies and 4 water crossings.