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Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area Trails
Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area:
The Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area aims to restore the native wetland and riparian habitats of the historic Salt River, which once flowed year-round through Phoenix.
With a variety of paved and natural trails, most with smooth surfaces and minimal elevation changes, Rio Salado is a popular location for hikers hoping to spot one of the hundreds of species of birds that use the area as a seasonal migratory path.
To protect the delicate ecosystem, we ask that special care be taken when visiting Rio Salado. We ask that visitors remain on designated trails; keep dogs leashed and on paved trails; refrain from disturbing the wildlife; and that nothing be taken or moved from the habitat area. Additionally, fishing is strictly prohibited.
Trail Heads:
- 3212 S. 7th Ave. – West side of 7th Ave. and south bank of Salt River.
- 2801 S. 7th Ave. – East side of 7th Ave. and north bank of Salt River.
- 2439 S. Central Ave. – East side of Central Ave. and north bank of Salt River.
- 2901 S. Central Ave. – East side of Central Ave. and south bank of Salt River.
- 2875 S. 7th St. – East side of 7th St. and south bank of Salt River.
- 3203 S. 16th St. – East side of 16th St. and south bank of Salt River.
Interactive Map
Northeast Central Avenue Trailhead
2439 S. Central Ave.
Trailhead and Trail Hours: Sunrise to 7 p.m. or Sunset, whichever comes first seasonally
North Overbank Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Access: Start from Northeast Central Avenue Trailhead. Proceed to North Overbank Trail.
Description: This is a dog friendly trail running along the north side of the Rio Salado Riverbed. It provides ADA accessible opportunities for bird watching and enjoying the beautiful riparian scenery. This asphalt trail is perfect for walking, biking, inline or roller skating, and dog walking. The trail also offers excellent views of the Low Flow Channel, South Mountain and downtown Phoenix, along with the sights and sound of wildlife inhabitants.
Distance: 3.7 miles
Elevation change: 0 feet
North Terrace Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Access: Start from Northeast Central Avenue Trailhead. Proceed to North Terrace Trail.
Description: This dirt trail runs parallel to the northern side of the Rio Salado Riverbed, and provides visitors an opportunity to explore a riparian habitat in the middle of the desert. This trail is a great option for those interested in bird watching and observing the riparian scenery. This also is a popular equestrian trail.
Distance: 3.9 miles
Elevation change: 0 feet
Southeast 7th Street Trailhead
2875 S. 7th St.
Trailhead and Trail Hours: Sunrise to 7 p.m. or Sunset, whichever comes first seasonally
South Overbank Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Access: Start from Southeast 7th Street Trailhead. Proceed to South Overbank Trail.
Description: This is a dog friendly trail running along the south side of the Rio Salado Riverbed. It provides ADA accessible opportunities for bird watching and enjoying the beautiful riparian scenery. This asphalt trail is perfect for walking, biking, inline or roller skating, and dog walking. The trail also offers excellent views of the Low Flow Channel, South Mountain and downtown Phoenix, along with the sights and sound of wildlife inhabitants.
Distance: 3.0 miles
Elevation change: 0 feet
South Terrace Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Access: Start from Southeast 7th St. Trailhead. Proceed to South Terrace Trail.
Description: This dirt trail runs parallel to the southern side of the Rio Salado Riverbed, and provides visitors an opportunity to explore a riparian habitat in the middle of the desert. This trail is a great option for those interested in bird watching and observing the riparian scenery. This also is a popular equestrian trail.
Distance: 3.2 miles
Elevation change: 0 feet
Take a Hike. Do it Right.
Review "Take a Hike. Do it Right." guidelines before visiting the trail. The symbol to the right of each trail name represents the difficulty rating.