The best running trails around Gilbert

There are over 25 dedicated running routes around Gilbert, offering a variety of distances and difficulty levels. These include 7 easy routes, 18 moderate routes, and 3 more challenging trails for experienced runners.

Yes, Gilbert offers several easy and beginner-friendly jogging routes. A great option is the Water Ranch Lake, Willow Way, and Cattail Crawl Loop, an easy 1.8-mile trail through the scenic wetlands of the Riparian Preserve. Many local parks like Freestone Park and Discovery Park also feature flat, paved paths ideal for a relaxed run.

For a longer run, consider the Waterfall at Freestone Park loop from Gilbert, which spans nearly 10.6 miles (17 km). Gilbert's extensive Central Trail System, including the Sun Circle Trail and Eastern Canal Trail, also allows for combining sections to create longer distances, with some loops reaching up to 25 miles.

Many of Gilbert's multi-use trails and park paths are dog-friendly, provided your pet is on a leash. The extensive Central Trail System, including the Eastern Canal Trail and Western Powerline Trail, offers ample space for you and your canine companion to enjoy a run. Always remember to bring water for both yourself and your dog, especially during warmer months.

Absolutely! Gilbert is well-suited for family-friendly runs. Parks like Freestone Park, Discovery Park, and Crossroads Park offer wide, paved paths and amenities like restrooms and playgrounds, making them perfect for families. The Water Ranch Lake, Willow Way, and Cattail Crawl Loop at the Riparian Preserve is also a gentle, scenic option for all ages.

Gilbert's running trails offer diverse scenery. You'll experience the unique Sonoran Desert landscape with saguaro cacti and mesquite groves, especially on trails like the Central Trail System. Riparian areas, such as the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, provide lush wetland environments with abundant birdlife. Many routes also pass through well-maintained parks with mature trees and water features, offering a pleasant mix of natural and urban views.

While much of Gilbert is open desert, some sections of the Central Trail System, particularly those lined with mature trees, can offer welcome shade. Local parks like Freestone Park and Crossroads Park also feature shaded paths. For runs during warmer times, early mornings or evenings are recommended, regardless of shade availability.

Many routes offer views of local attractions. The Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch is a major highlight, known for its wetlands and birdwatching opportunities. Discovery Park offers views of the Gilbert Arizona Temple. For those seeking more challenging runs, SanTan Mountain Regional Park, a short drive away, provides stunning desert vistas.

Yes, many of Gilbert's running routes are designed as loops. The Water Ranch Lake, Willow Way, and Cattail Crawl Loop is a popular circular trail. You can also create longer loops by combining sections of the Central Trail System, such as the Sun Circle Trail, Eastern Canal Trail, and Western Powerline Trail.

The running routes in Gilbert are highly rated by the komoot community. With over 280 runners having explored the area, users often praise the well-maintained, extensive multi-use trails and the unique Sonoran Desert and riparian landscapes. The variety of routes, from easy park loops to longer trails, is also frequently highlighted.

For those seeking a more challenging run, the Waterfall at Freestone Park loop from Gilbert is classified as difficult, covering nearly 10.6 miles (17 km). While Gilbert's trails are generally flat, the longer distances and exposure to the desert environment can provide a good challenge. For significant elevation, nearby SanTan Mountain Regional Park offers more strenuous options.

Yes, most of Gilbert's parks and trailheads offer ample parking facilities. Popular spots like Freestone Park, Discovery Park, and the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch have dedicated parking lots, making access to the trails convenient for runners.