Arizona is a runner’s paradise, offering a range of breathtaking landscapes from desert trails to high-altitude routes in cooler mountain regions. Whether you’re an elite athlete looking for the perfect training ground or just want to enjoy a scenic jog, Arizona’s diverse terrains provide the perfect backdrop. Here are 10 of the best places to run in Arizona, featuring iconic spots like the Grand Canyon, Sedona, and Flagstaff, where Olympians and everyday runners alike flock to test their limits and enjoy the beauty of the Southwest.
For those looking to experience the true beauty of the Sonoran Desert, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve offers more than 225 miles of trails to explore. The Gateway Loop Trail, a 4.5-mile loop, is one of the more popular routes for runners, featuring rolling hills and stunning views of the McDowell Mountains. The trail is ideal for moderate-level trail runners and provides a perfect mix of challenge and beauty.
Trail highlights:
Distance: 4.5 miles (Gateway Loop)
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Rocky desert trails
Scenery: Sonoran Desert landscapes and mountain views
The Arizona Canal Path offers over 68 miles of flat, paved running trails, making it one of the longest urban paths in the Phoenix area. Stretching from Scottsdale to Peoria, this trail is popular with distance runners and those training for marathons. The scenery along the canal path varies from desert landscapes to residential areas and urban parks, providing a unique and diverse running experience.
Trail highlights:
Distance: Up to 68 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Paved and gravel
Scenery: Canal, desert views, and cityscapes
Papago Park is a fantastic location for trail running close to downtown Phoenix. Famous for its distinctive red sandstone buttes, the park offers several routes with varying levels of difficulty. The 3-mile Double Butte Loop Trail is a favorite for its moderate challenge and beautiful desert scenery. With a mix of dirt paths and rocky sections, Papago Park offers an exciting run with expansive views of the Phoenix skyline.
Trail highlights:
Distance: 3 miles (Double Butte Loop)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Terrain: Dirt paths and rocky sections
Scenery: Sandstone buttes, desert flora, and city views
The Rillito River Park Trail offers an excellent running route through Tucson, stretching for 12 miles along the Rillito River. The flat, paved trail makes it a perfect choice for distance training or casual runs while enjoying scenic desert views and the surrounding mountains. Shaded areas and amenities like water fountains make this trail runner-friendly even during Tucson’s hot summers.
Trail highlights:
Distance: 12 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Paved
Scenery: Desert landscapes, river views, and mountain backdrops
The Scottsdale Greenbelt, also known as the Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt, is an 11-mile stretch that offers one of the best urban running experiences in Arizona. Winding through multiple parks, golf courses, and lakes, the trail is flat and fully paved, ideal for runners of all levels. The Greenbelt is well-shaded in many areas, making it a popular spot for longer runs during the summer months.
Trail highlights:
Distance: 11 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Paved
Scenery: Urban parks, golf courses, lakes, and greenery
Lake Mary Road is another iconic running destination in Flagstaff, known for attracting elite runners and Olympians from around the world. The road stretches for 17 miles, offering a wide shoulder for runners to enjoy a long-distance, high-altitude workout. The route is mostly flat with some gradual inclines and features stunning views of pine forests, mountain ranges, and the serene waters of Upper and Lower Lake Mary. The high altitude and picturesque setting make Lake Mary Road a prime spot for athletes seeking a rigorous training environment.
Trail highlights:
Distance: 17 miles (one-way)
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Paved road with wide shoulders
Scenery: Pine forests, lakes, and mountain views
Popularity: A favorite of elite runners and Olympians for altitude training
The Peavine Trail offers a beautiful escape into Prescott’s Granite Dells, featuring spectacular rock formations and serene views of Watson Lake. This 12.1-mile out-and-back trail, which follows an old railroad bed, is mostly flat with wide, gravel paths, making it an excellent spot for long-distance runners. It’s an ideal choice for those who want to experience both natural beauty and a less crowded, peaceful run.
Trail highlights:
Distance: 12.1 miles (round trip)
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Gravel and dirt paths
Scenery: Watson Lake and unique granite rock formations
The Bell Rock Pathway is one of Sedona’s most scenic running trails, offering a 3.6-mile round-trip route through the iconic red rock formations. Runners enjoy the majestic views of Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, and the stunning desert landscape. The trail is well-maintained and accessible to all levels of runners, providing a peaceful yet exhilarating environment to enjoy the beauty of Sedona.
Trail highlights:
Distance: 3.6 miles (round trip)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Terrain: Dirt and gravel
Scenery: Stunning red rock formations
Located at 7,000 feet in the high-altitude city of Flagstaff, Buffalo Park is a 2-mile loop trail that offers stunning panoramic views of the San Francisco Peaks. This dirt trail is immensely popular among elite runners and Olympians who come to Flagstaff to train at altitude. The flat, wide path and mild terrain make it accessible for runners of all levels, while the high altitude provides a fantastic environment for those looking to enhance their endurance and performance. It’s one of the top spots for professional athletes, but also beloved by locals and visitors alike.
Trail highlights:
Distance: 2-mile loop
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Wide dirt path
Scenery: San Francisco Peaks, forested landscapes, and wildflowers
Popularity: Frequented by elite runners and Olympians
The Rim Trail offers one of the most breathtaking running experiences in the world, following the edge of the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. This trail stretches up to 13 miles and is a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces, making it accessible for runners of all levels. The relatively flat terrain offers an incredible opportunity to take in awe-inspiring views of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World without venturing into the strenuous canyon floor trails.
Trail highlights:
Distance: Up to 13 miles (choose any section)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Terrain: Paved and dirt paths
Scenery: Unbeatable views of the Grand Canyon
Arizona offers some of the most diverse and picturesque running locations in the country. Whether you’re tackling the high-altitude routes of Flagstaff, running along desert paths in Sedona, or enjoying urban greenbelts in Scottsdale and Phoenix, there’s something for every runner. These top 10 spots will inspire and challenge you while providing unforgettable scenic experiences across the Grand Canyon State.