South Mountain Park Trails

Made it up the mountain for the sunset view and it's worth trip! The sunset over the valley was beautiful. If you love hiking there are many trails that aren't too difficult but make sure to wear proper footwear.

I would love to describe this place to you, but I’d rather let you find out how unbelievably beautiful this place is on your own as I did. Blown away. Seriously.

At over 16,000 acres, South Mountain Park and Preserve is one of the largest municipal parks in the country. Start a visit at the South Mountain Environmental Education Center, hike, bike and ride more than 58 miles of trails, or follow the road to the top of the mountain for spectacular views.

Nice place to hike, lots of different trails for all levels. We went a couple of different days to different parts of the park and enjoyed our hikes. Always take plenty of water.

Although Visitor Center is closed Monday-Wednesday, we still enjoyed our visit. Traffic was light on the winding , narrow road to the top and there was ample parking (which is a problem on more popular days). We had a picnic lunch at top. Make sure you bring your own water.

Hiked in this area at the beginning of this month, and I did not see any wildlife. I decided to start with Ranger Trail due to Holbert Trail being closed. The trail was nice. We made it to the top where Ranger Trail becomes National Trail. It was cool, but unfortunately, where we parked were no restrooms or water fountains. This is one of the free activities you can do in Phoenix.

South Mountain Park is a must-visit if you’re in Phoenix! It offers breathtaking views of the city and has a variety of hiking trails for all levels. We hiked up to Dobbins Lookout, and the panoramic view from the top was absolutely stunning. The trails are well-maintained, and there are plenty of spots to stop and take in the scenery. If you go, make sure to bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. The sunset views from the park are also incredible! Whether you’re into hiking, biking, or just enjoying nature, this place is perfect. Highly recommended!

Closed for “Silent Sunday.” We wasted a 40 minute drive to get here. Too hot to hike up in the middle of the day. What a disappointment. So many cars were turning around, get a clue… you shouldn’t have this park closed all day!

We were literally the only car in the park today. We parked on the gravel shoulder to get photos and the park employees lovingly left us a $100 parking ticket. There are no signs prohibiting parking on the shoulder. It doesn’t matter to these overzealous Phoenix city employees that need to make their quota. Beware if you are from out of town. The City of Phoenix doesn’t take kindly to visitors. Avoid this one and visit another park not run by the city.

Well we tried to visit here! We had come to the Central Ave drive location, from N. Scottsdale, and it was hubby and my last day out of 8 nights staying in Scottsdale, so had to come here. We get to the entrance area, and noticed cars were all turning around, and we saw as we got closer that the road up to Dobbin's Lookout was closed, due to a charity run! How awful was that, that so many people had come to travel up the mountain, and they couldn't. I understand that money was being raised for a cause, but whomever planned this location, should have chosen another location, not a major tourist destination. We had to leave, as there is no other road up there, and the organizers would have known that. Here I was wanting to show my hubby the lovely view from up top, to see the vastness of the greater Phoenix area. I rated this lower, due to this road closed situation, and it's not the attraction's fault! At least I know what it looks like, as I had been before, with my mom in the late 80's.

Hey I lost my dog at this park she ran off chasing something I looked up and it was already dark I could just hear her echos in the darkness then the coyotes came out and she was a small Chihuahua do you guys respond?

Interesting. Yield to faster traffic

Haven't been here in over 25 years. WOW! The place is great! Highly recommend the Visitor Center!

Excellent hike and view of the valley.

Super beautiful place with nice views if you climb enough. Amazing animals. Excellent for exercise!

Great views, fun recreation and plenty of history make this hill worth the trip..

very nice view!!!!

Majestically beautiful! The views from South Mountain were breathtaking. We were also lucky enough to experience a sandstorm sweeping across Phoenix, covering the city in a dramatic cloud of dust. An unforgettable experience! 🌵🌪️

absolutely beautiful here! i was in awe of the natural desert landscape, the historic trading posts, and the South Mountain Visitor Center- it was super informative, especially about how essential Indigenous history is to learn & remember when it comes to Arizona as a whole. i will always remember this park as one that truly showed me a glimpse into what Arizona has to offer.