South Mountain Park and Preserve
One of the largest municipal parks in the United States, with a drive up to Dobbins Lookout for sunset views and the nighttime city lights of Phoenix.
The park covers about 6,500 hectares and has more than 80 km of trails. You can hike, ride mountain bikes or go horseback riding, and along the way you can see rock art left by the ancient Hohokam people. The most popular activity is driving up Summit Road to Dobbins Lookout to look out over the city and its sea of lights after sunset. Entry is free, and the road is closed at night on a set schedule. In summer, avoid hiking at midday.
Opening hours
05:00–19:00 (road open until 22:00; seasonal adjustments)
Nearby sights
- Arizona Science Center
- Heritage Square & Rosson House
- Arizona Capitol Museum
- Roosevelt Row Arts District
- Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix (Ro Ho En)
- Phoenix Art Museum
- Heard Museum
- S'edav Va'aki Museum (Pueblo Grande)