Field guide
South Mountain Park trail system: hours and rules
Find official information for running and hiking the South Mountain Park trail system in Phoenix. Learn about hours, trail use, and accessibility.
South Mountain Park and Preserve is one of the largest municipally managed parks in the nation. It covers more than 16,000 acres and contains more than 100 miles of trails.
This guide provides official information for runners and hikers. It covers park access, trail regulations, and specific programs that affect routes and hours.
Official facts at a glance
- Park size
- more than 16,000 acres
- Park type
- one of the largest municipally managed parks in the nation
- South Mountain Visitor Center address
- 10409 S Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85042
- Total trail length
- more than 100 miles
- Parking/Entrance Hours
- 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Trail Hours
- 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- South Mountain Visitor Center Hours
- Thursday – Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Roadways shared by
- motor vehicles, bikers and hikers
- Mormon Trail bike rules
- bikes are not recommended due to high numbers of hikers
- Silent Sunday (4th Sunday)
- main roadway, Summit Road, closed to motor vehicle traffic all-day (5 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
- Silent Sunday (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th Sundays)
- summit road closed at the 1.0 mile marker from 5 a.m. until 10 a.m.
- Trail Heat Safety Program
- Program designed to help outdoor enthusiasts navigate the Phoenix trail system while minimizing the risks of high heat conditions.
- Activities on trails
- hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking
- Judith Tunell Accessible Trail features
- preserve-based, barrier-free, two ½-mile hard surface loops
Sources: South Mountain Park/Preserve (phoenix.gov), South Mountain Trails (phoenix.gov), South Mountain Visitor Center (phoenix.gov). Official pages, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Using the trails and roads
The park's multi-use trails are designated for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Park roadways are also shared routes for motor vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians.
For a barrier-free, hard surface route, the Judith Tunell Accessible Trail offers two half-mile loops. On the Mormon Trail, bicycles are not recommended due to high numbers of hikers.
Park hours and access
Vehicle entrances and parking areas are open from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. The trails are accessible for a longer period, with hours from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Users should plan their start and end times accordingly.
The South Mountain Visitor Center is located at 10409 S Central Avenue. Its hours are Thursday through Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Silent Sunday road closures
The park's Silent Sunday program closes the main roadway, Summit Road, to motor vehicles on a regular schedule. This provides runners and cyclists with access to the paved road without traffic.
On the fourth Sunday of each month, the road is closed all day from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. On the first, second, third, and fifth Sundays, the road is closed at the 1.0 mile marker from 5 a.m. until 10 a.m.
Before you go
- Check the park entrance hours, which are 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Note that trails remain open for use later, from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Be aware of the official Trail Heat Safety Program, designed to help manage risks in high heat conditions.
- If visiting on a Sunday, review the Silent Sunday schedule for road closures on Summit Road.
- Remember that trails are shared with mountain bikers and horseback riders.
- Confirm the Visitor Center hours if you plan to stop there.
Nearby options: running and active spots in Phoenix. All cities: City running and hiking guides.