Looking for something fun to do in Phoenix? Check out South Mountain Park & Preserve! With over 16,000 acres of desert landscape to explore, there’s plenty to keep you busy. Here are some of our favorite things to do in the park.
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The Trails
South Mountain Park & Preserve trails are the perfect place to start if you’re looking for a good workout. There are 51 miles of trails to choose from, so you’re sure to find one that fits your needs. Some of our favorites include the Crosscut Trail, Ma Ha Tauk Trail, and T-Bone Trail.
The Crosscut Trail is a 3.5-mile trail perfect for hikers and mountain bikers. The trailhead is located south of Central Avenue on the park’s east side. The trail winds its way through the desert landscape and offers excellent city skyline views.
The Ma Ha Tauk Trail is a 5.5-mile trail perfect for experienced hikers. The trailhead is located on the park’s north side and offers excellent views of the surrounding mountains. Be sure to bring plenty of water, as this trail can be pretty strenuous.
The T-Bone Trail is a 1.4-mile trail perfect for beginner hikers and mountain bikers. The trailhead is located on the park’s south side and offers excellent views of the city skyline. This is a great trial for families with young children.
If you’re looking for a more challenging hike, check out the Pyramid Trail or Beverly Canyon Trail. The Pyramid Trail is a 3.2-mile trail that climbs to an elevation of 2,260 feet. The Beverly Canyon Trail is a 7-mile trail that climbs to an elevation of 3,600 feet. Both of these trails are recommended for experienced hikers only.
Check out the Ridgeline Trail or Ranger Trail for a more relaxing hike. The Ridgeline Trail is a 4-mile trail that winds its way through the desert landscape. The Ranger Trail is an easy 2-mile hike that follows Geronimo Creek through a riparian area.
The Pima East Loop Trail is a 3.2-mile trail perfect for beginner hikers. The trailhead is located on the park’s north side and offers excellent views of the surrounding mountains.
The Holbert Trail is a 5.5-mile trail that’s perfect for experienced hikers. The trailhead is located on the park’s south side and offers excellent views of the city skyline.
The Pima Loop Trail is a 2.4-mile trail perfect for beginner hikers. The trailhead is located on the park’s north side and offers excellent views of the surrounding mountains.
The Las Lomitas Trail is a 2.5-mile trail that’s perfect for beginner hikers and mountain bikers. The trailhead is located on the park’s south side and offers excellent views of the city skyline.
The Kiwanis Trail is a 1.8-mile trail perfect for beginner hikers and mountain bikers. The trailhead is located on the park’s north side and offers excellent views of the surrounding mountains.
The Hidden Valley Trail is a 1-mile trail perfect for beginner hikers and mountain bikers. The trailhead is located on the park’s east side and offers excellent views of the desert landscape.
The Mormon Loop Trail is a 2.6-mile trail that’s perfect for beginner hikers and mountain bikers. The trailhead is located on the park’s north side and offers excellent views of the surrounding mountains.
The Pima Ridgeline Trail is a 4-mile trail perfect for experienced hikers. The trailhead is located on the park’s north side and offers great views of the city skyline.
The National Trail is a 7-mile trail that’s perfect for experienced hikers. The trailhead is located on the park’s south side and offers great views of the city skyline.
There are some more trails, but these are some of the most popular ones in South Mountain Park. So, get out there and explore!
Mystery Castle
The Mystery Castle is a historic landmark located in South Mountain Park & Preserve in Phoenix, Arizona. Built by Boyce Gulley in the 1930s, it is a sprawling structure made of native stone, concrete, adobe and other materials. It contains 13 rooms, including a library, a Crystal Room and a Knights Templar Room. The castle is open to the public for tours led by Historical Society docents.
Dobbins Lookout
Dobbins Lookout is one of the best things to do in South Mountain Park & Preserve. The trail to the top is an easy 2-mile hike, and the views from the top are stunning. You can see all of Phoenix stretched out before you, and on a clear day, you can even see the distant mountains.
South Mountain Environmental Education Center
The South Mountain Environmental Education Center (SMEE) is open to the public daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve adjacent to South Mountain Park. The SMEE features include:
-An indoor amphitheater
-A library
-An art gallery
-A hands-on activity room
-Public restrooms
Horseback Riding
South Mountain Park & Preserve is one of the largest municipal parks in the United States. The park is located in Phoenix, AZ, and offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Horseback riding is one of the most popular things to do in the park. Many miles of trails are to explore, and the scenery is beautiful.
How To Get There
South Mountain Park & Preserve is located at 10919 S. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85042. For driving directions and parking information, please visit the park’s website.
Entrance Fees and Hours
There is no entrance fee to South Mountain Park & Preserve. Hours are 5 a.m. to 7 p.m., daily. Trail hours are 5 a.m. to 7 p.m., daily.
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