If you’re anything like me, you start getting antsy about the Phoenix valley summers by August. As someone who is happiest out in nature, being stuck indoors for the last few months wears on me mentally. By September, I start looking forward to the heavenly weather ahead by pre-planning my outdoor adventures as soon as things begin to cool down.

If you live in the Tempe area or if you are relocating here soon, there are so many incredible spots to run and hike just outside of your door. On our more common perfect weather days, trails are typically full of activity where you can share your passion for the sunshine (without melting) with other outdoor enthusiasts. Plan your mileage and elevation gains, lace up your running shoes and head out on one of these local favorites:

Tempe Canal – This is an easy, flat, 4.4-mile gravel path that connects to a larger, multi-city network of trails in the valley. It’s my go-to spot if I’m just wanting mileage without all the frills. It took me several years living here to realize that we have this cool system of trails called the SRP canal system that spans over 80 miles. Whether you are biking, walking, or planning to run a marathon, you can get a lot of training time in on this trail. You can easily connect to the trail from the North near Curry Rd. and Mill Avenue.

South Mountain Preserve – Okay, this is a given that if you are an avid hiker and you openly talk about it, people will ask you if you have tackled Camelback Mountain. Camelback is a 20-minute drive from North Tempe, and it’s a great physical challenge with spectacular views. But if you’re nervous and want to practice the Camelback inclines without a drive (or the crowds), I recommend doing hill repeats at Hayden Butte (AKA “A” Mountain) or the Marcos de Niza Loop at the South Mountain Preserve. Both will get your heart rate up quickly and prepare you for the 1.2 miles up at Camelback (close to 1300 feet of elevation gain) by offering steep inclines with less mileage. I like to go out and warm up on the flats nearby then do 2-5 hill repeats up and down the trails. Incorporating this routine one time per week will surely prep you to tackle Camelback in no time.

Photo courtesy of Ashton Gacconier

Tempe Town Lake Trail – This is a running/walking staple in Tempe. Picturesque views of the lake, bridges, the city, and plenty of people watching all help to pass the time while you get your miles in. This is another easy, flat, 7.4-mile paved loop near the heart of Tempe. I enjoy meeting up with a friend or two, run the loop, then hit one of the many brunch spots close to the trail. I love that you can tailor the run to the mileage that you need. Sunday fun day? Not before I’ve had my Sunday long run day.

Image courtesy of Roy Serafin, Pexils

For now, I can continue to daydream about the cooler weather ahead by supplementing my running in the fitness center at Camden Tempe apartments. This is where I do all of my heavy lifting, prep for my late fall elevation gains in the mountains on the stair climber, and supplement my runs on one of the treadmills when the temps are too spicy for me. This space has everything that I need to ensure that I don’t miss a beat when the hiking season is finally upon us.

Image courtesy of Camden Tempe

If you’re excited about the running, biking, and hiking options nearby, but you’re not already a Tempe resident, come find your new home at Camden Tempe. Check out everything that we have to offer by taking a tour of our studio, one-, two-, or three-bedroom homes, plus all the amenities. Set up your personalized tour time here. Even if fitness isn’t your thing, or you finally get to relax after a long run, you can still hang pool side and cool down in the heat of the Arizona summer while we continue to daydream about the nicer weather ahead of us.

Courtesy of Camden Tempe