Trail 308 is a 4.6-mile dog-friendly trail in Phoenix, AZ. Includes leash-required policy details · low shade. Elevation gain is about 781 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.
Trail 308 is a 4.6-mile out-and-back with a mix of unpaved and dirt tread, moderately hilly. The route passes a creek near the start. Most of the trail is exposed with little tree cover, so bring water and go early on warm days. Leashes are required on this trail.
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
43%
Caution
–May need extra breaks
✓Natural & paw-friendly
🐕
Senior Dog
Older dogs, 7+ years
45%
Caution
–Some challenging climbs
–Moderate — plan rest stops
✓Smooth surface — easy going
⚠️
Reactive Dog
Reactive to dogs & strangers
76%
Good fit
–Moderately busy — stay alert
✓All dogs leashed — controlled
✓Can cut short if needed
🌸
Sensitive Dog
Anxious or paw-sensitive dogs
77%
Good fit
✓Soft natural surface
–Moderate traffic
💪
Getting-Fit Dog
Building up stamina
77%
Good fit
–Moderate — build up to this
✓Gentle grade — good challenge
✓Can shorten route if needed
💧
Water Lover
Dogs who love to swim & splash
36%
Tough
✓1 water access point
–Water near parts of the trail
–Leash required — limits water play
Trail Suitability
Who this trail works best for — and what to watch
ℹ
Exposed, with swim access trail — good fit with minor considerations
Best for
Water-loving dogs
Use caution if
Reactive dogs
Trail conditions may be challenging for reactive dogs
Most comfortable when
Morning or late afternoon
— Limited shade — more comfortable outside peak midday hours
Weekday visits
— Moderate traffic — calmer on weekdays
Avoid after heavy rain
— Trail gets significantly muddy — surfaces become slippery and paws stay wet
Why this trail works
Swim access confirmed — water features along the route
Natural, soft surface
781 ft of elevation gain — good cardio workout
Safety & Conditions
Hazards, heat exposure, crowd level, and nearby emergency vet context
HAZARDSLow
SHADE / HEATExposedHeat risk present
CROWDMediumModerate use, mix of busy and quiet times
NEAREST VET5.4 km awayArizona Exotic Animal Hospital
⚠
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
WaterSome
Elevation & Width
Distance and climbing are shown together so you can judge overall effort for your dog on a 4.
Trail Effort
Moderate
Gentle hills. Most healthy adult dogs will enjoy this.
EasyModerate
Challenging
Strenuous
Gain:781 ftGain/mi:170 ft/miSteep sections:High
Rated from 781 ft gain + 170 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
59%
Unpaved
35%
Not mapped
6.3%
Quick read
Roughness: Low
This trail is mostly Dirt. A notable share is unpaved (35%). 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
LOW
Low shade coverage
21.3%
Shade along the trail
Exposure mix
Sun
71%
Partial
14%
Shade
14%
Dense
0%
Quick read
Limited natural shade. Expect prolonged sun exposure.
Water Access
Water proximity is tracked along the route (30%) to help you plan hydration and cooldown stops.
Water
Hydration & splash potential
Near water: 30%
Swim: Unlikely
Water nearby30%
Water along the trail
Water types nearby
CanalStream
Canal • 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 Lots4
Capacity117spaces est.
FeeFree
This section covers 2 trailheads listed, 4 parking lots, and amenity placement so you can plan start points and access logistics before arriving.
Primary trailhead
📍
Parking #1
Primary🔓 Access not confirmed💵 Fee not posted📍 Near trail (~40 m)
Other access points
📍
Parking #2
🔓 Access not confirmed💵 Fee not posted📍 Near trail (~45 m)
Amenities along the route
Nearby facilities around the start, middle, and end of this trail.