Directions: Just 4 miles south of Downtown Phoenix right down Central
Avenue into South Mountain Park. Go past the entry gate (FREE and OPEN 5AM to 10PM)
and there are multiple access points to the rolling Equestrian (Horse) trails at the foot
of the mountain. An Equestrian trail map is available at the gate, at the Ranger
office down the main road, or from Rangers all around the park in their City of Phoenix
vehicles. Don't waste time going up the mountain in your car like everyone else
(unless you really want a mountain view of the city). The very runnable trails are
in the little foothills at the bottom.
Trail Information: Maintained and well-marked desert Equestrian trails,
dusty with some rocks and loose sand, look out for some manure, rolling topography up and
down short hills and in and out of arroyos (dry creek beds). There are multiple
restrooms (clean) and drinking fountains available year round right off the trails.
Miscellaneous Information: You will get dusty, very dusty. And if you want
very COLD water you will need to carry your own. This place is wonderful--God's
perfect desert running track. Coyotes, foxes, jackrabbits, and little lizards are
seen DAILY.
Mark Voss