Trail 25
Updated 3/1/2023
Trail 25 has served as a connector between Lookout Mountain and the rest of the Phoenix Mountains Preserve for about 20 years. The existing Trail 25 alignment largely utilizes the golf cart path. Unfortunately, this shared use arrangement with golf carts, hikers, and cyclists has caused conflicts.
The City of Phoenix, with the assistance of Councilwoman Debra Stark, has met with stakeholders in the surrounding neighborhoods to explore potential Trail 25 reroutes. After several on-site and virtual meetings, a new proposed alignment was identified. City Staff had discussions with HOAs on the proposed alignment and the trails adjacent to HOA owned land. Some of the original proposed alignment was on HOA land, so an alternate alignment has been identified to share with the HOA which keeps the trail off of HOA land and still provides trail access through the area as needed.
With the new proposed alignment, the City and stakeholders seek to:
- Reduce potential conflicts by minimizing the trail's use of the golf cart path.
- Construct the trail as natural surface trail, to provide a more enjoyable, natural hiking experience for trail users, like the existing Preserve trails.
- Utilize existing trail easements where possible, reducing the need for new easements.
Questions and Answers
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Q: What happens after the City stops taking public comment on October 31?
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A: The final alignments have not yet been reviewed. Once reviewed, the public will be notified of follow-up meetings or outreach. After the final alignment is confirmed, the easement amendment process would move forward. When all amendments are filed, trail alterations will then take place.
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Q: Will the City need to construct a new underpass to get under Thunderbird Road?
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A: No. There is an existing underpass as shown on the map (labeled in yellow) that connects Trail 25 to the south side of Thunderbird Rd. Construction of a new underpass will not be necessary.
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Q: Will the trail experience be significantly different from what it is today?
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A: The majority of the proposed alignment remains within the golf course perimeter. The intent is to provide a natural surface trail adjacent/relatively close to the paved cart path, keeping the trail experience essentially the same.
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Q: Does the effort to realign Trail 25 affect the use of the sidewalk on the east side of Pointe Golf Club Drive?
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A: No, The sidewalk on the east side of Pointe Golf Club Drive (Trail 25A) is not being considered as the Proposed Trail 25 alignment. The sidewalk is - and will continue to be available to walk as an alternative to the natural surface Trail 25. Those who choose to use Trail 25A/sidewalk can utilize the crosswalk at the traffic signal at the Thunderbird/Pointe Golf Club Drive intersection.
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Q: Will there be pavement markings or a crosswalk on Point Golf Club Drive where the trail crosses the street?
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A: The Streets Department has determined that a crosswalk is not necessary for this site. There is signage indicating the trail alignment on both sides of the road at the upper crossing point.

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