Maricopa County Parks receives Arizona Forward Award of Distinction
The Maricopa Trail received an Award of Distinction in the Healthy Communities category from Arizona Forward in 2019.
This recognition highlights the trail’s role in connecting communities to outdoor recreation and promoting healthy, active lifestyles across Maricopa County.
Spanning more than 350 miles, the trail links county parks, open spaces, and communities using a combination of:
- Existing trail systems
- Canal and utility corridors
- Flood control areas
- Public lands and park connections
The trail is open to a wide range of users, including:
- Walkers and hikers
- Trail runners
- Mountain bikers
- Equestrians
This collaborative project was made possible through strong partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies, helping reduce costs and accelerate completion.
Looking Ahead
While major portions of the Maricopa Trail are complete, planning efforts continue to expand and improve the system. Future phases focus on:
- Increasing connectivity to regional parks and surrounding communities
- Enhancing access to outdoor recreation opportunities
- Expanding links to areas such as Buckeye Hills and the Vulture Mountains