Maricopa Trail

Maricopa Trail is a long-distance, multi-use loop system in the Phoenix metro area that encircles the urbanized region and links major parks and trail networks across Maricopa County.

The full loop is managed by Maricopa County Parks and Recreation and is handled in segments around the valley; the system is divided into localized sections rather than one single straight-through hike.

The trail connects to multiple regional parks and preserves, tying in with the Tonto National Forest and municipal trail systems around the metro.

Use the posted segment maps and elevation profiles for planning: segments are organized between major trailheads and trail junctions, and the elevation graphs display in a consistent clockwise direction for the outer-loop/sun-circle routes.

Maricopa Trail is intended for non-motorized uses that include hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding, and it also serves as the course route for the Prickly Pedal Mountain Bike Race each spring.

On the Maricopa Trail page, the county notes that there is no nature center along the trail and that most segments are open 24 hours, with regional-park segments following their respective park hours.

More information: Wikipedia, Maricopa Trail Maps | Systemwide, Maricopa Trail