Hike and ride on 17,000 acres of pristine desert and more than 50 miles of trails.

by Contributor

In Short
Driving up the narrow, winding road to the 2,200-foot summit is a breathtaking, and at times harrowing, experience. Pack a lunch and lots of water and head for the summit early in the day, before the crowds and heat arrive. A summit trail offers excellent examples of high-desert plant life--especially in spring when more than 300 species of desert plants bloom.

12/13/03

A lovely sight

by saffire_az

The sights from this mountain is superb. A trip during the day is nice, but seeing the sunset from the summit is even better. And if you don't like the heights of the summit, there are a few other spots to park and still see great views. However, the drive is not for novices; many twists and curves over a 15-20 min. drive period.

• Pros: Great views, Tourist attraction
• Cons: Can get crowded, Hazardous drive

08/14/02

Climb every South Mountain

by DesireeB

Where can you go, in the city, to get away from the city? Why South Mountain, of course. Bring your bike and or suitable hiking attire and you're set. Or make a family day of it. Buy some desert plant and animal books and see how many can be identified. Look for the accessible petroglyphs and try to interpret what the symbols may have represented. Then head over to the library and follow up on your hunches. Whatever you do, bring plenty of water and sunscreen and get back to nature.

• Pros: Can hike or bike, easy access, can take dogs
• Cons: lack of dustbins, can be crowded

07/24/02

Breath Taking

by morcheller

South Mountain Park is where I always take out of town guests for a panoramic view of the city. The view at night is spectacular.

• Pros: Great view
• Cons: Bad drivers on road