South Mountain Park

View of Camelback Mountain From Dobbin's Lookout

View From South Mountain

With close to 17,000 acres, South Mountain Park is the world's largest city park. It's one of the Phoenix icons like "Camelback Mountain" and "Superstition Mountain". From a distance, South Mountain looks like one big dead mountain, but those that hike it realize that it features some gorgeous scenery and great horizon views in all directions. South Mountain features some of the most popular urban hiking and biking trails in the city and also very enjoyable horseback riding. The mountain is 11 miles across and is home to more than 150 animal species and two mountain ranges including "Ma Ha Range" and "Guadalupe Range".

There's A Lot of Ancient History Here

Petroglpyh At South Mountain Park

The ancient Hohokam Indians and possibly prehistoric peoples before them roamed this area as evidenced by the petrogyphs carved into rocks almost everywhere you look. Enjoy these artifacts left as a gift by the ancient Native Americans and try to imagine what life was like thousands and thousands of years ago. Ruins of stone structures also speak of other people in another time. Please don't touch the petroglyphs. They have been worn down through human touching and we all want to protect these relics to be enjoyed by future generations.

The Mystery Castle

Located within the park's foothills is the famed Mystery Castle. This dwelling is home to the founder's daughter. The structure is a conglomeration of stone, adobe, cement, and some say goat milk that forms a castle-like home. Built for by Boyce Gulley during the 1930s for his daughter, the home's interior is no longer open for tours, but many visitors still marvel at the exterior view.

South Mountain Picnic Areas

South Mountain Park Cactus

There are over 50 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trials and more than 2 million visitors trek this mountain preserve every year. But whether you hike or just want to picnic and enjoy the scenery and the great outdoors, the park has many large and small ramada covered picnic areas that include picnic tables, barbecue grills and restrooms. The smaller group areas are available on a first-come basis. Larger group areas, one of which will accommodate 5,000 people must be reserved in advance. There are even concrete dance floors. Although some areas permit alcohol and music entertainment by permit, a couple of areas do prohibit alcohol and music. The views across the Valley below are incredible from these view points. For more information and reservations, call (602) 534-6324 or visit the South Mountain Environment Education Center at 10409 South Central Avenue.

Scenic Drives at South Mountain

There are several scenic drives that originate from the park's main entrance at Central Avenue. Just take Central Avenue South from Baseline Road and you'll run right into the entrance. Dobbin Lookout is a scenic 5.5 mile drive. Stay on the main entrance road and it will become Summit Road.

Dobbin's Lookout Point

The San Juan Road follows a valley between the two ranges at South Mountain. Stay on the main road and at the 1.5 marker, the road turns left where a marker designated San Juan Road. Follow the main entrance to Big Ramada which will reward you with the best views of the city. Find the communication towers with the red lights on top, then turn right and another right will take you to Gila Valley Lookout on the south side of the towers. From here on a clear day you can see Tempe, Chandler and Mesa. On a really clear day one can see Picacho Peak almost to Tucson, Arizona.

Horseback Riding At South Mountain

Arizona Horses Ranches (Ponderosa Stables)
10215 South Central Avenue.
(602) 276-5862

Nestled in the foothills of South Mountain Park, the largest city park in the world, Ponderosa Livery Stable offers over 50 miles of trails criss-crossing through 18,000 acres of pristine Sonoran Desert. There's more adventure here than you can imagine, exploring the vast majestic beauty under the watchful eye of our guides and riding our first rate horses. Ponderosa Livery Stable is the only guided horse rental concessionaire in South Mountain Park. We look forward to serving our out-of-town guests as well as the residents of Phoenix.

Enjoy Trail Rides, Breakfast Rides, Steak Dinner Rides, Lunch Rides, and Wagon Rides

Hiking Trails At South Mountain

Mormon Trail

Length:1.1 Miles
Difficulty:Moderate to difficult.
Elevation Gain:1,000 feet
Hours Open:5:30 AM to 7:30 PM
Location:24th Street and Valley View Avenue (South of Baseline Road)

Beverly Canyon Trail

Length:1.5 Miles
Difficulty:Easy to moderate
Location:8800 South 48th Street (South of Baseline Road)

Javelina Canyon Trail

Length:1.7 Miles
Difficulty:Easy to moderate
Location:South 46th Street (South of Baseline Road)

Pima Canyon National Trail

Length:14.3 Miles
Difficulty:Moderate to difficult. Horses not recommended
Hours Open:5:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Location:9904 South 48th Street & Guadalupe Road

Desert Classic Trail

Length:9 Miles
Difficulty:Moderate to difficult
Hours Open:5:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Location:9904 South 48th Street & Guadalupe Road

Telegraph Pass Trail

Length:1.5 Miles
Difficulty:Easy to moderate
Hours Open:5:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Location:North of Desert Foothills Parkway & 6th Street

Holbert Trail

Length:2.5 Miles
Difficulty:Difficult. Steep and long
Location:Left of the Main Entrance at Central Avenue

Kiwanis Trail

Length:1.0 Mile
Difficulty:Moderate. Steep towards the end
Location:Left of Main Entrance on Central Avenue

Ranger Trail

Length:1.4 Miles. One way.
Difficulty:Moderate. Steep switchbacks toward top end
Location:Left at 1 mile marker through Main Central Avenue entrance

Bajada Trail

Length:2.0 Miles
Difficulty:Easy to moderate
Hours Open:Closes at sunset
Location:Drive about 2 miles from Main Central Avenue entrance. Turn right toward San Juan Valley. Turn left into gravel parking lot at the 2.5 marker.