Phoenix New Times is reporting on some potentially good news for neighbors near the popularly hiked Cholla Trail. The Phoenix City Council will decide in early October on a proposed relocation plan that could end up costing $2 million.

Jon Roig

The widely used trail, frequented by 700,000 hikers annually, has become a sore spot for neighboring residents who claim lack of parking and public restrooms have lead to an array of issues. There’s also another reason for the move besides complaints. Along with creating better amenities for hikers, the relocation project would include space for hundreds of new homes and condos at the Phoenician Resort property located near the trail.

It’s unknown if The Phoenician would be agreeable to move the trail to another part of the resort property with access on Invergordon Road. However, in September, an attorney for the Phoenician told the New York Times they would agree to the relocation and even contribute $100,000 toward the move.

If the trailhead move happens, The Phoenician has plans for 338 homes, which would be built near the current trailhead location as well as in the neighborhood of Camelback Canyon. Plans for 321 of those homes are already approved and the remaining home sites line up with the current trailhead land.

If approved, the trailhead relocation wouldn’t take place for a couple of years. The trail would first have to serve as an access way for construction vehicles on the proposed development, which would allow the city time for design and costs.