Nature and Parks in Phoenix

"Offering hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding opportunities on 51 miles of trails, South Mountain Park/Preserve is the largest wilderness area within city limits in the US, stretching over 17,000 acres of unspoiled desert. A scenic drive leads to the top of the mountain with stops for trailheads and a great viewpoint of the surrounding city below.The South Mountain Environmental Education Center offers a great introduction to the desert environment of the park, where interpretive indoor exhibits follow the history of South Mountain Park. At the center, “adventure packs” are available, specifically geared to help you explore nearby trails and learn about things such as local birds, insects, and flora.Inside the park, different trailheads are starting points for hikes of all lengths and levels, from short one-mile walks to strenuous 10-mile treks, some of them offering views of ancient petroglyphs left behind by the Hohokam who lived here thousands of years ago. Or, for a true Western experience, guests can take a horseback ride through the park." - MATADOR_NETWORK