The Loma and Canal Trails are a pair of easy, accessible desert trails winding through Papago Park in Tempe, Arizona, at the edge of the Phoenix metro area. Open to both mountain biking and hiking, they offer a convenient, family-friendly taste of Sonoran Desert scenery amid the park's distinctive red sandstone buttes, right in the heart of the East Valley.

The Loma Trail rolls through the park on a mix of gentle uphill and downhill paths, leading to a park area with a small lake and a playground — a nice destination for a relaxed ride or walk. The Canal Trail runs along the canal at the south end of the park, offering flatter, easy going with welcome patches of shade, a rarity in the desert. Together they make an enjoyable loop for beginners, families, and anyone looking for a quick outdoor outing close to town.

Papago Park is also home to the Desert Botanical Garden, the Phoenix Zoo, and the famous Hole-in-the-Rock formation, so it's easy to pair a ride with other attractions. The trails are generally mellow and well-suited to novice mountain bikers.

As always in the desert, timing matters: hike or ride in the cooler morning or evening hours, avoid the brutal midday heat of late spring through summer, and carry plenty of water. Wear sun protection, watch for other trail users on these popular paths, and pack out your trash. For an easy, scenic desert outing in the Phoenix area, the Loma and Canal Trails are a great choice.