The greater Phoenix metropolitan area, sometimes called “The Valley of the Sun,” or the “Salt River Valley” is the tenth by population in the United States. We’ve divided our running guide to this large geographic are into two sections: Central Phoenix, which includes more routes in Tempe and Scottsdale; and the Phoenix ‘suburbs’, which include Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Peoria, and more. There’s some terrific running in the Phoenix suburbs, including some longer multi-use trails, oasis-like parks, and gorgeous desert trail running for all abilities. Runners should use caution in the hot months, as most of the terrain is very exposed.
The city of Mesa sits east of Phoenix and Tempe. It’s the gateway to some of the Phoenix metro area’s top trail running spots. We love running in Red Mountain Park, Pioneer Park, the Usery Mountain trails, and around Saguaro Lake.
