+ Add trail

Trail 44 - North Mountain National Trail

Phoenix, AZ · Maricopa County · 3.0 mi · Network

A rolling 3.0-mile network. Good shade throughout; some water access; best in the morning or evening during summer.

Dogs allowedAllowed
Leash ruleRequired
Trail effortRolling
ShadeHigh shade
Certified dog policySource: Trail Rules | Phoenix Parks and RecreationAvoid midday in summer.
Best entry:Parking #2

Trail 44 - North Mountain National Trail is a 3.0-mile dog-friendly trail in Phoenix, AZ. Includes leash-required policy details · high shade. Elevation gain is about 1302 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
42%
Caution
Manageable length
Natural & paw-friendly
Warm; bring extra water
Senior Dog
Older dogs, 7+ years
35%
Tough
Steep — hard on aging joints
Comfortable distance
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
47%
Caution
Soft natural surface
Warm — check ground temp
Busy — may cause anxiety
Getting-Fit Dog
Building up stamina
54%
Caution
Good training length
Too steep for fitness building
Can shorten route if needed
Water Lover
Dogs who love to swim & splash
49%
Caution
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

Well-shaded, with swim access trail — busy; best for calm dogs

Best for

Heat-sensitive dogsWater-loving 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

Morning or late afternoon

— Limited shade — more comfortable outside peak midday hours

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

  • ~100% 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 / HEATHigh shadeHeat risk present
CROWDHighBusy trail — expect company on weekends
NEAREST VET3.7 km awayPalo Verde Animal Hospital

Terrain & Comfort

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

EffortRolling
SurfaceMixed
ShadeHigh
WaterSome

Elevation & Width

Distance and climbing are shown together so you can judge overall effort for your dog on a 3.

Trail Effort

Moderate

Gentle hills. Most healthy adult dogs will enjoy this.

EasyModerate
Challenging
Strenuous
Gain:1,302 ftGain/mi:430 ft/miSteep sections:High
Rated from 1,302 ft gain + 430 ft/mi.
Elevation Profile
2,001 ft1,375 ft0 mi3.0 mi123
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
DirtAsphaltDirtAsphaltPavedDirt0 mi3.0 mi123Natural/SoftHard

Top surfaces

Dirt
62%
Asphalt
33%
Not mapped
3.8%

Quick read

Roughness: Low

This trail is mostly Dirt. A notable share is asphalt (33%). 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

HIGH

High shade coverage

100.0%
Shade along the trail
0 mi3.0 mi123SunPartialShadeDense

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 (46%) to help you plan hydration and cooldown stops.

Water

Hydration & splash potential

Near water: 46%
Swim: Unlikely
Water nearby46%
Water along the trail
StreamDry — no water within 200 mLake / PondDry — 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 mi3.0 mi123Lake / PondStream

Water types nearby

CanalLake/PondStream

Canal • Lake/Pond • Stream

Quick read

You’ll likely pass some water. Carry water for longer stretches. Swimming spots are unlikely.

Access & Entry

Trailheads, parking, and entry logistics for hiking with dogs

Parking Lots14
Capacity463spaces est.
FeeFree

This section covers 3 trailheads listed, 14 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 (~25 m)🅿 Medium lot

Other access points

Parking #2
🔓 Access not confirmed💵 Fee not posted📍 Near trail (~30 m)🅿 Medium lot
Parking #3
🔓 Yes access💵 Fee not posted📍 Near trail (~70 m)🅿 Large lot

Amenities along the route

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

Amenities along the trail
🚻 Restrooms (2)Restrooms at 0.8 miRestrooms at 2.3 mi💧 Water (1)Water at 2.3 mi🛖 Shelters (3)22 shelters near 0.8-0.8 miShelters at 2.3 mi🪑 Benches (1)Benches at 0.8 mi🍽️ Picnic tables (3)22 picnic tables near 0.8-0.8 miPicnic tables at 2.3 mi🗑️ Waste bins (2)Waste bins at 0.8 miWaste bins at 2.3 miℹ️ Info boards (2)Info boards at 0.3 miInfo boards at 2.3 mi0 mi3.0 mi123

Near the start

Water nearby • Restrooms nearby

💧Water
1
closest: 3 m • at the spot
🚻Restrooms
2
closest: 80 m • very close
🛖Shelter
2
closest: 6 m • at the spot
Show 4 more
🪑Seating
12
closest: 7 m • at the spot
🗑️Trash bins
1
closest: 10 m • at the spot
🅿️Parking
4
closest: 24 m • at the spot
✳️Other
3
closest: 10 m • at the spot
Point details
  • Water area
    3 m • at the spot
    ↗
  • Maricopa Area 3
    6 m • at the spot
    ↗
  • Seating area
    7 m • at the spot
    ↗
Show 22 more
  • Seating area
    7 m • at the spot
    ↗
  • Maricopa Area 3
    7 m • at the spot
    ↗
  • Other area
    10 m • at the spot
    ↗
  • Trash bins area
    10 m • at the spot
    ↗
  • Other area
    10 m • at the spot
    ↗
  • Other area
    15 m • at the spot
    ↗
  • Parking area
    24 m • at the spot
    ↗
  • Parking area
    28 m • at the spot
    ↗
  • Seating area
    64 m • at the spot
    ↗
  • Seating area
    68 m • at the spot
    ↗
  • Seating area
    79 m • very close
    ↗
  • Restrooms area
    80 m • very close
    ↗
  • Restrooms area
    81 m • very close
    ↗
  • Seating area
    82 m • very close
    ↗
  • Seating area
    93 m • very close
    ↗
  • Seating area
    95 m • very close
    ↗
  • Seating area
    98 m • very close
    ↗
  • Parking area
    98 m • very close
    ↗
  • Parking area
    98 m • very close
    ↗
  • Seating area
    104 m • very close
    ↗
  • Seating area
    108 m • very close
    ↗
  • Seating area
    115 m • very close
    ↗

Near the middle

A few amenities nearby

✳️Other
1
closest: 98 m • very close
Point details
  • Other area
    98 m • very close
    ↗

Near the end

Restrooms nearby

🚻Restrooms
2
closest: 118 m • very close
🛖Shelter
9
closest: 21 m • at the spot
🪑Seating
20
closest: 20 m • at the spot
Show 2 more
🗑️Trash bins
1
closest: 133 m • very close
🅿️Parking
2
closest: 65 m • at the spot
Point details
  • Seating area
    20 m • at the spot
    ↗
  • AK-Chin Area 6
    21 m • at the spot
    ↗
  • AK-Chin Area 6
    21 m • at the spot
    ↗
Show 31 more
  • Seating area
    22 m • at the spot
    ↗
  • Parking area
    65 m • at the spot
    ↗
  • Parking area
    66 m • at the spot
    ↗
  • Seating area
    69 m • at the spot
    ↗
  • Seating area
    75 m • very close
    ↗
  • Seating area
    76 m • very close
    ↗
  • Seating area
    78 m • very close
    ↗
  • Seating area
    80 m • very close
    ↗
  • Seating area
    83 m • very close
    ↗
  • Seating area
    87 m • very close
    ↗
  • Seating area
    87 m • very close
    ↗
  • Seating area
    89 m • very close
    ↗
  • Seating area
    92 m • very close
    ↗
  • Shelter area
    93 m • very close
    ↗
  • Shelter area
    94 m • very close
    ↗
  • Seating area
    95 m • very close
    ↗
  • Seating area
    97 m • very close
    ↗
  • Seating area
    98 m • very close
    ↗
  • Shelter area
    99 m • very close
    ↗
  • Shelter area
    99 m • very close
    ↗
  • Seating area
    99 m • very close
    ↗
  • Seating area
    100 m • very close
    ↗
  • Seating area
    101 m • very close
    ↗
  • Restrooms area
    118 m • very close
    ↗
  • Restrooms area
    119 m • very close
    ↗
  • Shelter area
    129 m • very close
    ↗
  • Shelter area
    129 m • very close
    ↗
  • Seating area
    129 m • very close
    ↗
  • Trash bins area
    133 m • very close
    ↗
  • Shelter area
    140 m • very close
    ↗
  • Seating area
    140 m • very close
    ↗
Parking details

🅿 Parking

Large parking area
~463 spacesEstimated capacity
14 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

2 highlights on or near the trail

👁️ ViewpointViewpoint · 3.0 mi⛰️ PeakNorth Mountain · 0.0 mi0 mi3.0 mi123

Highlights

2 total
Closest: Viewpoint · 7 m

Viewpoint

Viewpoint · Viewpoint

Very close
7 mfrom trail
Open OSM

North Mountain

Peak · Peak

Very close
18 mfrom trail
Open OSM
Bailout & exit options

Exit options (Bailouts)

Bailout: highScore: 0.75

Fast exits if you need to shorten the route.

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

Based on trail graph connectivity and nearby exits.

Total spots: 6Actionable exits: 6Dead ends: 0Closest near Start: 0 mClosest near Midpoint: 224 mClosest near End: 0 m
🚪 ExitsTrail entrance / exit · 0 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 mi3.0 mi1.5 mi
6 actionable exits· closest 0 m from start
  • High access density (1.98/mi).
  • Route structure (network) supports alternate exits.
  • Entrance count is estimated from graph topology (proxy).

Top exits near Start

Trail entrance / exit

Near Start · 0 m from start

EntranceDead End
0 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: 2.3 mi

Palo Verde Animal Hospital

2.3 mi from trail · Veterinary · 1215 East Northern Avenue, Phoenix, 85020-4216

Larkspur Cat Clinic

3.1 mi from trail · Veterinary · 2915 West Cactus Road, Phoenix

Lovet Pet Health Care - Madison

3.2 mi from trail · Veterinary · 531 East Glendale Avenue, Phoenix, 85020

Harmony Veterinary Hospital

3.6 mi from trail · Veterinary · 1745 West Glendale Avenue, Phoenix, 85021

Catalina Animal Hospital

3.9 mi from trail · Veterinary · 9023 North 35th Avenue, Phoenix, 85051

Hazards

Updated: —

Low
Cliff: 1

Primary concerns: Cliff/steep edge (1)

Show hazard breakdown
Road crossings
Total: 0
Water crossings
0
Cliff / steep edge
1
Bike conflict
0
Off-leash conflict proxy
0

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about dogs on this trail

Are dogs allowed on Trail 44 - North Mountain National Trail?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Trail 44 - North Mountain National Trail.

Do dogs need to be on a leash on Trail 44 - North Mountain National Trail?

Yes, dogs are required to be on a leash at all times on Trail 44 - North Mountain National Trail, as per the blanket Phoenix city park policy.

Is there drinking water available for dogs along Trail 44 - North Mountain National Trail?

Yes, there is drinking water available at Trail 44 - North Mountain National Trail. One drinking water amenity is located near the trail.

Is Trail 44 - North Mountain National Trail mostly shaded or sun-exposed?

Trail 44 - North Mountain National Trail has high shade coverage, with a shade proxy percentage of 100%.

What is the trail surface like for dog paws on Trail 44 - North Mountain National Trail?

The trail surface is primarily dirt, making up about 61.5% of the trail. There are also sections of asphalt (33.4%) and a small percentage of paved surface (0.4%).

How muddy does Trail 44 - North Mountain National Trail get after rain?

Trail 44 - North Mountain National Trail has a high mud risk due to its mostly natural surfaces.

How crowded does Trail 44 - North Mountain National Trail get, and when is the best time to visit?

Trail 44 - North Mountain National Trail is considered high crowd density, likely due to large parking availability and numerous trailhead amenities. The best time to visit is not specified.

What is the parking situation at Trail 44 - North Mountain National Trail?

There are 14 parking areas with an estimated capacity of 463 vehicles at Trail 44 - North Mountain National Trail. Whether there is a parking fee is unknown.

What amenities are available at Trail 44 - North Mountain National Trail (restrooms, waste bins, benches)?

Amenities available include 1 bench, 4 toilets, 2 waste baskets, and 1 drinking water source.

Are there any safety concerns for dogs on Trail 44 - North Mountain National Trail (heat, terrain, water crossings)?

The trail has a medium heat risk. There is one hazard related to cliffs or steep edges, and the trail surface is mostly natural, contributing to a high mud risk. There are no water crossings.