Trail Running (Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Guadalupe: suite, housing, commute)

[heavyweight]

I'm in the Phoenix area 2 months for work. I enjoy trail running and would love recommendations. I'm not seeking anything too technically difficult (extremely steep grades or boulders/bordering on a climb). I'd prefer unpaved trails around 5+ miles (loop or one-way). Seeing as it's so hot, I plan to run in the mornings or evenings as it might be a few degrees cooler. I'll be sure to carry plenty of water and wear loose-fitting clothing.
- Can anyone recommend trails?
- How concerned should I be about snakes? Wonder whether there is any credence to snakes being more active in the morning. I listen to music while running. Do I need to run in silence just to be cognizant of a warning rattle?
- I hear of newbies getting lost on these trails. Should I consider a hand held topography GPS?

I did read this thread Walk/Running Trails and it was certainly a good start.

Looking forward to your advice.

[Robert A]

Originally Posted by callsnap

I'm in the Phoenix area 2 months for work. I enjoy trail running and would love recommendations. I'm not seeking anything too technically difficult (extremely steep grades or boulders/bordering on a climb). I'd prefer unpaved trails around 5+ miles (loop or one-way). Seeing as it's so hot, I plan to run in the mornings or evenings as it might be a few degrees cooler. I'll be sure to carry plenty of water and wear loose-fitting clothing.
- Can anyone recommend trails?
- How concerned should I be about snakes? Wonder whether there is any credence to snakes being more active in the morning. I listen to music while running. Do I need to run in silence just to be cognizant of a warning rattle?
- I hear of newbies getting lost on these trails. Should I consider a hand held topography GPS?

I did read this thread Walk/Running Trails and it was certainly a good start.

Looking forward to your advice.

My dad used to run South Mountain a bit. You can start at the Pima Canyon trailhead near 48th St and Guadalupe and catch National Trail after a mile or so. Some uphills and downhills but nothing too gnarly. I've seen a guy do it on a unicycle a few times, go figure. Alternatively, you can catch Desert Classic Trail from the same trailhead which is long and probably better suited for running.

If you're doing South Mountain, I wouldn't worry about GPS - especially if you stick to National or Desert Classic. I've also never seen a snake on either, but I've never really hiked or rode early morning with any regularity.

You can find more information here.

[KarmaPhx]

What part of town?

[heavyweight]

Originally Posted by KarmaPhx

What part of town?

I reside in Paradise Valley but am willing to commute up to 45 minutes for a good run.

[azdr0710]

the end of 40th St S of Shea is an official trailhead for the Phoenix Mountains....nice spot.....walk or run generally SW toward Squaw Peak on your choice of official or unofficial trails....a lot of choices in there.....

also, a very, very small trailhead lot is on the W side of Tatum between two housing developments near Doubletree....hard to see it as you whiz by, but look for it.....often is full, but that handicapped space is never taken!.....head due W between the mountains toward the area of the 40th St trailhead

[KarmaPhx]

You can also run along the CAP canal, I always see tons of people along 32nd St just south of Lincoln.