Shadow Mountain Preserve Trails
If your pooch is begging for a hike, pack up the leash and head over to the Shadow Mountain Preserve Trails. Rising up out of the suburbs, Shadow Mountain has a couple great hikes for you and your pupster to discover. Enjoy a small piece of the Sonoran Desert without even leaving the city.
At just over half a mile, Shadow Mountain Small Loop
Trail is the shorter of the two hikes. Access to the trailhead is found off 28th
Street. There is no designated trailhead or parking area, so try to find a spot
to park on the street. Then get hiking! This natural surface trail cuts to the
chase and goes right to the top of the mountain where you and your pup will be
treated to panoramic views of the city. There are some rocky patches, but it's nothing your pup can’t handle. Snap a photo with your main canine squeeze
before making your way back to the car.
Want a longer hike? Take the Shadow Mountain Big Loop
Trail. It begins just off Acoma Drive and runs around the base of the mountain and clocks in at 1.6 miles, with several spur trails that veer off the main path. If your doggo is in the
mood for exploring, let them create a new route. Be aware that the trail isn’t
well marked and can be difficult to navigate. If in doubt, continue in the same
direction and you will make it around the mountain.
As with any outdoor activity in Phoenix, it’s super
impawtant to watch the temperature. Both of these trails are open early in the
morning and late into the evening. During the summer months, avoid hiking with
your pup during the day. It’s just too doggone hot. Regardless of when you
hike, have plenty of water and clean up bags. Above all else, have a woofderful
time hitting the trails with your pup!
