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 home to an incredible array of museums, botanical gardens, historical landmarks, and art centers that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the state. However, for many individuals and families, the cost of visiting these treasures can be a barrier. Enter Act One’s Culture Pass program, a remarkable initiative that opens doors to Arizona’s arts and culture, making it accessible to everyone, from students to retirees and under-resourced families. What is the Culture Pass? The Culture Pass is a free program offered by Act One, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing access to the arts across Arizona. Through partnerships
Arizona may have seen some relief in median rents from the end of 2023 to 2024, with some cities experiencing drops of up to 10% due to more available housing and the departure of pandemic-era residents. However, despite these decreases, the state remains relatively expensive in terms of housing. Arizona ranks higher in housing affordability than the rest of the nation. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, Arizona has the 14th highest housing wage in the U.S. This is the average amount an individual must earn to afford a “modest” one-bedroom apartment. Why Is Living Alone in Arizona
When it comes to iconic desert landscapes, both Joshua Tree National Park and Saguaro National Park stand out for their unique features. While both are desert regions with distinctive plant life—Joshua Trees and Saguaro Cacti—they each offer vastly different experiences in terms of scenery, wildlife, and overall ambiance. For anyone who’s already visited Joshua Tree and is considering a trip to Saguaro, here’s how the two compare. Joshua Trees vs. Saguaro Cacti Joshua Tree is known for its granite outcrops and expansive, rugged landscapes. The park’s namesake Joshua Trees—strange and otherworldly—dot the Mojave Desert, creating a scene filled with grandeur.
Arizona, particularly the Valley, is home to a vibrant pizza scene, from classic New York-style slices to deep-dish masterpieces. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, finding the best pizza in Phoenix and its surrounding areas can be a delightful (albeit deliciously difficult) task. Here’s a rundown of some of the most beloved pizzerias in the Valley, according to the locals. advertisement 1. The Red Devil A favorite for many, The Red Devil has been serving up delicious pizza and wings since the early 1960s. Known for its consistently great quality, the original location at 30th Street and McDowell is
