South Mountain Park and Preserve

Spending time at South Mountain Park and Preserve is a 10/10 experience for anyone who wants to see the "real" Sonoran Desert without leaving the city limits. At over 16,000 acres, it’s absolutely massive, one of the largest municipal parks in the country and it offers a much more rugged and natural vibe compared to the more manicured trails at Piestewa or Camelback. I started my visit at the South Mountain Visitor Center, which recently underwent great renovations, before driving the winding Summit Road up to Dobbins Lookout. The 360-degree panoramic views from the stone ramada at 2,330 feet are unbeatable, especially at sunset when the Phoenix skyline starts to glow against the desert backdrop. What I love most about this park is the sheer variety of ways to experience it. If you’re not in the mood for a strenuous climb, you can stick to the paved roads for a scenic drive or enjoy the Judith Tunnell Accessible Trail. For a more immersive hike, the Mormon Trail to Fat Man's Pass is a personal favorite; it's a bit of a workout, but navigating the narrow rock squeeze and seeing the ancient Hohokam petroglyphs makes it feel like a true adventure. A big "pro tip": if you visit on the fourth Sunday of the month, they host Silent Sunday, where the main roadways are closed to cars, turning the entire park into a peaceful haven for hikers and cyclists. Whether you're there for a quick photo op or a six-mile trek, it’s a beautiful, free resource that perfectly captures the spirit of Arizona.

Lots of easy to navigate trails. Good variety of terrain and relatively crowd free. If you can't squeeze into the Mormon Trail parking lot, I highly recommend this as an alternate. Only about 3 miles away as the crow flies. 🙂