South Mountain Park
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Yet, you can still make it back for a night out on the town during your Arizona vacation.
Reportedly the largest municipal park in the country, South Mountain Park encompasses almost 17,000 acres of open space, making it larger than Manhattan Island.
South Mountain Park offers a bit of solitude and a great variety of recreational opportunities for locals and vacationers alike.
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| South Mountain Park has rugged mountains and classic Sonoran Desert scenery |
Not only does it have some of the best Phoenix hiking trails, but you can also mountain bike the trails, cycle on the paved roads, go horseback riding, picnic and bird watch.
The park's 58 miles of trails have:
- beautiful Sonoran Desert scenery
- ancient petroglyphs
- abundant wildlife
- amazing views of the Phoenix valley and surrounding mountains.
What if you aren't looking for a workout?
You can just sit and enjoy the views. The best spot is from the mountaintop.
Drive the Summit Road, the main road through the park, up to the top of the ridge.
Along the way, you'll have scenic views of the cactus-dotted desert.
At the top, stop at the Dobbins Lookout, which resembles a natural rock outcropping. This is the second highest point in the park.
The lookout was hand built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1938 and was constructed from local granite.
Perched up here at 2,330 feet, you'll get a hawk's eye view of downtown Phoenix and the sprawling Valley of the Sun.
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| The Dobbins Lookout |
On the far horizon are the several mountain ranges that surround the valley including the Superstition Mountains and the McDowell Mountains.
There is a broad parking area here as well as picnic tables.
South Mountain Park is also a good place to see ancient American Indian petroglyphs.
There is ample evidence of the prehistoric Hohokam people throughout the park.
The Hohokam inhabited the Salt River Valley from AD 1 to 1450.
They are known for their complex civilization and a most amazing engineering feat – their hundreds of miles of canals that diverted water from the river to irrigate their many acres of crops.
Although the Hohokam did not construct villages here, archaeologists believe the area was important to them as evidenced by the numerous petroglyph sites.
There are thousands of images of animals, humans, geometric shapes and celestial and calendrical markings pecked into the boulders and outcroppings.
Some of the best spots to see petroglyphs in South Mountain Park include:
- along the Judith Tunnell Accessible Trail
- off the Telegraph Pass Trail on the park’s south side
- roughly ¼-mile along the Holbert Trail behind the visitor center.
Location of South Mountain Park Phoenix AZ
South Mountain Park is in south Phoenix along the city's borders with Tempe, Chandler and Ahwatukee. |
| Antenna towers dot the top of Mount Suppoa in South Mountain Preserve |
The park is easily reached from Interstate 10 by exiting Baseline Road westbound.
Although it is called South Mountain Park, the preserve actually encompasses three mountain ranges: the Ma Ha Tauk, the Gila and the Guadalupe Mountains.
Collectively, they are referred to as the South Mountains.
There is no mistaking the highest point in the park - Mount Suppoa at 2,690 feet - as it’s covered with antenna towers whose blinking red lights dominate the Phoenix night sky.
Because the top of Mount Suppoa is home to many antennas, it is no longer open to visitors.
If you want to get to the second highest point in the park, drive up to the Dobbins Lookout, which is only about 30 feet below Mount Suppoa.
South Mountain Trails
All of South Mountain Park’s trails are multi-use trails so hikers, cyclists, horseback riders and those with dogs are all welcome. |
| The Judith Tunnell Trail is wheelchair accessible and has interpretive signs |
The park has a wide variety of trails, from very easy to extremely strenuous.
Several trails start at the South Mountain Environmental Education Center, near the park entrance, including the easy, barrier-free Judith Tunnell Trail.
This short, 1-mile trail has benches, shade ramadas, water fountains and interpretive signs that explain the natural and cultural history of the area.
It's a great trail for families with small children and those with mobility issues.
You can usually spot desert animals around here such as roadrunners, antelope ground squirrels and zebra-tailed lizards.
With over three million visitors annually, some South Mountain Park trails can be quite busy on weekends, especially during the spring wildflower season.
For less visited hikes, try the Javelina Canyon Trail on the east side of the park.
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| Green palo verde trees provide nesting spots for birds in the Pima Canyon area of South Mountain Park |
This Phoenix hiking trail is fairly easy and travels through some lovely desert.
Javelina Canyon is in the Pima Canyon area of South Mountain, not far from the Arizona Grand Resort, formerly known as the Pointe South Mountain Resort.
There are a variety of other trails in Pima Canyon area.
Although it’s popular with hikers and mountain bikers - especially on weekends - there are enough hikes to find solitude.
The area is a good example of Sonoran Desert habitat with ocotillos and a variety of cacti.
The Pima Canyon area is also a good place to see wildlife, particularly birds and reptiles.
For a good bird watching spot, hike the Pima Wash Trail in the morning to see native species such as Gambel’s quail, curve-billed thrashers and roadrunners.
The washes are also a great place to catch a glimpse of a coyote, ringtail cat or jackrabbit.
In the center of the park, the Kiwanis/Ranger Loop is a moderate hike that provides a quick and relatively uncrowded path to the mountain’s east-west ridge.
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| You'll get great views from many of the South Mountain trails |
Look for great views and colorful wildflowers after plentiful winter rains.
For great views of the Phoenix Mountains, Sky Harbor Airport, downtown Phoenix and even the distant Superstition Mountains, hike the National/Mormon Loop Trail.
But be forewarned, this loop is not only one of the most popular hikes in Arizona, it’s also a favorite mountain bike ride. The scenery is beautiful and the terrain is rugged.
The National Trail runs almost 15 up-and-down, scenic miles - all the way from Pima Canyon on the east side of the park along the mountain’s rugged ridgelines to the San Juan Lookout on the park’s west side.
It’s strenuous and for the well-conditioned hiker.
Some of the best views are from the Buena Vista Lookout off the National Trail.
There are several beautiful ancient petroglyph sites along the loop, left by the Hohokam people.
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| Some of the most popular South Mountain trails start at Buena Vista Lookout trailhead |
Another popular South Mountain Park hike is the trail to Hidden Valley.
This short, moderate hike starts off on the National Trail near Trail Marker 9. It follows a ridge and offers good city and mountain views, a great mix of cactus and nice wildflower displays in spring.
Its signature feature is Fat Man’s Pass.
This favorite spot is where the trail passes through a 20-foot long tunnel formed by massive, smooth granite boulders. The slit between the boulders is about one foot wide, hence the moniker "Fat Man’s Pass."
For those not willing to try the pass, there’s an easy route around the boulders.
Hidden Valley also offers ancient petroglyphs and isolated stands of the rare, unusual elephant tree.
This succulent is found in only a few locations in Arizona. South Mountain Park is the northern extent of its range.
While the highest point in South Mountain Park, Mount Suppoa is off limits, those wanting to have a peak experience can hike to the Dobbins Lookout.
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| One of the granite lookouts offers a sheltered view of South Mountain preserve |
At 2,330 feet, it’s the highest point in the park accessible by trail and not too far short of Suppoa’s 2,690 feet.
Begin at the Holbert Trail, which is about ½-mile east of the Environmental Center.
Take this trail for roughly 1.8 miles. Then go right up to the Dobbins Lookout, a steep 0.2 mile stretch.
Made out of local granite rubble, this and other park lookouts resemble natural rock outcroppings, imitating South Mountain’s natural peaks.
The trip to Dobbins Lookout is a strenuous, steep 4-mile round trip with an elevation gain of 1,000 feet.
South Mountain Wildlife and Plants
South Mountain wildlife species are diverse, but they are most easily seen in the morning and evening hours. |
| Desert tortoises are one of the many South Mountain Park wildlife species |
Be patient and you may spot some of the signature Arizona desert animals such as:
- desert cottontail rabbits
- tarantulas
- desert tortoises
- chuckwalla lizards
- roadrunners
- Harris’s hawks.
If you're lucky, you might even see a javelina or a coyote.
| √ Special Note on Desert Animals: Although you most likely will never see them, the preserve is home to rattlesnakes, Gila monsters and scorpions. Keep an eye out – always watch were you put your feet and hands. Never try to pick up or touch wildlife. |
Most of South Mountain Park is undeveloped desert typical of lower Sonoran Desert habitat.
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| Ironwood trees grow only in warmer desert areas like South Mountain |
That means that the landscape is drier and warmer than desert habitat on the northeastern side of the Phoenix valley.
Over 300 species of plants occur in the South Mountains.
Classic desert plants include creosote bush, green-barked palo verde trees and the purple-flowered ironwood trees.
Cacti are abundant and include barrels, pincushions, hedgehogs, cholla and prickly pears in addition to the tall, armed saguaro cactus.
If winter rains have been plentiful, South Mountain Park will have good wildflower displays in spring.
Look for the yellow-flowered brittlebush, Mexican gold poppy, orange-flowered globe mallow and purple lupine along the roadsides and hills.
Cooler, moister north-facing slopes generally have the most blooms.
South Mountain Preserve Visitor Amenities
A good place to start your exploration of the park is at the South Mountain Environmental Education Center. |
| The South Mountain Park Environmental Education Center |
Here you can view museum displays on the plants, animals and history of the South Mountains.
Park rangers can recommend hikes, provide trail maps and help you reserve one of the park’s picnic ramadas.
There are many picnic tables, shady ramadas and barbeque grills scattered throughout the park.
All are close to parking areas. Most are first come, first serve, though a few of the large, group picnic ramadas require signing up.
Park Fast Facts: South Mountain Park, Phoenix Arizona
What to See: Outstanding views from the summit; variety of desert plants and animals; wildflowers in spring after good winter rains; ancient petroglyphs; old mines.What to Know Before You Go:
- Access Note: San Juan Road, at the west end of South Mountain Park, is closed to vehicular traffic for resource recovery efforts except for the following times:the first weekend of each month, Saturday and Sunday from 5 am - 3 pm and during wildlflower season Saturdays and Sundays, February 23 to March 30, from sunrise to 5pm.
- Silent Sunday: South Mountain Park roads are closed past the Central Avenue gate to vehicles starting at 5:00 am for nonmotorized use only. Call for dates. All other park roads and parking areas remain open to vehicles.
- Some of the most popular trails have very heavy use, especially on weekends and holidays.
- Always carry plenty of water no matter what the season. Even if you think you don’t need it, you may encounter someone who does.
- This is an open, undeveloped desert area. Use care, caution and common sense while in the park. Never step on what you can step over, never step over what you can step around.
- Do not leave valuables in your car.
Season: October through May. Locals hike the trails year round but summer temperatures routinely exceed 100 degrees. Outdoor recreation in these temperatures should not be attempted.
Visitor Facilities: South Mountain Environmental Education Center; ranger-led programs; variety of trails for hiking, mountain biking and horse back riding; picnic tables and ramadas; restrooms; drinking water; fire pits; benches; horse staging area; activity complex. Call to reserve picnic ramadas.
Camping: Overnight camping is prohibited.
South Mountain Horseback Riding: Horses are allowed on all of South Mountain Park’s trails.
Dogs Allowed: Yes, but all dogs must be leashed.
Hours: Daily 5:00 am – 11:00 pm
The access road to the mountaintop closes at 9:00 pm.
Admission Fee: No.
Location: Approximately 10 miles south of downtown Phoenix.
Closest Town: Phoenix / Chandler.
Directions: To reach its main entrance and the South Mountain Environmental Education Center, take Interstate 10 south from downtown Phoenix to Baseline Road. Exit west on Baseline and drive to Central Avenue. Turn left on Central Avenue and take it straight into South Mountain Park. There are also several access points to some South Mountain Park trailheads along its eastern and southern edges.
Management: City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department.
Phone: (602) 534-6324.
Restrictions: South Mountain Park is a preserve; everything within it is protected by law.
- Do not remove, harass, tamper with or destroy plants, animals, or any historic, prehistoric or geologic items.
- Fires are allowed only in designated areas.
- No wine or hard liquor is allowed. A permit is required for beer.
- All glass containers (including beverage containers) are prohibited.
Desert Safety Tips:
- Summer hikes should only be done in the very early morning, though preferably not at all.
- Watch for lightning during the summer monsoon thunderstorm season.
- Carry plenty of water no matter the season.
- Be sure to wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Watch your footing on trails.
- Wear sturdy, hiking boots with good traction and ankle support.
Safety Note: Trail conditions are constantly changing. Before starting out, check with the public land agency that manages the area for current conditions or closures. Trail conditions can vary with season, weather and maintenance status.
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Each person has their own limits and capabilities. We cannot anticipate every hazard or possibly know your abilities and limitations. When you follow any of the hikes we mention, you assume responsibility for your own safety. It is your responsibility to be aware of traffic, road and trail conditions, weather, terrain, wildlife, your abilities and those of any companions as well as other factors.
The information in this review was accurate at the time of our visit. All contact information, availability, access, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the facility before making reservations and/or travel plans.
Legal Disclaimer: Arizona-Vacation-Planner.com accepts no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information.
