Volume 11 , Issue 25

South Mtn Park View of Phoenix AZ

This is one of Phoenix' most notable geologic features, and is also the world's largest municipal park. You can hike, bike, go horseback riding and more, or just drive up to the top.

The city looks peaceful from atop the peak and you may see the Valley's beauty and vast size from that vantage point. After a long, winding, dizzying drive to the top you'll find a rugged parking area and the spectacular view can't be missed. As a warning, they say that the drive to the top can be a bit intimidating and unnerving, considering the blind turns and steep drops.

However the splendor at the top is worth the trip. If you're comfortable driving down in the dark, you can watch the city transform from daylight to darkness, while watching a famed Arizona sunset from the mountain peak, seeing spectacular, fiery colors color the sky to the west, while cooler dark hues slowly creep over the city from east-to-west.

The City of Phoenix website says, "At over 16,000 acres, South Mountain Park/Preserve often is referred to as the largest municipal park in the country. It boasts 51 miles of primary trails for horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking for all ability levels. The park/preserve's main entrance is open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Hours vary at other trailhead locations; check the hiking map for specific hours."

Highest Point -- Mount Suppoa (not accessible to the public) reaches 2,690 feet. Dobbins Lookout, at 2,330 feet, is the highest point in the park accessible by trail.

The history of South Mountain Park/Preserve dates back to 1924. The City of Phoenix website says, "Prominent local citizens, with the help of Sen. Carl Hayden, bought 13,000 acres from the federal government for $17,000. In 1935 the National Park Service developed a master plan for the park with riding and hiking trails, picnic areas and overlooks, all in rustic regional character. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built many of the facilities in the park, based on this master plan. Visitation at the park has gone from 3,000 a month in 1924 to three million a year today. Photos and artifacts at the South Mountain Environmental Education Center give a glimpse into the early history of the park and the CCC's construction work."

South Mountain Park/Preserve actually consists of three mountain ranges, the Ma Ha Tauk, Gila and Guadalupe. They stretch diagonally from northeast to southwest. Major plant species found in the park are bursage, brittlebush, creosote cush, palo verde trees and saguaro cactus.
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