Young Man Trail is a 2.0-mile dog-friendly trail in Phoenix, AZ. Includes leash-required policy details · high shade. Elevation gain is about 830 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
65%
Good fit
✓Short & easy to complete
✓Natural & paw-friendly
✓Well-shaded route
🐕
Senior Dog
Older dogs, 7+ years
53%
Caution
×Steep — hard on aging joints
✓Short, relaxed walk
✓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
97%
Great fit
✓Soft natural surface
✓Well-shaded — stays cooler
✓Quiet — less stressful
💪
Getting-Fit Dog
Building up stamina
69%
Good fit
✓Ideal starter length (1–2.5 mi)
×Too steep for fitness building
✓Can shorten route if needed
💧
Water Lover
Dogs who love to swim & splash
79%
Good fit
✓Swim spots confirmed on this trail
✓Water along most of the route
–Leash required — limits water play
Trail Suitability
Who this trail works best for — and what to watch
ℹ
Well-shaded, with swim access trail — comfortable for most dogs
Best for
Heat-sensitive dogsReactive dogsWater-loving dogs
Use caution if
Senior dogs
Steep sections present — hard on aging joints and cardiovascular system
Most comfortable when
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
CROWDLowTypically uncrowded
NEAREST VET3.3 km awayPhoenix Veterinary Center
Terrain & Comfort
Elevation, surface, shade, heat, and water signals for dog hiking comfort
EffortRolling
SurfaceMixed
ShadeHigh
WaterGood
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:830 ftGain/mi:425 ft/miSteep sections:High
Rated from 830 ft gain + 425 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
Top surfaces
Dirt
100%
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
HIGH
High shade coverage
100.0%
Shade along the trail
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 (89%) to help you plan hydration and cooldown stops.
Water
Hydration & splash potential
Near water: 89%
Swim: Likely
Water nearby89%
Water along the trail
Water types nearby
RiverStream
River • Stream
Quick read
Water is frequently near the route—great for cooling breaks. Bring a bowl anyway. 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 3 trailheads listed, 0 parking lots, and amenity placement so you can plan start points and access logistics before arriving.
Primary trailhead
📍
Young Man Trail Endpoint #3
Primary🔓 Access not confirmed💵 Fee not posted📍 Distance not measured
Other access points
📍
Young Man Trail Endpoint #2
🔓 Access not confirmed💵 Fee not posted📍 Distance not measured
📍
Young Man Trail Endpoint #1
🔓 Access not confirmed💵 Fee not posted📍 Distance not measured
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
Highlights
0 total
Closest: — · —
No highlights are available for this trail yet.
Bailout & exit options
Exit options (Bailouts)
Bailout: highScore: 0.75
Fast exits if you need to shorten the route.
Actionable: 4Dead ends: 0Closest Start: 0 m
Method + full metrics
Based on trail graph connectivity and nearby exits.
Total spots: 4Actionable exits: 4Dead ends: 0Closest near Start: 0 mClosest near Midpoint: —Closest near End: 1 m
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: 2.1 mi
Phoenix Veterinary Center
2.1 mi from trail · Veterinary
Banfield Pet Hospital
2.1 mi from trail · Veterinary
Ahwatukee Commons Veterinary Hospital
2.1 mi from trail · Veterinary · 4902 East Warner Road, Phoenix, 85044
South Mountain Vet Clinic
2.2 mi from trail · Veterinary · Phoenix, 85044
South Point Animal Clinic
2.8 mi from trail · Veterinary
Hazards
Updated: —
Low
Water: 1
Primary concerns: Water crossings (1)
Show hazard breakdown
Road crossings
Total: 0
Water crossings
1
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 Young Man Trail?
Yes, dogs are allowed on the Young Man Trail.
Do dogs need to be on a leash on Young Man Trail?
Yes, dogs are required to be on a leash at all times on the Young Man Trail, as per the blanket Phoenix city park leash policy.
Is there drinking water available for dogs along Young Man Trail?
Unknown based on available data.
Is Young Man Trail mostly shaded or sun-exposed?
The Young Man Trail has high shade coverage, with a shade proxy percentage of 100%.
What is the trail surface like for dog paws on Young Man Trail?
The Young Man Trail is primarily a dirt surface, making it 100% natural surface.
How muddy does Young Man Trail get after rain?
The Young Man Trail has a high mud risk due to its mostly natural dirt and earth surfaces.
How crowded does Young Man Trail get, and when is the best time to visit?
The Young Man Trail is considered low crowd density, with reasons including low access infrastructure nearby. Unknown based on available data regarding the best time to visit.
What is the parking situation at Young Man Trail?
Unknown based on available data.
What amenities are available at Young Man Trail (restrooms, waste bins, benches)?
Unknown based on available data.
Are there any safety concerns for dogs on Young Man Trail (heat, terrain, water crossings)?
The Young Man Trail has a low heat risk. There is one water crossing on the trail, and the terrain is mostly dirt with a high mud risk.
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