Within a 72-acre wetland, the Crystal Gardens Trail System offers 8.75 miles of serene, well-maintained trails ideal for walking and nature observation. This unique setting blends environmental sustainability with recreation, providing a peaceful outdoor experience. The trail network winds around 14 lakes and features native vegetation, wildlife habitats, and opportunities for bird watching and fishing.

Crystal Gardens is divided into three flow systems—northwest, northeast, and south—fed by the Salt River Project (SRP) canal. Treated water flows through these systems before being piped underground to a groundwater recharge facility along the Agua Fria River, contributing to the city’s sustainable water management efforts.

Fishing is allowed in accordance with the City of Avondale Municipal Code (Chapter 17) and Arizona Game and Fish Department regulations.  Arizona Fishing License required. 

Trail Distance: 8.75 miles
Trail Surface: Compacted Decomposed Granite (DG)
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Lighting: None

The Van Buren Multi-Use Path is a 1.75-mile paved route ideal for walking, jogging, and cycling. Located on the north side of Van Buren Street between 113th and 127th Avenues, this accessible path includes both concrete and asphalt surfaces, complemented by shade landscaping and intermittent lighting for added comfort and safety.

As part of Avondale’s growing multi-modal trail network, this secondary connector path supports long-term goals to connect to regional corridors, including the Agua Fria River Trail and Tres Rios Nature Area, eventually linking with nearby local amenities. 

Visitors can also enjoy unique artistic features that celebrate Avondale’s agricultural history. Look for tractor tire track imprints in the concrete, blooming bike racks, seed kernel-inspired seating, and other design elements rooted in the area’s farming heritage.

Trail Surface: Concrete and Asphalt
Distance: 1.75 miles
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Lighting: Continuous

🎥 Want to learn more?
Check out the City of Avondale YouTube page for a video overview of the project.

The Agua Fria Trail offers a scenic, paved route for walking, jogging, and cycling in Avondale. Located approximately half a mile north of Van Buren Street along the east levee of the Agua Fria River, the trail begins beneath the I-10 overpass and extends south under Van Buren Road, skirting the Coldwater Springs community.

This growing trail corridor is a key part of Avondale’s long-term vision to create a regional pathway system. Planned future phases will expand the trail north and south along the Agua Fria River, connecting users to the Tres Rios Nature Area, the Gila River, and regional destinations in Phoenix, Peoria, Glendale, Goodyear, and Buckeye.

As part of its commitment to active transportation and open space access, the City of Avondale continues to prioritize new primary trail development and aims to connect missing links between neighborhoods and the larger regional trail system.

Trail Surface: Asphalt and Concrete
Distance: Varies by segment
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Lighting: Partial (not continuous)

📍 Trail access points and exact distances may vary by segment.

Trails Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

• Wheels yield to Pedestrians. All Yield to Horses. 
• Stay on designated trails and paths. 
• Leave no trace. Put trash in receptacles or remove own waste. 
• Ride at reasonable speeds.
• Keep Pets on leash and clean up pet waste. 
• Alcohol, glass containers, and smoking are prohibited. 
• Do not block or obstruct pathways.

Full list of park and trail regulations located in City of Avondale Municipal Code (Chapter 17-5).