A Tree Lined Path Along Central Avenue In Phoenix: Murphy's Bridle Path

The 'bridle' in the name is often, very often, written 'bridal' as if some newlyweds were to dust up their frocks on the gravel path.  

It's 'bridle' as in a horse's bridle and that's where the history begins.  It was formed when this part of town was being developed by W.J. Murphy, the same guy who brought irrigation to the valley via the canals and who took advantage of them develop a high end subdivision way up north of Phoenix called Orangewood, which is now North Central Phoenix

Photos & Video by Artur Ciesielski of inPhoenix Realty Partners

The path runs from Bethany Home up about 2.5 miles past Northern to what the canal and just shy of venerable Sunnyslope area.

Orangewood was started in the 1890's and the path along with it.  Much has changed over the century plus, but there are a few original houses left, including Murphy's old pad plus a few other homes from the early 20th Century, many of which are on huge one plus acre lots: the remaining acreage was subdivided to put new homes on, mainly after the second world war.

The east side of the path is lined with Olive trees, these olive trees are the original ones planted over 100 years ago.  Their age and maturity is visible on the magnificent and beautiful trunks.  They are also on private land.  It's sometimes difficult to tell where the border between the two is.   

The other trees are Arizona Ash: these run along between the path and Central Avenue. They were planted in the 1970's and replaced the short sting of pine trees which were put in place of ash trees.

While you wont see brides soiling up their dresses, you'll see people running, jogging, cycling and walking under the lush canopy which along with the irrigated lots of the neighboring homes must keep the temperatures down: it sure feels that way.

Murphy's Bridle Path is a historic path: the neighbors and city had some fortitude in designating it that because there were some nasty plans for it and none were better then keeping the treasure.  

It's not only the people who live along the path the benefit from it, it's a unique treasure, a usable and enjoyable one that enhances all of North Central Phoenix: I can't think of Uptown Phoenix and especially Central Avenue with out seeing the canal on one side the many people enjoying the path on the other side.  

If you have not had a chance to walk, run, or bike up the bath then do so and keep in mind some of the history attached to it as that will definitely enhance your enjoyment and appreciation of what we have.