| South Mountain Park in Phoenix, Arizona is the largest | | | | with you. |
| municipal park in the United States. It was first | | | | The more than 10 different trails in South Mountain |
| named Phoenix Mountain Park and was formed in | | | | Park range from 1 mile in length to 14 miles. Javelina |
| 1924 when President Calvin Coolidge sold the original | | | | Canyon Trail is going to be one of the easiest of |
| 13,000 acres (53 km²) to the City of Phoenix. | | | | these trails. It starts at the Beverly Canyon parking |
| It is part of the Phoenix Mountains Preserve system | | | | lot at 46th Street, south of Baseline Road. All of the |
| and it is located south of central Phoenix, hence the | | | | trails will be rocky and some of them are quite steep. |
| name. It now has more than 16,000 acres and is | | | | There are many species of plant life and you can see |
| known as the largest city park in the world. Visitors | | | | creosote, brittlebush, palo verde trees and a variety |
| get to the park from the north, east or west from | | | | of cacti along the trails. You can find many desert |
| I-17 or I-10. | | | | critters in the park and you may even spot a |
| From several locations within the park you'll find | | | | javelina, cottontail rabbit or jackrabbit as you are |
| fantastic views of Phoenix and the surrounding | | | | hiking along the trails. Some of the best spots to see |
| communities. The National Trail climbs up the ridge to | | | | petroglyphs in South Mountain Park are along the |
| the west, and offers very good views of Phoenix, | | | | Judith Tunnell Accessible Trail. Some of the best |
| Tempe and the metropolitan area at several | | | | views are going to be found at the Buena Vista |
| established viewpoints. As you explore the park's 58 | | | | Lookout off the National Trail. |
| miles of trails you'll find lots of beautiful Sonoran | | | | Drive |
| Desert scenery. Ancient petroglyphs and abundant | | | | More people probably visit South Mountain Park for |
| wildlife will keep you entertained as you enjoy the | | | | the scenic drive and views than for anything else. |
| amazing views of the Phoenix valley and surrounding | | | | The main road which courses to the highest lookout |
| mountains. There are four basic activities that you | | | | in the park is full of switchbacks and you should be |
| can enjoy at South Mountain Park: Hiking, biking, bird | | | | aware that this drive is on a winding mountain road |
| watching and horseback riding. | | | | that isn't too wide. If you want to get to the second |
| Park | | | | highest point in the park, drive up to the Dobbins |
| Stop at the main gate on your way into the park | | | | Lookout, which is only about 30 feet below Mount |
| and pick up a map. At the visitor's center, you can | | | | Suppoa. |
| find trail maps and talk to a park ranger for | | | | Attractions |
| information on hikes or mountain bike rides in the | | | | In the foothills of South Mountain Park, just a little |
| area. Park rangers can be a great source of | | | | before the entrance Ponderosa Stables and South |
| information and they can provide trail maps and even | | | | Mountain Stables have provided horseback riding to |
| help you reserve one of the picnic ramadas. Here you | | | | the public for many years. Guided trail rides are |
| can also learn about upcoming park ranger-led | | | | available to riders of all levels of experience. For |
| outdoor programs. After a stop at the visitor's center | | | | information contact Ponderosa Stables or South |
| you should continue up to Dobbins Point for | | | | Mountain Stables. They offer breakfast rides, |
| breathtaking views of the valley. | | | | cookout rides and interesting trails rides for all levels |
| Trails | | | | of experience. |
| There are a series of trails in the South Mountain | | | | While you are there you should probably stop over |
| Park one of them is the wheelchair-accessible Judith | | | | and take a tour of the Mystery Castle. It is located |
| Tunell trail located close to the visitor center. Most of | | | | only a couple of miles from the entrance to the park |
| the trails in the park are on rugged, desert terrain. So | | | | and is well worth your time. You'll be fascinated by |
| you need to be prepared if you decide to go hiking | | | | your tour guide who happens to be the daughter of |
| on foot. Sturdy hiking boots are recommended and | | | | the man who built the home from materials he found |
| be sure to carry a supply of drinking water along | | | | in the surrounding area. |