Local Trailhead Access to Shaw Butte & North Mountain

A Call for Western Access: Unlocking the Full Potential of Shaw Butte Preserve

The Shaw Butte and North Mountain Preserve is an invaluable natural resource in the heart of Phoenix, offering residents a direct connection to the stunning Sonoran Desert. Yet, for many communities on the west and northwest sides of the preserve, accessing this public land remains a significant challenge. We are advocating for the development of a local trailhead on the western slope to promote both public health and true equity in park access.

Health, Wellness, and the Great Outdoors

The benefits of spending time in nature and engaging in physical activities like hiking are overwhelmingly supported by research:

• Physical Fitness: Hiking is a fantastic full-body workout that builds stronger muscles and bones, improves balance, and enhances cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of chronic diseases (U.S. National Park Service).

• Mental Well-being: Exposure to "green space" and natural environments is linked to a reduction in stress hormones (cortisol), lower rates of anxiety and depression, and improved mood and cognitive function (NIH; Stanford University). Even short, regular walks outdoors can have a profound positive impact.

• Increased Activity: Studies show a direct correlation between how close people live to walking and biking infrastructure (like trails) and the amount of weekly exercise they get. Convenience is key—local trail access encourages regular use and a healthier lifestyle for the entire community (American Journal of Public Health).

The Imperative of Access Equity

A great public park or preserve is only truly great if everyone can easily access it. The current main trailheads for Shaw Butte are concentrated on the southern (Central Avenue) and eastern (7th Street/Visitor Center) sides. This configuration creates a barrier for residents in neighborhoods immediately to the west, forcing them to drive—often through heavy traffic—just to reach a starting point.

The lack of a western trailhead is fundamentally an equity issue. Providing a local, neighborhood-level access point would:

• Reduce Transportation Burden: Eliminate the need for long car trips, saving time, money, and reducing carbon emissions.

• Promote Local Use: Make it simpler and safer for children, families, and older adults in the west-side communities to walk or bike to the preserve entrance.

• Serve Underserved Areas: Ensure that the benefits of this publicly-owned natural land—health, recreation, and community connection—are distributed fairly across all adjacent neighborhoods.

We urge the City of Phoenix and the Parks and Recreation Department to prioritize the development of a western trailhead into the Shaw Butte/North Mountain Preserve. It’s a vital step toward creating a stronger, healthier, and more equitable community for all of North Phoenix.