Gilbert

Southeast of Phoenix, Gilbert is home to long multi-use paths, lovely public parks, and some great trail running. 

Sun Circle Trail/Eastern Canal Trail/Western Powerline Trail: A huge network of paved multi-use trails are in this area.  The centerpiece multi-use path in Gilbert is the Sun Circle Trail. From Freestone Park, the trail reaches north about 11 miles, through Mesa, to the intersection with the Eastern Canal Trail. Runners can follow the Eastern Canal Trail back south to the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, then turn RIGHT onto the Western Powerline Trail for a 25 mile loop. The Western Powerline Trail also runs west from Freestone Park along the Western Canal for 10 miles to Kiwanis Park, where the Western Canal Trail continues north. Eastern Canal Loop MAP. Western Powerline Trail MAP.

Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch: This 110 acre wetland is an island of green in the desert. Several paved and gravel trails zig-zag along the ponds, with interesting desert plants and foliage. A loop around the perimeter is a flat 1.75 miles. For more length, runners can add on the Eastern Canal/Sun Circle Trails. ROUTE MAP. 

Discovery Park: It’s short, but there’s something sweet about the 1 mile perimeter path around Discovery Park in southern Gilbert. There are enough interior paths to keep runners interested for several loops, and you’ll also get pretty views of the Gilbert Arizona Temple. 

Hieroglyphics Trail: Apache Junction is the jumping off point for a lot of great trails in the Superstition Mountains east of Phoenix. The Hieroglyphics Trail is one of the best for gentle, not-too-technical trail running. Just watch your footing on some patches of loose rock. It’s about 3 miles out to the petroglyphs and back. Trail Information