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Explore the Phoenix Canals: Your Guide to Trails, Maps & Must-See Stops

Phoenix’s canal system is more than 100 years old, but its roots go much deeper. From 300 to 1450, the Hohokam people built over 500 miles of irrigation ditches to farm the Salt River Valley. Centuries later, settlers used the remnants of those canals to shape the system we rely on today.

Originally built to support agriculture, the canals evolved into a vital water delivery system for our growing desert city. By the 1950s, industrial equipment replaced horse-drawn rigs to maintain them, and the banks took on a more utilitarian look.

Recreation along the canals became official in 1964, when SRP and Maricopa County signed an agreement allowing walking, biking, running and horseback riding on the banks.

Since then, multiple improvement efforts have created the 180 miles of canals we have today, more miles than Venice and Amsterdam combined. More than 750,000 people use the canal banks annually, whether for commuting, exercise or enjoying a quiet moment by the water.

A combination of paved and hard-packed multi-use trails are the perfect destination for everyone, including bikers, stroller pushers, joggers and walkers. ADA-assessible routes, lights and dedicated street-crossing signals in high-traffic areas make the Arizona canal system safe and approachable for locals and visitors to the Valley of the Sun. 

The canals are conveniently routed to show off the Valley’s best features, criss-crossing the Phoenix Metro area, including Tempe, Scottsdale, Mesa, Gilbert and Chandler to the east and Glendale, Peoria and Tolleson to the west. 

View a full canal map.

Glimmering light from Arizona’s 300 days of sunshine per year plays on the slow-moving water and creates natural evaporative cooling along its banks. Public benches, stunning vistas and quick access to local hotspots give us plenty to explore.

Connecting Central Phoenix to the West Valley and Tempe to the east is the Grand Canal. Most visitors stick to the 12-mile continuous paved portion known as The Grand Canalscape, which  has wide, concrete pathways, dusk-to-dawn pedestrian lighting, seating and dedicated crossings at major intersections.

Things to see along the way

Melrose District 

Known for its midcentury roots, LGBTQ+ bars, vintage shops and destination restaurants, the Melrose District has everything you could want for a quick stop off your canal journey, or as the backdrop for your whole day. Historic homes in the neighborhood feature mature, shaded lawns and classic block architecture. 

Arizona Falls

This miniature oasis takes advantage of a natural drop in the canal system to create a picturesque waterfall. Visitors can enjoy a seating area, serving as a natural rest point on your canal adventure. Located near 56th Street and Indian School Road, the restored hydroelectric plant has a small plaza, urban art and poetry engraved into the concrete.

Canal Murals

Celebrating diversity and community in Phoenix, local artists decked out a stretch of The Grand Canalscape pathway between 15th Avenue and 7th Street. You can spot colorful depictions of local traditions, culture and symbols. 

Camelback Mountain views

Directly north of Arizona Falls lies the iconic Camelback Mountain. From the east or west of the falls you’ll get peeks at the natural desert splendor. And, if you fancy a hike to the peak, the trailhead is a short drive away. 

While this portion of the canal system may be small, it boasts some serious recreational traffic and sights along the way. Two potions make up this system that links the Grand Canal to the south to the Arizona Canal to the north. The Old Crosscut Canal runs along 48th Street from Indian School to McDowell Road. The new Crosscut Canal picks up at 64th Street and Indian School and runs clear to the Arizona State Route 202 freeway. 

Things to see along the way

OHSO Brewery + Distillery

At the northern tip of the Old Crosscut Canal, OHSO is the perfect jumping off point. Patio access is right off the paved canal path. Enjoy a cold beer, leveled-up bar food and pup-friendly seating at this neighborhood eatery. 

Chelsea’s Kitchen 

Direct canal access off 40th Street and Camelback makes this eatery an easy detour. But the excellent brunch menu, fresh ingredients and lively drink menu keep us coming back. 

Papago Park

Papago Park is an urban trail system in the heart of the Phoenix metro area, known for its striking sandstone buttes, scenic trails and iconic Hole-in-the-Rock formation. It’s located right along the canal path and just minutes from downtown Tempe.

Desert Botanical Garden

While you’re taking in the Sonoran sights, check out the Desert Botanical Garden, which showcases over 50,000 arid plants from deserts around the world. In the center of Papago Park, this botanical garden has a go-to restaurant, Gertrudes, and regular special events, live music and art exhibits.

The Phoenix Zoo

With a new multi-million-dollar Big Cats of Arizona exhibit and the only walk-through squirrel monkey exhibit in the United States, The Phoenix Zoo has some serious bragging rights. This zoo is a conservation and research haven that has been open since 1962 and has 1,400 animals on display.

To the north, the Arizona Canal runs from Peoria to north Mesa through Scottsdale. With many miles of uninterrupted paved bike trails, this section gives visitors a dynamic natural landscape to view and plenty of opportunities to stop and explore.

Things to see along the way

Canal Convergence

Each November, a half-mile stretch of the Arizona Canal in Downtown Scottsdale is flooded with interactive public art that transforms the waterfront into a glowing outdoor gallery. See the installations, stroll the walkways, dine at the many posh restaurants nearby and shop at the upscale Scottsdale Fashion Square mall. 

Phoenix Mountains Preserve

Multiple peaks and parks make up this urban preserve, offering some of the best hiking in Phoenix just minutes from the city. Open year-round with free access, it’s a favorite spot for sunrise and sunset hikes, thanks to panoramic views of the Valley’s skyline and desert landscape.

Western Canal / Western Lateral

Runs along south Phoenix through Tempe to Gilbert

Highline Lateral

Loops around South Mountain in south Phoenix to Chandler

Tempe Canal 

Runs from south Tempe along State Route 101 for a portion before curving toward Mesa

South Canal 

Picks up off the northern portion of the Tempe Canal and runs to northeast Mesa 

Consolidated Canal

Travels along the east side of Mesa through Gilbert to Chandler

Eastern Canal 

Follows a similar path to the Consolidated Canal, but further to the east, and not as far south

Whether you’re chasing sunsets, scouting local art or looking for a car-free route through the city, Phoenix canals offer an unexpected way to experience the Valley. Explore miles of trails, cultural landmarks and easy access to food, fun and nature.