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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: 

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

An outline of a green circle, indicating an easy, relatively flat trail.

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

An outline of a green circle, indicating an easy, relatively flat trail.
An outline of a green circle, indicating an easy, relatively flat trail.

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

An outline of a green circle, indicating an easy, relatively flat trail.

Southeast 7th Street Trailhead

2875 S. 7th St.
Trailhead and Trail Hours: Sunrise to 7 p.m. or Sunset, whichever comes first seasonally

An outline of a green circle, indicating an easy, relatively flat trail.

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

An outline of a green circle, indicating an easy, relatively flat trail.
An outline of a green circle, indicating an easy, relatively flat trail.

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

An outline of a green circle, indicating an easy, relatively flat trail.
Take a hike. Do it right.

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.

Take a hike. Do it right.