When I moved from Colorado to Arizona seven years ago one of my biggest worries was not having easily accessible places to hike and run like I did back home. Over the years I’ve spent a lot of time finding good trails to spend time outdoors while getting some great exercise. These are the top five trails and paths I’ve found just a short drive from Camden Tempe and Camden Sotelo.

Double Butte Loop Trail: This 2.2-mile trail in Papago Park is the perfect spot for an easy outdoor run or walk. Mostly flat and nestled around beautiful rock formations, you can enjoy the views and take it easy every step of the way. For the runners who enjoy pushing their limits you can finish it off with the famous “Hole in the Rock” 0.3-mile incline connected to the same trailhead. Just a 6-minute drive from Camden Tempe, this trail is one of my favorites to start my day.

Photo courtesy of Camden

“A” Mountain Hayden Butte Trail: A well-known staple of Arizona State University, “A” Mountain is a popular place for Tempe’s residents to enjoy. The 0.7 miles leading up to the A in the mountain is a fun challenge for runners and a scenic walk for those who want to take their time. No matter what you prefer there are stunning views of the city waiting for you at the top. With views of the local Phoenix Sky Harbor airport this is a great place to relax and watch the planes land. You won’t be in a rush to get back down!

Tempe Town Lake: Less than a mile from Camden Tempe, this is my personal go-to running path at any time of day. This particular path feels safer to me than a lot of others in the area due to how well lit and populated it always is. The best part about this path though, is its versatility for distances! There are paths on either side with multiple bridges connecting them, so you have options whether you want to do an easy mile on one side or the 7.4-mile full loop. There are multiple parking options and locations, so it is easily accessible for all. If you are someone who doesn’t like to run alone this is a great place to make some friends to join you!

Photo courtesy of Camden

Ridgeline and Pima Wash Trail Loop: One of my favorite hikes in the area is located at South Mountain preserve just 15 minutes away from Camden Tempe and Camden Sotelo. This hike is 4.6 miles of scenic desert views. It absolutely makes for an enjoyable afternoon (maybe just not in the summer). It’s considered a moderate level hike, so I always bring my hydration pack and a friend. If you’re planning to hike alone, take proper precautions to stay safe.

Crosscut Canal Path: Last on our list but certainly not least my favorite path for those distance runs. I’m currently training for a half marathon and having a path that is 18.1 miles long in and out takes having to plan a route out of the equation. With flowing water, and great wildlife, this is a popular path for runners, bikers, and birdwatchers alike! I typically only run this path during the daytime as it is not well-lit at night. None the less, for my distance runners, this is the path for you!

Overall, there are so many great options to get outside and lead a healthy, active lifestyle right here in Tempe. And during those hot summer months our communities make it easy to continue to support those active lifestyles with Camden Tempe’s Indoor-Outdoor gym, a fabulous spot to get your workout in. Ending with a dip in our resort style pools is always a great way to finish off any workout. Learn more about what makes Camden Tempe and Camden Sotelo, a great place to live by visiting these blogs!