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South Mountain Park and Preserve

10919 S Central Ave · Phoenix, AZ

Why you should go…

South Mountain's ridgeline trails climb to panoramic overlooks like Dobbins Lookout, with views stretching across the entire Phoenix valley. Hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders share more than 16,000 acres of Sonoran Desert.

  • #hiking
  • #desert
  • #mountain biking
  • #views

Good to know

General sport & outdoor guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Weather calls the shots

    Check the forecast the morning of and keep an indoor backup in your pocket for the day it turns.

  • Shoes, water, sun cover

    The three things that decide whether you last the whole outing or cut it short after an hour.

  • Parking and launches fill early

    On a nice weekend, lots and trailheads are often full by mid-morning.

  • Daylight shrinks in shoulder season

    Spring and fall visits need an earlier start than the same trip in July.

What's around here?

The closest stops to South Mountain Park and Preserve, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sightseeing
    Family Favorite

    Chase Field

    Under $25

    Home of the Arizona Diamondbacks, with a retractable roof and a swimming pool beyond the outfield fence.

    8.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Tours
    Outdoor Adventure

    Stellar Adventures

    $50+

    Guided ATV, Hummer and stargazing tours through the Sonoran Desert near Phoenix.

    8.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Downtown Phoenix

    Free

    Phoenix's urban core of offices, stadiums, museums, and dining, served by the Downtown Phoenix Partnership's ambassador program.

    8.5 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Local Gem

    Papago Park (Hole-in-the-Rock)

    Free

    Red sandstone buttes and an easy scramble up to a natural window with views over the whole valley.

    12 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Iconic

    Desert Botanical Garden

    $25–$50

    140 acres of cactus, wildflowers, and desert trails in the heart of Papago Park.

    12 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Koli Equestrian Center

    $50+

    Desert horseback riding on the Gila River Indian Community near Chandler, with group, private, and kids sessions.

    13 mi awayMore like this