Maricopa County Regional Trail System

Maricopa County is committed to enhancing lifestyles, managing cultural resources, and creating a lasting legacy for future generations.

In February 2000, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors established the Maricopa County Trail Commission to develop a comprehensive Regional Trail System. The plan was completed in three phases over nearly five years and utilized a connected system of non-motorized trail corridors to guide countywide trail planning.

Phase One (Adopted September 4, 2002)

• Focused on linking White Tank Mountain Regional Park, Lake Pleasant Regional Park, Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area, and Cave Creek Regional Park. This pilot project laid the foundation for the Maricopa Trail.

Phase Two (Adopted October 22, 2003)

• Expanded connections to McDowell Mountain Regional Park, Usery Mountain Regional Park, and San Tan Mountain Regional Park. During this phase, the primary loop was officially named the Maricopa Trail following public input.

Phase Three (Adopted August 16, 2004)

• Completed the primary loop by incorporating Estrella Mountain Regional Park, Buckeye Hills Regional Park, and the City of Phoenix South Mountain Park while identifying future trail corridors and regional connections.

The Maricopa County Regional Trail System Plan was adopted by the Board in 2004 and served as the County’s comprehensive Maricopa Trail blueprint, guiding trail development and connectivity across the region.