Arizona Canal Path

The Arizona Canal Path is one of Maricopa County's longest multi-use pathways, connecting Peoria, Glendale, Phoenix, Scottsdale, and the Salt River Pima–Maricopa Indian Community on both banks of the Arizona Canal, one of the county's most important waterways. The trail connects a vast number of dwellings, business facilities, schools, and other recreational activities, and is paved at times and unpaved at others.

Downtown Scottsdale is a highlight, with its gorgeous Soleri Bridge and Plaza, which was created by the renowned architect and debuted in 2010. The Southern Canal Path, Cave Creek Wash Trail, Skunk Creek Trail, Indian Bend Wash Trail, Old Cross Cut Canal Park Path, Crosscut Canal Path, and Pima Road Trail are all connected to the trail along its length.

The Arizona Canal Trail is 35.9 miles long, according to the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. To put it in perspective, this is the equivalent to riding around Washington, D.C.'s whole perimeter. To put it another way, it's the equivalent of biking the length of Aruba... and then another 13 miles into the water. Keep in mind that there are serious bikers in Phoenix that ride enormous distances without hesitation in the heat. However, 35.9 miles of level, car-free riding in any city is a fairly amazing thing for ordinary people.

Building a route may appear simple, but the pyramids may appear to be nothing more than a mound of rocks. The "trail" consists of two walkways, one on either side of the canal. Riders may find themselves plunging beneath large highways and crossing the water on smaller trestles along the course, which is littered with bridges and tunnels. Bicyclists and traffic are guided by special signs. It's evident that a lot of thought went into the canal trail from the time you started riding.

The trail is mostly hard, dusty, and yellow. This type of "packed dirt" is typically seen in photographs of the Arizona Canal Trail. However, the terrain is significantly more varied: Some sections are coated in smooth asphalt, while others are rocky and uneven, and some appear to be single-track mountain biking routes. The track integrates into the urban environment of downtown Scottsdale, with lanes painted on the dark tarmac. You might think you've lost your way in some spots because the trail is so unclear and ambiguous. But keep walking; the route will ultimately pick up.