Hole in the Wall at Papago Park. Photo from Media File.
Feel stuck in the house after a long hot summer? Wish you could get a start on your fitness goals like now? If you’re bored of the same old exercise routes or routines, get out for a little fresh air and take a walk at one of our amazing Phoenix city parks.
WalkPHX
Phoenix City Parks have created a walking program called WalkPHX to make exercise more fun for you and the whole family. There’s probably a city park right around the corner from you. Besides the exercise, you can help entertain your family and your pets. Kids and dogs love to walk in the park.
WalkPHX Sign, Photo from Media File.
Phoenix parks have created well-marked walking paths in parks all over the Valley. For more information and a map of city parks, click here.
Create a FREE WalkPHX membership. Join organized walks and get to know your neighbors. Or, simply find self-guided walking paths by looking for WalkPHX signs at city parks.
City of Phoenix Parks
A Valley favorite is Encanto Park, in Central Phoenix. There are water features to walk around, which is always nice here in the desert. There’s plenty for the whole family, including Enchanted Island Amusement Park.
Another gorgeous park to walk around is Papago Park, near the Phoenix Zoo. The red buttes are a distinctive site and the views of the Phoenix sunset are perfect. It’s a 5K track, too, if you’re thinking about picking up the speed a bit.
For more walking options, find your nearest City Park here.
How to Start a Walking Routine
Go out walking at your convenience and decide what works best for you. It’s easy to walk a short distance and turn around. Choose to continue on for a couple of laps. Pick up the pace to make it more challenging, or keep it more relaxed with a pleasant stroll. Additionally, many of the paths have exercise stations so you can improve your balance, build upper-body strength, or do core exercises.
Much of the year, afternoon walks are a great way to spend time with your kids or your partner. Really, just anytime of the day that works for you. Walking is shown to be one of the best forms of exercise, and we are lucky to be in an area where we’re able to spend lots of time outdoors.
For Phoenix area locations to hike or bike, click here.
