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Sidewinder Trail

Phoenix, AZ · Maricopa County · 13.3 mi · Network

A rolling 13.3-mile network. Partial shade (99% 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:Parking #3

Sidewinder Trail is a 13.3-mile dog-friendly trail in Phoenix, AZ. Includes leash-required policy details · medium shade. Elevation gain is about 2644 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
30%
Tough
Long for small breeds
Natural & paw-friendly
Well-shaded route
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
46%
Caution
Often busy — high encounter risk
All dogs leashed — controlled
Can cut short if needed
Sensitive Dog
Anxious or paw-sensitive dogs
71%
Good fit
Soft natural surface
Well-shaded — stays cooler
Busy — may cause anxiety
Getting-Fit Dog
Building up stamina
62%
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
60%
Fair fit
Swim spots confirmed on this trail
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

Heat-sensitive dogsWater-loving dogsHigh-energy dogs

Use caution if

Reactive dogs

Heavy foot traffic — frequent dog and person encounters

Senior dogs

Steep sections present — hard on aging joints and cardiovascular system

Most comfortable when

Weekday mornings

— Busy trail — foot traffic drops significantly on weekday mornings

Avoid after heavy rain

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

Why this trail works

  • ~99% 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
CROWDHighBusy trail — expect company on weekends
NEAREST VET5.0 km awayThe Pet Wellness Center

Terrain & Comfort

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

EffortRolling
SurfaceMixed
ShadeModerate
WaterNone

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:2,644 ftGain/mi:198 ft/miSteep sections:High
Rated from 2,644 ft gain + 198 ft/mi.
Elevation Profile
2,087 ft1,726 ft0 mi13.3 mi36912
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

Top surfaces

Dirt
98%
Not mapped
1.3%
Concrete
0.2%

Quick read

Roughness: Low

This trail is mostly Dirt. Softer footing—can get muddy after rain. 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

98.9%
Shade along the trail
0 mi13.3 mi36912SunPartialShadeDense

Exposure mix

Sun
0%
Partial
1%
Shade
99%
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 (12%) to help you plan hydration and cooldown stops.

Water

Hydration & splash potential

Near water: 12%
Swim: Likely
Water nearby12%
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 m0 mi13.3 mi36912Stream

Water types nearby

CanalLake/PondRiverStream

Canal • 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 Lots10
Capacity414spaces est.
FeeFree

This section covers 1 trailhead listed, 10 parking lots, and amenity placement so you can plan start points and access logistics before arriving.

Primary trailhead

Parking #3
Primary🔓 Yes access💵 Fee not posted📍 ~130 m from trail

Amenities along the route

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

Amenities along the trail
🚻 Restrooms (1)Restrooms at 9.6 mi🛖 Shelters (1)Shelters at 9.6 mi🍽️ Picnic tables (1)Picnic tables at 9.6 mi🗑️ Waste bins (1)Waste bins at 9.6 miℹ️ Info boards (6)22 info boards near 1.9-2.0 mi33 info boards near 6.8-7.0 miInfo boards at 9.6 mi0 mi13.3 mi36912

Near the start

Restrooms nearby

🚻Restrooms
1
closest: 49 m • at the spot
🛖Shelter
4
closest: 42 m • at the spot
🪑Seating
2
closest: 51 m • at the spot
Show 3 more
🗑️Trash bins
2
closest: 41 m • at the spot
🅿️Parking
8
closest: 131 m • very close
✳️Other
4
closest: 1 m • at the spot
Point details
  • Other area
    1 m • at the spot
    ↗
  • Other area
    37 m • at the spot
    ↗
  • Trash bins area
    41 m • at the spot
    ↗
Show 18 more
  • Shelter area
    42 m • at the spot
    ↗
  • Shelter area
    44 m • at the spot
    ↗
  • Other area
    48 m • at the spot
    ↗
  • Restrooms area
    49 m • at the spot
    ↗
  • Shelter area
    49 m • at the spot
    ↗
  • Seating area
    51 m • at the spot
    ↗
  • Shelter area
    51 m • at the spot
    ↗
  • Seating area
    52 m • at the spot
    ↗
  • Trash bins area
    81 m • very close
    ↗
  • Parking area
    131 m • very close
    ↗
  • Parking area
    134 m • very close
    ↗
  • Parking area
    150 m • short walk
    ↗
  • Parking area
    151 m • short walk
    ↗
  • Parking area
    178 m • short walk
    ↗
  • Parking area
    179 m • short walk
    ↗
  • Other area
    239 m • short walk
    ↗
  • Equestrian Trailer Parking
    275 m • short walk
    ↗
  • Equestrian Trailer Parking
    279 m • short walk
    ↗

Near the middle

A few amenities nearby

🅿️Parking
2
closest: 253 m • short walk
✳️Other
3
closest: 75 m • very close
Point details
  • Other area
    75 m • very close
    ↗
  • Other area
    76 m • very close
    ↗
  • Other area
    172 m • short walk
    ↗
Show 2 more
  • Parking area
    253 m • short walk
    ↗
  • Parking area
    253 m • short walk
    ↗

Near the end

A few amenities nearby

✳️Other
3
closest: 5 m • at the spot
Point details
  • Other area
    5 m • at the spot
    ↗
  • Other area
    83 m • very close
    ↗
  • Other area
    130 m • very close
    ↗
Parking details

🅿 Parking

Large parking area
~414 spacesEstimated capacity
10 parking locations
No known parking fee

Parking generally sufficient for peak times.

Map & Route

Trail layout, trailheads, parking, and dog-relevant points of interest

Map

Explore More

Highlights, viewpoints, and bailout options

Highlights

7 highlights on or near the trail

⛰️ PeakPeak · 0.8 miPeak · 1.0 miPeak · 1.6 miPeak · 1.8 miPeak · 6.1 miPeak · 7.2 miPeak · 8.8 mi0 mi13.3 mi36912

Highlights

7 total
Closest: Peak · 14 m

Peak

Peak · Peak

Very close
14 mfrom trail
Open OSM

Peak

Peak · Peak

Close
58 mfrom trail
Open OSM

Peak

Peak · Peak

Close
68 mfrom trail
Open OSM
Bailout & exit options

Exit options (Bailouts)

Bailout: mediumScore: 0.4

Fast exits if you need to shorten the route.

Actionable: 6Dead ends: 0Closest Start: 1 m
Method + full metrics

Based on trail graph connectivity and nearby exits.

Total spots: 6Actionable exits: 6Dead ends: 0Closest near Start: 1 mClosest near Midpoint: 1.2 kmClosest near End: 1 m
🚪 ExitsTrail entrance / exit · 1 m from startTrail entrance / exit · Trail entrance / exitTrail entrance / exit · Trail entrance / exitTrail entrance / exit · Trail entrance / exitTrail entrance / exit · Trail entrance / exitTrail entrance / exit · Trail entrance / exit0 mi13.3 mi6.7 mi
6 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 low. 5 nearby emergency veterinary options mapped where available.

Dog Emergency

Emergency help nearby

Nearest vet: 3.1 mi

The Pet Wellness Center

3.1 mi from trail · Veterinary · 2750 W Dove Valley Rd., Phoenix, 85085

Pet Clinic

3.2 mi from trail · Veterinary · 34406 North 27th Drive, Phoenix, 85085

Lovet Pet Health Care - Dove Valley

5.1 mi from trail · Veterinary · 4815 East Carefree Highway, Cave Creek, 85331

Lovet Pet Health Care - Norterra

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

SNiP Vet

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

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 Sidewinder Trail?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Sidewinder Trail.

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

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

Is there drinking water available for dogs along Sidewinder Trail?

Unknown based on available data.

Is Sidewinder Trail mostly shaded or sun-exposed?

Sidewinder Trail has medium shade coverage.

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

The Sidewinder Trail is primarily a dirt surface, making up about 98.5% of the trail.

How muddy does Sidewinder Trail get after rain?

Sidewinder Trail has a high risk of getting muddy, especially after rain, due to its mostly natural surfaces.

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

Sidewinder Trail is considered high crowd class, with reasons including large parking nearby and many trailhead amenities. The best time to visit is not specified.

What is the parking situation at Sidewinder Trail?

There are 10 parking areas with an estimated capacity of 414 vehicles. Whether there is a parking fee is unknown.

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

Amenities available at Sidewinder Trail include 4 shelters, 1 toilet, 2 picnic tables, and 2 waste baskets. There are no benches.

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

The heat risk for Sidewinder Trail is low. The terrain is mostly dirt with a low roughness risk. There are no water crossings or road crossings listed as hazards.