Hiking isn’t always possible for families, for a variety of reasons, and we’ve been asked numerous times to share the best stroller friendly trails in Phoenix. Thankfully, there are many options! Not all trails are paved, but all trails listed are possible with either a jogging stroller (three wheels), or a typical four wheel stroller. Some of these paths would also be good for scooters, but double check that bikes (even beginner ones) are allowed. All options are free unless otherwise listed.
If you have favorites, please let us know, so we can continue to add to the list!
West Valley
Tres Rios Wetlands Preserve (Estrella Village) – need a permit, but it’s free. Mixture of shaded and non shaded paths.
Waterfall Trail at White Tank Mountains (Waddell) – $7 entrance fee to park, this trail is paved for about a mile, then continues to the waterfall (but not appropriate for strollers). Parts of Black Rock Trail is also paved.
New River Trail (Peoria) – this paved bike path is great for walking and scooters as well. We like to start at Rio Vista Park.
East Valley
Tempe Beach Park, along Tempe Town Lake (Tempe) – lovely stroll along the lake, can cross the lake on a bridge at Tempe Center for the Arts.
Riparian Preserve (Gilbert) – the main trail directly behind the library and around the fishing pond is paved. We love the more shaded trails on the east side!
Usery Park (Mesa) – Merkle Trail will be a fantastic option for strollers here.
Veteran’s Oasis Park (Chandler) – this park has a 5 acre lake with a paved path.
Phoenix
Barrier Free Nature Area – we love this area for the tadpole/frog pond! There is a short paved path, followed by unpaved.
Bike Path at Dreamy Draw – while technically a bike path, strollers are welcome on this paved portion at this popular hiking spot.
Nature Loop at Papago Park – this park is popular for Hole in the Rock, but also offers a short nature path and toddler playground.
Judith Tunell Accessible Trail at South Mountain – start at the Environmental Center for this 1 mile loop path.
Scottsdale
Bajada Nature Trail at McDowell Sonoran Preserve (Scottsdale) – this 1 mile loop trail has great info about local plant life.
Kavach Family Nature Trail at Lost Dog Wash (Scottsdale) – another great paved loop trail
Scottsdale Nature Area (Scottsdale) – this area is alongside the Indian Bend Wash bike path, with trees and flowers.
Fountain Park (Fountain Hills) – the lake offers a 400 foot fountain to enjoy while you walk around the paved path.
Other
The bike path options mentioned at the end of this blog post are also open to strollers! Our favorites are along the Arizona Canal.
