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Phoenix offers the great outdoors right at your doorstep.
Within minutes you can set foot on some of the most spectacular
sites on the planet. We especially love South
Mountain Park its 16,500 acres making it the world’s largest
city park. Head south from downtown Phoenix on Central Ave.
about 7 miles to the entrance (see tip/directions).
There
is so much to explore that it might rate two visits- one on
foot and another on horseback. Pick up information on hiking
trails (easy to difficult) and other park options such as
horseback riding (see tip) and mountain biking
at the entrance. You will forget you are in the city as you
hike Fat Man’s pass, a South Mountain favorite, complete with
petroglyphs and a chance to squeeze through a natural rock
crevice.
Centrally
located Squaw
Peak Recreation Area (see tip for directions)
is very popular with Phoenix residents and visitors. It gives
the hiker/stroller three possibilities: trail #300 is the
summit hike and the most challenging; #302 is the circumference
trail and is noted for a more gradual ascent and makes a good
family walk; #304, the
Squaw Peak Nature Trail, a 1.5 mile loop is perfect for
a leisurely stroll through a beautiful desert environment.
Considering the location you can count on discovering something
new at every turn.
For panoramic
views, towering cliffs, caves and fantastic rock formations
look no farther than Phoenix’s most prominent landmark- Camelback
Mountain in the Echo Canyon Recreation Area (see
tip). Visible from all over the Valley, Camelback
lures the intrepid hiker to reach the top of this 2.32mile
round-trip climb (not recommended for children). There are
ample rewards along the way but the real prize comes with
the views at the summit.
For a
change of pace, you can make it up to the kids by planning
a visit to Encanto
Park. This 222 acre oasis of palm trees and blue lagoon
is in downtown Phoenix at 15th Ave. and Encanto Blvd. What
child doesn’t enjoy feeding the ducks, casting a line, and
exploring the waterways from a pedal boat or canoe. Encanto
Park is a great place for an impromtu picnic, a swim,
or a game of golf or tennis. Ages 2-10 years are invited to
Enchanted Island
for a carousel or train ride along with other fun rides and
attractions. Parents note: ticket prices are very reasonable.
Go to http://www.enchantedisland.com/
for map and other info.
Tip:
Check nearby stables such as Ponderosa
Stables and South Mountain Stables for guided rides through
the park. Scroll to bottom of web page for directions to stables
and to South
Mountain Park from various Valley locations.
Tip:
South Mountain Park Visitor and Interpretive Center is open
daily except Sundays. Info and maps can be obtained at the
gatehouse entrance for Sunday visitors.
Tip:
Squaw Peak Recreation Area is located at 2701 East Squaw Peak
Drive near 24th St. and Lincoln. Pick up the circumference
trail by going past the summit trail parking area to the last
ramada.
Tip:
Camelback is in the Echo Canyon Recreation Area at East
McDonald and Tatum Blvd. (see
map). If you head east on McDonald after your hike you
can check out Scottsdale.
Safety
tip: Be prepared! Always carry plenty of water for
even the shortest desert excursion; other essential items
to ensure a happy and safe outing include: sunscreen, lip
balm, hat, sturdy shoes, and nonperishable snacks.
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