Eastern Canal Path

Arizona

8 Reviews

View Trail Map
View Map
Print
Complete
Favorite
Send to App

Register for free!

Register for free with TrailLink today!

We're a non-profit all about helping you enjoy the outdoors
  • View over 40,000 of trail maps
  • Share your trail photos
  • Save your own favorite trails
  • Learn about new trails near you
  • Leave reviews for trails
  • Add new and edit existing trails

Eastern Canal Path Facts

States: Arizona
Counties: Maricopa
Length: 19.6 miles
Trail end points: Southern Canal Path at E. McDowell Rd. (Mesa) and E. Riggs Rd. (Chandler)
Trail surfaces: Asphalt, Gravel
Trail category: Greenway/Non-RT
ID: 6463728

Eastern Canal Path Description

The Eastern Canal Path spans the entire length of its namesake waterway through Mesa, Gilbert and Chandler in suburban Phoenix. The trail, which at times has a smooth paved surface and at others a coarse gravel, provides access to nearby residences, schools and parks.

In the north, the unpaved path continues along the South Canal as the Southern Canal Path, in turn providing access to the massive Arizona Canal Path in the Salt River Pima–Maricopa Indian Community. Take that trail westward to reach Scottsdale and Glendale.

Parking and Trail Access

Parking for the Eastern Canal Path is available at several parks throughout its route. In the north, park at Sheepherders Park (2455 E. McDowell Road) in Mesa. Farther south, park on-street adjacent to Los Alamos Park (2840 E. Covina Street) or at Greenfield Park (4105 E. Diamond Avenue), both in Mesa.

In Gilbert, park at the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch (2757 E. Guadalupe Road), where you can also explore the scenic area's other trails.

Eastern Canal Path Reviews

Great trail

Had a very nice ride on this trail. we stopped about 1/2 way to have a nice picnic lunch.

Goatheads and major roads

The trail is convenient to get on with lots of access points. Most of the portion I rode was paved and smooth trail. The north end was pretty ruff. My biggest complaint is that you have to stop every half mile to cross a major road and many didnt have crosswalks. Didnt like having to dart quickly across 4 lanes of traffic. Lots of goatheads as well. Every time I rode this path I seemed to pick up 2 or 3 in the tires

Not Smooth or Paved Enough for Skating :(

Really was looking forward to having a path to skate on that was connected to my neighborhood (Near Val Vista and Williams Field) but so much of this area is dirt or gravel, it would not be possible. Even the areas that are paved can be rough, or are laden with loose rocks, problematic if you’re riding on smaller wheels like on roller skates. This would otherwise be a nice trail if it were consistent smooth pavement, but for me I have to go elsewhere for skating. It is also worth noting you will encounter many busy roads to cross, so if you are learning to skate or want to move at a slow pace such as with children or the like, I would recommend Queen Creek or Sonoqui Wash trails to the south.

nice trail

The south end of the trail is closed. You can’t pick it up until around Lindsay and Pecos. Don’t bother trying to start at Riggs. It’s a nice trail, mostly paved. Some parts are gravel, but it’s not bad. There are a few parks along the trail, with shade and branches.

Accordion

Not Accesable at Riggs road

The Riggs road entrance is locked and blocked.

2nd use of this path

Had already done S part of path, so started at Elliot and rode N to Broadway and back.

Parked at elementary school at Elliott & Greenfield, rode wide sidewalk E to path. Nice asphalt path, fair amount of walkers/joggers/cyclists on weekend, older asphalt Southern to Broadway, then gravel so turned around.

Nice and scenic, easy road crossings, goes under the 60, will ride this path again.

Closed?

The South end of this path seems to be closed. We tried to ride it this morning (3/15/17) and could not access it from the south. It's gated and locked.

1st time user of this path

It appears the hard paved part starts on the S end of the path just S of Pecos, so we got on the path at Pecos and rode N to Guadalupe then back.

We parked in a small shopping center parking lot on the NE corner of Lindsay & Pecos, which was right next to the path.

The path is asphalt on the W side of the canal the whole way, and in addition there is a very nice concrete path on the E side of the canal from Warner to Guadalupe.

There is a signalized crossing at Elliott, the other major street crossing all have room in the median to cross half of the street at a time.

There were a fair number of other cyclists on a sunny Saturday. We will ride this path again, and also try farther N.

Nearby Trails

Go Unlimited Today!

  • FREE Account
  • View over 40,000 miles of trail maps
  • Post your trail reviews
  • Share your trail photos
  • Save your favorite trails
  • Learn about new trails near you
  • Get a free map in the app!
Register for FREE
  •  
Purchase Unlimited

Explore by City

Explore by City

Explore by Activity

Explore by Activity

Log in to your account to:

  • View trail paths on the map
  • Save trails to your account
  • Add trails, edit descriptions
  • Share photos
  • Add reviews

Log in with Google

Log in with Apple

OR

Register for free!

Join TrailLink (a non-profit) to view more than 40,000 miles of trail maps and more!

Register with Google

Register with Apple

OR