Arizona Canal Trail: 32nd Street to 55th Ave

The full 23.5 km (14.6 miles) route from 32nd Street to 55th Avenue is estimated to take approximately 5 hours and 55 minutes to hike. However, with numerous access points, you can customize your hike to be shorter or longer.

Despite its length, this section of the Arizona Canal Trail is generally considered easy for hiking due to its predominantly flat profile. The total elevation gain is minimal, around 30 meters (98 feet). The 'difficult' rating on komoot likely reflects the considerable distance for a single hike, rather than challenging terrain.

The terrain is mostly flat, offering an easy walk. The surface varies, featuring a mix of asphalt, concrete, crushed stone, and packed dirt. Some sections may be rocky and uneven, resembling single-track paths, while others are smooth pavement. There are often parallel paved and unpaved options.

You'll experience a blend of urban and developing desert landscapes. The canal itself is a central feature, and you'll pass through residential areas, near the Arizona Biltmore Golf Club, and by G.R. Herberger Park. Views of mountains become more prominent in certain directions, and east of 56th Street, you can find the picturesque Arizona Falls.

Yes, several points of interest enhance the experience. You'll find the picturesque Arizona Falls near G.R. Herberger Park, featuring a small plaza, urban art, and poetry. The trail also passes near the Arizona Biltmore Golf Club and Cortez Park Lake. Other highlights include Sunset Ride to the Park and Taco Cruise.

Yes, the Arizona Canal Trail is generally dog-friendly. However, always ensure your dog is on a leash and that you clean up after them. Be mindful of the varied surfaces and potential for hot pavement, especially during warmer months.

The best months to hike in Phoenix, including this trail, are typically from late fall through early spring (October to April) when temperatures are milder. Summers can be extremely hot, making midday hikes uncomfortable and potentially unsafe.

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access and use the Arizona Canal Trail. It is a public, multi-use pathway.

The trail offers numerous access points along its length, making it easy to hop on and off. Parking can often be found in adjacent neighborhood streets or near parks that border the canal. For public transport, check local Phoenix transit routes for stops near major cross-streets like 32nd Street or 55th Avenue, as the trail integrates well with the urban environment.

Yes, this segment of the Arizona Canal Trail is part of a larger network. It fully covers the Sun Circle Trail and also intersects with sections of the Phoenix Sonoran Bikeway, the 90 (Arizona) trail, and the Arizona Diversion Trail. This connectivity allows for longer and more varied excursions.

Given its urban integration, you'll find various amenities in the surrounding neighborhoods. While not directly on the trail, cafes, restaurants, and other services are typically accessible within a short distance from many of the access points along the route.