advertisement
27 June 2022
Phoenix has been a boomtown for a long time now. Areas that were once miles from the city have been swallowed up by urban sprawl, and South Mountain Park is one of them.
If you’re familiar with Phoenix at all, you’ve probably driven past it without even realizing it. The park covers 16,283 acres and has been designated as a National Historic Landmark and an All-American Road for its scenic drive. If you’re thinking of coming to Phoenix for a visit, here’s what you need to know to enjoy the park fully.
advertisement
The park was established in 1924 by President Calvin Coolidge to preserve the mountain range and desert habitat for its scenic beauty, wildlife diversity, watershed, and natural air quality. With its wide land area, it ranked 12th among the largest urban parks in the world. And that draws more than 2 million tourists each year who enjoy its natural beauty year-round.
If you’ve never been to South Mountain Park, you might be surprised at how much there is to do and see. The park has around 50 miles of trails for hiking or mountain biking. There are also rock climbing, picnicking, bird watching, and stargazing opportunities.
If you’re a traveler who opts for adventures over tourist traps, you’ll likely enjoy spending a day or two exploring this park. To give you an insight into what you’ll discover when you go there, here’s a list of the best things to do:
Enjoy a 360- degree view of Phoenix from the top of South Mountain via the Summit Trail. During your hike, you’ll be treated to some fantastic views as well as a chance to learn about the preservation and history of this area first-hand. Stay on the trail to not disturb anything, and bring lots of water because it’s pretty hot up there!
If you’ve come to Phoenix to visit the Desert, then you’ll want to ride your mountain bike through South Mountain Park. The trails here are some of the best you’ll find in Phoenix, and it’s a great way to experience the scenery at a faster pace. Just be sure that you know what you’re doing because the trails aren’t for beginners.
advertisement
If there’s one thing you’ll love as much as mountain biking, it’s exploring new places on horseback. South Mountain Park has stables where you can head out with a guide and explore the trails by horseback for about $40 per person. If you’ve never been on a horse before, don’t worry because they have horseback riding lessons too!
With over 15 trails of varying difficulty, every hiker can have a great time exploring. If you’re hiking with small children, the 0.8-mile Discovery Trail is perfect for them. Or, if you’re up for something tougher, then try one of the more extensive trails like Contour Road or Pima Canyon Loop.
Of course, after a long day of riding your mountain bike or exploring by horseback, you’ll probably be pretty exhausted. It’s important to realize that South Mountain Park isn’t just for adventure seekers. It’s also home to some incredible views and natural desert beauty that will take your breath away. As such, it makes an excellent place to just sit back, relax and enjoy the view.
If you’re opting for the best way to enjoy and explore the outdoors in Phoenix without having to travel too far, then visiting South Mountain Park is one of the best options. With many miles of trails to explore, activities for every member of your family, and spectacular views, it’s an experience that will be sure to leave you with plenty of great memories.
advertisement
Arizona is known for the Grand Canyon, cactus-filled deserts, and dramatic sunsets. But beyond the obvious, the Grand Canyon State is packed with surprising history, natural oddities, and quirky records. Here are some fun Arizona facts that might just impress your friends at your next trivia night. advertisement 1. Arizona Does Not Observe Daylight Saving Time Most of Arizona does not observe Daylight Saving Time, which means the state stays on Mountain Standard Time all year long. The exception is the Navajo Nation, which does observe Daylight Saving Time. So you can cross into a different time zone just by
Arizona is famous for desert landscapes and natural wonders, but the state’s museums tell stories just as powerful. From ancient Indigenous cultures and Western history to modern art and musical legends, Arizona museums offer something for every kind of curiosity. Whether you live here or are planning a visit, these are ten standout museums that showcase the depth, creativity, and history of the Grand Canyon State. advertisement 1. Heard Museum Phoenix The Heard Museum is one of the most respected Native American museums in the country. Its exhibits focus on Indigenous art, culture, and history, with a strong emphasis on
When most people think of Arizona, they picture deserts, saguaros, and red rock cliffs. Fishing is not usually the first thing that comes to mind. But Arizona quietly offers some of the most diverse and underrated fishing in the Southwest, with everything from mountain trout streams to desert reservoirs full of bass and catfish. Whether you are a weekend angler or just looking for a new outdoor hobby, Arizona has water, fish, and year-round opportunities. advertisement What You Can Catch in Arizona Arizona’s variety of elevations creates a wide range of fishing options. In the high country, cooler waters support
When people hear “snowbirds,” they usually picture retirees escaping icy northern winters for Arizona sunshine. But the state’s true snowbirds arrive on wings, not wheels. Every winter, Arizona becomes an unexpected hotspot for migrating birds from across North America. From massive white pelicans gliding over desert lakes to honking flocks of geese touching down in farm fields, Arizona transforms into a seasonal refuge for birds seeking warmer weather, open water, and reliable food sources. And yes, you can see them without leaving the desert. advertisement Why Birds Choose Arizona for the Winter Arizona may be known for cacti and red
