Looking for new places to run: South Chandler (Ocotillo) / Ahwatukee

[u/fastandfurryious]

Hey All,

Looking for a change of scenery when I run. Ideally something with softer ground (grass/dirt), something flat. I only run about 3-5 miles; don't mind if it's a loop or a trail.

Thanks in advance

[u/United_Frosting_9701]

Pecos community center/skate park at the end of 48th Street and 202. Giant sport field if you want grass. There’s a paved path around it. Dirt path about 1.5-1.7 under the power lines that borders a giant open field next to the mall. A loop around the field, also dirt, will get you 3 miles easily. One of the best places to run and the open field doesn’t trap the heat as bad

[u/fastandfurryious → u/United_Frosting_9701]

thank you - i've driven past it a number of times. seems worth checking out

[u/Total-Armadillo-6555]

There's a neat nature trail behind the Sheraton at Wild Horse pass. It's just West of the casino, you can park by the Spa at the Sheraton. I think it's 4 mi, has some shady spots and flat dirt.

[u/fastandfurryious → u/Total-Armadillo-6555]

Isn't that a golf course?

[u/Total-Armadillo-6555 → u/fastandfurryious]

It runs alongside it. Starts as a sidewalk between the resort and the pool but changes to dirt. Nice wide path.

[u/fastandfurryious → u/Total-Armadillo-6555]

thank you

[u/hikeraz]

Desert Classic Trail at South Mountain.

[u/fastandfurryious → u/hikeraz]

Ooo, looks good

[u/seemlyterrier_740]

pecos is legit the move for what you're asking for, that power line trail is soft and the open space keeps it way cooler than running through neighborhoods where the heat just bounces off everything. i've done that loop a bunch and honestly the dirt is perfect for your knees and you can knock out three miles without even thinking about it. only heads up is go early or late because midday in summer out there is no joke even with the open field, but if you time it right it's probably the best soft ground option in that part of the valley without having to drive all the way to the superstitions or something.

[u/fastandfurryious → u/seemlyterrier_740]

I'm back indoors by 9am at the latest. The summer sun by 10am is obnoxious. I appreciate it

[u/United_Frosting_9701 → u/fastandfurryious]

Forgot to mention the restrooms open at 7 and there is a water fountain so it makes it a great training spot

[u/seemlyterrier_740 → u/fastandfurryious]

pecos is perfect for that then since you can bang it out before it gets brutal, plus the shade from the few trees scattered around helps more than you'd think when the sun's still low and you're moving through the open sections

[u/dlawlrence]

Veterans Oasis Park is good, it has dirt paths and the outer perimeter is about a mile and a half. Also maybe a canal could work

[u/fastandfurryious → u/dlawlrence]

Good shout

[u/toby-greywyrm]

Mountain vista park

Warner Elliot loop in ahwatukee has a soft trail all around the loop

trails that shoot through western star park into south mountain.

[u/fastandfurryious → u/toby-greywyrm]

thank you