南山公园

laurae24

My sister and I did a 5 mile loop with the Mormon, National and Hidden Valley trails. The trails are well traveled so you know where to walk for the most part. I would still suggest familarizing yourself with the map before setting out on the trail because when you hit a sign you have to know where you want to go for your loops. Also bring H20, it is warm and dry! Finally WATCH OUT for mountain bikers, they can get moving at a fast clip and are not very vocal to warn you they are coming.

CindyS756

The drive up to the lookout was beautiful scenery, but not for the city driver. The posted speed limit was 25 mph, but 15 MPH would be recommended. When you get to the top, the view is breathtaking! We saw the last of the sunset over the mountains and then Phoenix lit up with the night lights! A must see if you are in Phoenix!

Don_Falconer

This is a gem within the Phoenix area. My wife had already visited on a group tour and insisted the rest of us should see. I'm glad she did. Very nice.

564juld

This large park has something for everyone: hiking, picnicking, wildlife, scenic points, horseback riding, biking or just relaxing. The park is large enough to allow you to feel all alone when on the trails. Water,sun protection, and good shoes a must as the desert is a hot hot place. The trails are well marked and the staff helpful. The views are outstanding. Hikes can be easy or challenging, but never never forget water and a hat. Wearing pants when hiking adds a level of protection. Remember to bring your cell phone, just in case.

FishinPhil

This morning started out with a good paced hike up Holbert Trail. Topped off with a drive to the summit where the view of the Phoenix area is Spectacular! Well worth the drive and it's all free.

PastorJeff

It was easy to locate and very beautiful, but lots of people that we had to work around. The view is worth it!

Zaytajett

Trails for hiking or biking. Nice view of Phoenix from the south. There is also bus service to south mountain from 7th st. Downtown which is great if you are backpacking or chose not to cycle there.

sammye2015

a bit confusing as to where the parking area was.lots of old rustic buildings at the front of the park; very veryconfusing.--best hike in all of Phoenix!!

northernk

Simply saying happy this place was saved. The view isn't what it once was, with all the particulates and air pollution, can't see as far as natives to the area, can remember seeing, but it's still a great place to get a view of the city. There is great hiking paths and horseback riding available in the area as well.

aggiea2014

New and exciting views, and topography. A bit confusing with the lack of visible signs for actual paths but we managed to find our way, even with a toddler.

TeanyTinyWoman

We took the Mormon trail to Hidden Valley and looped back via the National Trail. We went with our two boys aged 7 and 10 with a picnic lunch. Moderately easy climb. Though the elevation goes from some 1250 to 2500 feet (approximately) on this trail, there are large stretches of flat terrain or very gentle slopes making it a relatively straightforward family activity. No toilets or water fountains so be sure to equip yourself appropriately. Delighted to find it clean throughout with no litter. Spectacular scenery! Amazing beauty which was a bit surprising given the desolate harsh terrain. Stopped several times to admire cactii, boulders, the view of phoenix. Would love to return. Took 3.5 hours overall.

157dawnb

This is the place to go if you're like me, from the east, and have only seen the iconic "cactus" on drawings and old westerns lol. We must've looked so silly to anyone from the area who grew up seeing those cactus haha. The drive up and around the mountain can make your heart race sometimes because it can look like you are just literally inches from going off the side into a ravine. But the trails are beautiful and the occasional prairie dog sighting is cute. The overlook of the urban Phoenix area is incredible. You get the best of both worlds in this park.

Taco42

South Mountain Park is the largest municipal park in the US. We chose to drive the road to Dobbins lookout. There is much to see in this park so check out the website for trails etc. We love those curvy roads and took the Dobbins Lookout Summit Road. The road is about 5.5 miles long and at the peak is 2,330 feet in elevation. The road is narrow but has several pull offs for photo ops. Dobbins lookout is a great reward at the end with beautiful vistas of the entire Phoenix area basin. It is especially lovely at sunset. The road is open late so take a drive and enjoy the view if you are in the area.

Buddi2365

Drove to the top and wow - amazing views to the west, north and east. Unless you like a strenuous hike then I suggest you drive to the top, take in the views and drive back to the main entrance and hike - walk the nature trail. Very informative. You can join several trails part way up from the paved road but again, uphill or own, your knees will really feel it and BRING WATER.

connieo108

We hiked up the mountain with a very fit family member. We are not very fit. It was a beautiful day! I recommend wearing good hiking shoes and bring a good supply of water.