Stroller-Friendly Trails In Scottsdale
Guide To Accessible Trails & Paths Around Scottsdale
Welcome to our guide to stroller-friendly trails and paths around Scottsdale! Are you searching for a fun and safe way to explore the outdoors with your little one? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of the best trails that are accessible and inclusive for the whole family, including some that are wheelchair-friendly. From lush greenbelts to winding canals and expansive desert preserves, there’s something for everyone. Join us as we take you through the picturesque paths and breathtaking views that Scottsdale has to offer. Whether you’re in the mood for a flat, paved path or a more rugged adventure, we’ve got you covered. Let’s explore the beauty of the Sonoran Desert together!
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22 Stroller-Friendly Trails & Paths Around Scottsdale
Arizona Falls Canal Walk:
Arizona Falls Canal Walk is a perfect choice for parents who want to explore the beauty of nature while pushing their little ones in a stroller. The path is paved and follows the Arizona Canal, with stunning views of the Arizona Falls. The path is surrounded by lush trees and greenery, providing shade and a cool breeze during warmer days. Along the way, you’ll find benches and picnic tables where you can stop for a snack break or to take in the scenic views. The path is stroller-friendly and accessible, making it a great option for families of all ages.
The Bajada Nature Trail - McDowell Sonoran Preserve:
The Bajada Nature Trail in McDowell Sonoran Preserve is a stroller-friendly trail that offers stunning views of the Sonoran Desert landscape. The trail is a 0.5-mile loop that is perfect for families with young children who want to experience the beauty of the desert without having to venture too far from civilization. As you stroll along the trail, you’ll encounter various plants and wildlife that are unique to this area, making it a great learning opportunity for kids. Plus, the trailhead is conveniently located near picnic tables and restrooms, making it a great spot for a family outing.
Bolin Trail Loop:
The Bolin Trail Loop near Fountain Hills offers a scenic and easy hike perfect for families with strollers. The 2.5-mile loop winds through the stunning Sonoran Desert landscape, with views of the McDowell Mountains in the distance. The trail is well-maintained and mostly flat, making it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. Along the way, keep an eye out for local wildlife such as jackrabbits and cactus wrens. This is a great trail to enjoy the beauty of the desert while getting some exercise and fresh air.
Brown's Ranch Trail - McDowell Sonoran Preserve:
Located in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, the Brown’s Ranch Trail is a scenic and relatively easy hiking trail for off-road strollers. This trail offers stunning views of the Sonoran Desert, with towering saguaro cacti and other unique plant life dotting the landscape. With a gentle incline and wide paths, it’s a great option for families with young children looking to get outside and enjoy nature without too much exertion. Be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, as shade is limited along the trail.
Chaparral Lake Loop:
Chaparral Lake Loop is a stroller-friendly trail around the beautiful Chaparral Lake. The trail is paved, making it perfect for families with strollers, and offers scenic views of the lake and surrounding area. Along the way, you’ll find picnic areas, playgrounds, and even a splash pad to cool off on hot days. The trail is also conveniently located near restaurants and shops, so you can easily grab a bite to eat or do some shopping after your walk. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a fun family outing, the Chaparral Lake Loop has something for everyone.
Ready for a tail-wagging hiking adventure?
Explore our guide to dog-friendly hiking trails in Scottsdale, where you and your four-legged companion can roam, sniff, and enjoy the scenic beauty together.
DC Ranch Path:
The DC Ranch Path is perfect for parents who want to go on a stroller-friendly walk with their little ones. This path is paved and flat, making it easy to navigate with a stroller or a bike. Along the way, you’ll pass by some of the most beautiful homes in Scottsdale and enjoy the picturesque desert scenery. The path also provides access to several parks and playgrounds, including Desert Camp Community Park and Market Street Park. So grab your stroller and enjoy a fun-filled day on the DC Ranch Path!
Desert Botanical Garden:
The Desert Botanical Garden is a beautiful outdoor space featuring over 50,000 plants from the desert regions of the world. The garden is set in the stunning backdrop of the Papago Buttes and features a variety of trails that are stroller-friendly. The garden offers a great opportunity to enjoy nature while pushing your little ones around in their strollers. Don’t miss the seasonal butterfly exhibit or the flashlight tours in the evenings.
Eldorado Park Path:
The Eldorado Park Path is a great option for those looking for a leisurely stroll with their stroller. This path winds through the beautiful Eldorado Park in Scottsdale and is mostly paved, making it easy for strollers to navigate. Along the way, you’ll enjoy scenic views of the lake, picnic areas, playgrounds, and basketball courts. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning desert landscape and vibrant greenery that surrounds you.
Fraesfield Trailhead - Camino Campana Trail:
Fraesfield Trailhead – Camino Campana Trail is a stroller-friendly path located in the Sonoran Preserve. This 4.5-mile loop trail is perfect for families looking for a moderate hike while enjoying the beautiful Sonoran Desert landscape. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, and it is also home to a variety of desert plants and wildlife. The path is well-maintained and easy to navigate, making it an ideal choice for strollers and wheelchairs.
Grand Canal:
The Grand Canal is a popular stroller-friendly path that runs for more than 12 miles, stretching from Tempe Town Lake to the Arizona Biltmore. This urban trail offers a scenic and peaceful route for strollers, with lush greenery and occasional views of downtown Phoenix. Along the way, you’ll find a variety of public art installations, and plenty of benches and water fountains to stop for a break. Whether you’re out for a morning jog or a leisurely stroll, the Grand Canal is a great option for parents with strollers.
Japanese Friendship Garden:
The Japanese Friendship Garden is a serene and tranquil path in the heart of downtown Phoenix. As you stroll along the winding paths, you will be surrounded by beautifully manicured landscapes, koi ponds, and a variety of traditional Japanese architectural features. The path offers a glimpse into the unique culture and beauty of Japan, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind.
Lost Dog Wash Trail (Kovach Family Trail):
Lost Dog Wash Trail, also known as the Kovach Family Trail, is a stroller-friendly trail located in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve in North Scottsdale. This trail is a favorite among families because of its scenic views and easy terrain. The trail is a 4.5-mile loop with minimal elevation gain, making it suitable for strollers and young children. The trail offers stunning views of the Sonoran Desert and is home to a variety of desert plants and wildlife. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, as this trail can get hot during the summer months.
Looking for unforgettable family adventures?
Check out our Scottsdale Family Fun Guide for a world of activities, events, and destinations that will delight kids and parents alike!
McDowell Mountain Ranch Park and Aquatic Center Trail:
McDowell Mountain Ranch Park and Aquatic Center Trail offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty and family-friendly amenities for a stroller-friendly walk. Enjoy breathtaking views of the McDowell Mountains while strolling on the path, and take a break at the playground or picnic area. The park also features a fantastic aquatic center with waterslides and pools, perfect for cooling off on a hot day. The trail is perfect for families looking for a fun day out with plenty of opportunities to stop and play.
Papago Park:
Papago Park is a desert oasis in Phoenix that offers stroller-friendly trails with stunning views of the city and the iconic Hole-in-the-Rock formation. Visitors can also enjoy picnic areas, playgrounds, and the Papago Golf Course. The Crosscut Canal Trail follows the canal and passes by the Desert Botanical Garden and The Phoenix Zoo. The Elliot Ramada Loop Trail is a marvelous trail with a wonderful rest stop and spectacular views of the downtown corridor, with benches placed along the paved portion.
Reach 11 Recreation Area - Barrier Free Access Nature Trail:
The Barrier Free Access Nature Trail at Reach 11 Recreation Area is perfect for families with strollers, as it offers a paved, flat trail that is easy to navigate. The trail is short, at just under a mile in length, but it is surrounded by beautiful desert scenery and provides a relaxing and peaceful escape from the city. Along the way, you can expect to see various types of desert plants, as well as some wildlife. This trail is a great way to introduce young children to the beauty of the desert, and it is conveniently located in North Phoenix.
Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area:
Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area is a beautiful nature reserve located in the heart of Phoenix. The park offers a variety of trails and paths, including stroller-friendly paths, perfect for families with young children. The paths meander through the wetlands, providing great opportunities for bird watching and wildlife sightings. Families can learn about the area’s history, flora, and fauna from interpretive signs and displays along the way. The park is also home to a butterfly garden and a seasonal farmer’s market, making it a fun and educational outing for the whole family.
Salt River Fields Trail:
The Salt River Fields Trail is a fun and scenic way to enjoy the great outdoors with your little ones! This stroller-friendly path runs through the stunning Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, home to the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies spring training. You can catch glimpses of the teams practicing while taking a leisurely stroll with your stroller. The trail also offers beautiful views of Camelback Mountain and the McDowell Mountains, making it a perfect spot for a family photo-op. Don’t forget to pack a picnic and enjoy it in the shaded areas along the way!
Scottsdale Greenbelt (Indian Bend Wash Path):
The Scottsdale Greenbelt is a lush, 12-mile path that runs along the Indian Bend Wash from Tempe to Scottsdale. This path is great for stroller-friendly walks and bike rides. The Greenbelt has plenty of shade, benches, and playgrounds along the way for a fun family outing. The path also provides access to several parks, including Chaparral, Vista del Camino, and Eldorado. Don’t forget to stop and take in the beautiful views of the desert landscape and the water features along the way.
Craving more outdoor adventures?
Hop over to our Outdoor Fun Guide for a treasure trove of activities that'll keep you exploring the best of Scottsdale's natural wonders!
Scottsdale Waterfront:
The Scottsdale Waterfront is a beautiful and bustling area, featuring a pedestrian promenade along the Arizona Canal. The path is paved and stroller-friendly, offering scenic views of the water and city skyline. The Waterfront also features a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, making it a great destination for a family outing. The pathway is well-lit and popular for evening walks as well.
South Mountain Park:
South Mountain Park is a massive urban park located in Phoenix, Arizona, and is one of the largest municipal parks in the United States. The park features a variety of stroller-friendly trails, including the Judith Tunnel Trail, Beverly Canyon Trail, and Kiwanis Trail. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline and desert landscapes. The park also offers various recreational activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Families can also take a scenic drive to the top of the park, where they can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
Steele Indian School Park:
Steele Indian School Park is a hidden gem in the heart of Phoenix. The park boasts a 2-mile loop trail that is perfect for stroller-friendly walks. The trail winds through lush grassy areas, mature trees, and various outdoor art installations, providing a scenic and peaceful escape from the city. The park also features a splash pad, playground, and plenty of shaded picnic areas, making it a great spot for a family outing. With its serene ambiance and cultural significance, Steele Indian School Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the beauty and history of Phoenix.
Tempe Town Lake:
Tempe Town Lake is a popular spot for stroller-friendly walks with picturesque views of the lake, surrounding mountains, and downtown Tempe skyline. The lake spans 2 miles and has a paved multi-use path that encircles it, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll with your little ones. You’ll also find plenty of benches and picnic areas along the way, as well as public art installations to admire. The lake is also home to various events throughout the year, from festivals and concerts to holiday light displays.
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