Trail 25A is a 2.4-mile dog-friendly trail in Phoenix, AZ. Includes leash-required policy details · low shade. Elevation gain is about 453 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
68%
Good fit
✓Manageable length
✓Natural & paw-friendly
–Mostly exposed
🐕
Senior Dog
Older dogs, 7+ years
83%
Great fit
✓Gentle slope
✓Comfortable distance
✓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
77%
Good fit
✓Soft natural surface
–Mostly exposed
✓Quiet — less stressful
💪
Getting-Fit Dog
Building up stamina
100%
Great fit
✓Ideal starter length (1–2.5 mi)
✓Gentle grade — good challenge
✓Can shorten route if needed
💧
Water Lover
Dogs who love to swim & splash
13%
Not ideal
×No water access found
×Mostly dry route
–Leash required — limits water play
Trail Suitability
Who this trail works best for — and what to watch
ℹ
Exposed, quiet trail — good fit with minor considerations
Best for
Senior dogsReactive dogsFirst-time trail dogs
Most comfortable when
Morning or late afternoon
— Limited shade — more comfortable outside peak midday hours
Avoid after heavy rain
— Trail gets significantly muddy — surfaces become slippery and paws stay wet
Why this trail works
Natural, soft surface
Low foot traffic — calmer atmosphere for dogs
Safety & Conditions
Hazards, heat exposure, crowd level, and nearby emergency vet context
HAZARDSLow
SHADE / HEATExposedHeat risk present
CROWDLowTypically uncrowded
NEAREST VET5.4 km awayPhoenix Veterinary
⚠
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
EffortRolling
SurfaceMixed
ShadeLow
WaterNone
Elevation & Width
Distance and climbing are shown together so you can judge overall effort for your dog on a 2.
Trail Effort
Moderate
Gentle hills. Most healthy adult dogs will enjoy this.
EasyModerate
Challenging
Strenuous
Gain:453 ftGain/mi:186 ft/miSteep sections:Medium
Rated from 453 ft gain + 186 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: Dirt
Softer footing that can feel easier on paws and joints.
Soft footingSmooth / Paw-friendly
Surface along the trail
Top surfaces
Dirt
68%
Unpaved
19%
Not mapped
10%
Quick read
Roughness: Low
This trail is mostly Dirt. A notable share is unpaved (19%). You will also encounter not mapped (10%). 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
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 (4%) to help you plan hydration and cooldown stops.
Water
Hydration & splash potential
Near water: 4%
Swim: Unlikely
Water nearby4%
Water along the trail
Water types nearby
CanalLake/PondStream
Canal • Lake/Pond • Stream
Quick read
Water is limited near the trail—bring enough for you and your dog. Swimming spots are unlikely.
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
📍
Gate #1
Primary🔓 Access not confirmed💵 Fee not posted📍 Near trail (~75 m)
Other access points
📍
Gate #2
🔓 Access not confirmed💵 Fee not posted📍 Near trail (~80 m)
📍
Gate #3
🔓 Access not confirmed💵 Fee not posted📍 Near trail (~95 m)
Amenities along the route
Nearby facilities around the start, middle, and end of this trail.
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: 3.4 mi
Phoenix Veterinary
3.4 mi from trail · Emergency vet · 4015 East Cactus Road, Phoenix, 85028
Arizona Exotic Animal Hospital
4.1 mi from trail · Veterinary
Palo Verde Animal Hospital
4.2 mi from trail · Veterinary · 1215 East Northern Avenue, Phoenix, 85020-4216
VetMED Emergency & Specialty Veterinary Hospital
4.3 mi from trail · Emergency vet · 20612 North Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, 85024
Larkspur Cat Clinic
4.3 mi from trail · Veterinary · 2915 West Cactus Road, Phoenix
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 Trail 25A?
Yes, dogs are allowed on Trail 25A.
Do dogs need to be on a leash on Trail 25A?
Yes, dogs are required to be on a leash at all times on Trail 25A, as per the blanket Phoenix city park leash policy.
Is there drinking water available for dogs along Trail 25A?
No, there are no drinking water amenities available on Trail 25A.
Is Trail 25A mostly shaded or sun-exposed?
Trail 25A has low shade, with 0% shade proxy.
What is the trail surface like for dog paws on Trail 25A?
The trail surface is primarily dirt, with approximately 85.3% natural surface.
How muddy does Trail 25A get after rain?
Trail 25A has a high mud risk due to its mostly natural surfaces.
How crowded does Trail 25A get, and when is the best time to visit?
Trail 25A is considered low crowd class, with low access infrastructure nearby suggesting it may be less crowded. The best time to visit is unknown based on available data.
What is the parking situation at Trail 25A?
There are no parking spaces available at Trail 25A, and whether there is a parking fee is unknown.
What amenities are available at Trail 25A (restrooms, waste bins, benches)?
Trail 25A has 2 waste baskets and 2 benches available. There are no restrooms or shelters.
Are there any safety concerns for dogs on Trail 25A (heat, terrain, water crossings)?
Trail 25A has a low heat risk and low roughness risk. There are no water crossings or cliff/steep edge hazards identified. The trail surface is primarily dirt, and there is a high mud risk.
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