Indulge in a city escape and discover the breathtaking beauty of the sun-drenched Sonoran Desert, characterized by striking peaks and distinctive wildlife. Pinnacle Peak Park stands as an ideal hiking spot for both adventure seekers and tourists in search of thrills. Take in the unparalleled and magnificent views of the gorge from the summit. The park offers essential amenities such as restrooms, picnic tables, a parking area, a drinking fountain, and a ramada for added convenience, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable outdoor experience.
This 71-acre (28.73 hectare) park in South Scottsdale has recreation facilities as well as meeting spaces. Facilities include ramadas, one spray pad, fishing lakes, playgrounds, a basketball court and more. If taking a walk with your dog is on the agenda, Vista Del Camino Park has a lovely dog park that has water fountains, open green space and plenty of shade for the furry ones to run and play. The park even has a disc golf course which is a fun place to spend an afternoon with friends or family.
This massive park located within the Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt is also home to the Wedge Skate Park. It is every skater's dream complete with ramps, curbs and rails making it an awesome place to pick up new tricks. The park also offers other facilities like an outdoor amphitheater, swimming pool, lakes, and children's playgrounds. The softball, soccer, basketball and sand volleyball courts make it a great place to come and work out. Get the family together, make some lunch and head over to the picnic area for a great family day in the outdoors.
Located close to the city of Scottsdale, the Camelback Mountain watches over Phoenix, Arizona's sweeping semi-arid plains from a spectacular elevation of nearly 2704 feet (824.17 meters). The mountain gets its name from the resemblance it bears to the unmistakable shape of a camel's hump. There are two trails- Echo Canyon and Cholla which beckon rock climbers and make for challenging hiking excursions. Antelope squirrels, hawks, and snakes are the landscape's most widely spread inhabitants. The Praying Monk red sandstone formation is arguably the site's most noticeable sight.
If you are in Phoenix and enjoy going on easy treks, then Papago Park is the place for you. With its sandstone buttes, marked paths and slight elevation, it is perfect for family hiking trips and there are plenty of easy mountain bike paths. The most notable attraction of the park is the hole in the rock formation, which formed over thousands of years most likely from water erosion. For the more adventurous, visitors can climb the face of the rock for an unparalleled view of Phoenix. Additionally, the park is close to famous attractions such as the Desert Botanical Garden and Phoenix Zoo.
Spread across 3648 acres (1476.30 hectares), Usery Mountain Regional Park is nestled on the edge of the Goldfield Mountains western end and near to the Tonto National Forest. Comprising of more than 29 miles (46.67 kilometers) of trails for mountain biking, horseback riding and hiking, it offers an easy to difficult range for rider, bikers and hikers of all skills. Don't miss the stunning wind caves made from volcanic rock and granite. The caves offer awe-inspiring vistas that are not to be missed. Nature and wildlife enthusiasts will be thrilled to see the thriving flora and fauna of the lower Sonaran Desert in this area. There is an archery range, considered to be the best in the state for six different courses. With 73 camp-sites, you can enjoy camping with your family in the great outdoors. Stargazing, picnicking, R/C model air-plane flying and outdoor fitness are some of the other activities that are popular at this huge parkland. Check out their various programs that will take you through the diverse landscape of this place.
Indulge in a city escape and discover the breathtaking beauty of the sun-drenched Sonoran Desert, characterized by striking peaks and distinctive wildlife. Pinnacle Peak Park stands as an ideal hiking spot for both adventure seekers and tourists in search of thrills. Take in the unparalleled and magnificent views of the gorge from the summit. The park offers essential amenities such as restrooms, picnic tables, a parking area, a drinking fountain, and a ramada for added convenience, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable outdoor experience.
In an otherwise arid topography of Arizona, the verdant Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch serves as a refreshing oasis of sprawling grasslands and serene ponds. This urban recreational spot is made famous for its wealth of bird species, including some rare migratory ones. Nearly 200 bird species have been spotted in its dense groves, which makes it a treasure trove for avid bird watchers and professional wildlife photographers alike. Riparian Preserve is also home to a maze of loop walking and hiking trails that navigate across its seven lagoons. Also known as a famous picnic spot, it attracts local families and joggers who are drawn to its lush green scenery and scenic water streams.
This 71-acre (28.73 hectare) park in South Scottsdale has recreation facilities as well as meeting spaces. Facilities include ramadas, one spray pad, fishing lakes, playgrounds, a basketball court and more. If taking a walk with your dog is on the agenda, Vista Del Camino Park has a lovely dog park that has water fountains, open green space and plenty of shade for the furry ones to run and play. The park even has a disc golf course which is a fun place to spend an afternoon with friends or family.
Located close to the city of Scottsdale, the Camelback Mountain watches over Phoenix, Arizona's sweeping semi-arid plains from a spectacular elevation of nearly 2704 feet (824.17 meters). The mountain gets its name from the resemblance it bears to the unmistakable shape of a camel's hump. There are two trails- Echo Canyon and Cholla which beckon rock climbers and make for challenging hiking excursions. Antelope squirrels, hawks, and snakes are the landscape's most widely spread inhabitants. The Praying Monk red sandstone formation is arguably the site's most noticeable sight.
If you don't mind the bumpy ride, Apache Trail Tours offers unforgettable scenic views on the off-beaten track. With their two decades of experience and packages such as the desert ride (4X4 tours), Apache Trail and others ranging from two hours to an entire day, the tours are perfect for adventurous groups. The outdoor excursions are informative as well with guides taking you through the history of the Old West. You can customize your outing as they also arrange private tours. Check website for more.
Located 51 miles East of Phoenix, this lake is one of many manmade lakes along the Salt River. Follow Highway 88 from Apache Junction for 15-miles to the lake, as the winding road and sharp curves traverse colorful desert scenery. If you don't have a boat, you can take a cruise on the old-fashioned Dolly Steamboat when you arrive. There are three recreation sites available: the Acacia picnic area, the Palo Verde site and the Boulder Creek area.