Hiking & Trails

We welcome you to enjoy the many miles of trails Glendale has to offer. You’ll find this information not only explains where the trails are, but also provides some information about how to safely use them. Enjoy! Download Trails Info

Know Your Ability and Choose the Right Trail

Every year, more than 200 people have to be rescued while hiking in parks and preserves. Make an informed decision on which trail to hike.  Choose a trail that is within your ability and your hike will be more enjoyable. All the trails are rated “Easy” below except for Thunderbird Conservation Park trails, which vary. Visit the Thunderbird Conservation Park’s site for details.

Please Be Courteous

With more people discovering the beauty and benefits of trails, they are getting more crowded. With additional users comes the need for guidelines for wise trail use. Such guidelines can enable all trail users to have the enjoyable experience everyone is looking for. Remember, courtesy is contagious and, who knows, you may make a new friend!

Trail Tips

• Stay on designated trails.
• Tell someone where you are hiking and when you expect to return.
• Carry and drink water. Remember it’s the water in your body not the water in your canteen that keeps you fit. Carry enough water for your entire hike. Remember water for your dog. When your water is 1/2 gone, turn around and return to the trailhead.
• Wear appropriate clothing and footwear.
• A cellular phone can be a life saver.
• Don’t hike alone.
• Use a walking stick for support and to fend off threatening wildlife.
• Use maps. Know where you are going and what kind of terrain you are hiking on.
• Carry a large comb and pliers to remove cholla cactus.
• Record your experiences with a camera.
• A signaling mirror can help rescuers locate you if you are injured.

Cautions

• Teddy bear cholla cactus have segments that readily detach and have very sharp spines that easily penetrate shoe leather. A large comb and pliers are useful in removing them.
• Several species of rattlesnakes inhabit some of our parks. If encountered, always leave them a way to escape. Do not tease or harass the snake. The result may be a bite and a trip to the hospital. Always look where you place your hands and feet. When hiking, walk with a heavy foot. The snake will sense your approach and leave before you get to it.
• Scorpions and spiders may be found under rocks, in bushes and other places. As with snakes, always look where you place your hands and feet and before you sit down.
• To avoid bees, yellow jackets and wasps, do not wear perfume or scented lotions. Avoid swarms and nests. Do not make loud noises. Bees, yellow jackets and wasps will defend their hives and nests if threatened. If attacked, get out of the area as quickly as possible. Report the attack to the Glendale Parks and Recreation Department at 623-930-2820.
• Other wildlife (coyotes, fox, javelina, etc.)––If encountered on the trail, freeze where you are. Leave a route for the animal to escape. If you are blocking the only escape route, slowly move out of the way and allow the animal to pass.

TRAIL RULES AND GUIDELINES Some of the rules and guidelines listed are covered in the Glendale City Park Code. Those that are laws have the code number in parentheses.

THE TRAILS

• Hiking off the trails and short cutting the trails is not permitted. (27-51c)
• Do not bring motor vehicles onto the trails. (27-45a)
• Do not construct short cuts or additional trails.
  (27-44c)
• Trails are multi-use unless otherwise signed.
• Observe the accepted trail etiquette.
• Horse and rider have the right of way. (27-49d)
• Cyclists yield to hikers and horse and riders.
• Please use common sense and don’t insist on the right of way.
• Avoid soft and muddy trails. Deep tracks make it difficult for others.
• Allow faster traffic to pass.
• When in a group, don’t block the trail. Allow room for other users.

PETS

• Pets are permitted on the trails (dogs and cats only). (27-48a)
• Pets must be restrained by a leash, no longer than six feet in length, at all times. (27-48a)
• Pet droppings must immediately be picked up and properly disposed of. (27-48a)
• Pets may not chase wildlife. (27-47a)

TRAIL STOCK

• Ride only on roads and designated trails. (27-49a)
• Restrain your mount at all times. (27-49a)
• Ride safely and with due care. (27-49a)
• Trail stock may only be tied to improvements designed for such use. (27-49b)
• Do not allow trail stock to graze in the park. (27-49e)

BICYCLES

• Ride only on roadways and designated trails. (27-45a)
• Ride safely and yield the right of way to other trail users. (27-45b)
• Ride at a reasonable speed––no greater than 15 mph. (27-45c)
• Announce your presence when approaching other trail users.
• Approach each bend as if someone were around the corner.

WILDLIFE

• Enjoy watching the wildlife along the trails. Do not leave the trail for a better look. (27-51c)
• Do not chase, harass or harm any wildlife in the park. (27-47a)
• Remember that even snakes have an important role to play in the ecosystem. Back off and give them room to escape. Most animals won’t bother you unless threatened.

PACK IT IN – PACK IT OUT!

• Do not discard trash along the trails. (27-52a)   Carry items for discard until a trash receptacle is reached.
• Many users carry plastic bags to pick up after others not so considerate. Please help keep the trails beautiful.
• Do not take alcoholic beverages on the trails. Alcohol speeds up dehydration in the body and may cause heat-related illness.
• Do not take glass containers onto the trails. (27-52b)

WEAPONS

• Sling shots, bow and arrows or knives with over a 3½-inch blade are not permitted on the trails. (27-46)  A hiking stick can serve to fend off any wildlife