South Mountain Park and Preserve

Name: South Mountain Park and Preserve
Address: 10919 S Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85042, USA, Phoenix, AZ, US
Telephone: (602) 495-5458
Rating: 4.8

4.8(9,938) Phoenix, AZ

Directions Website

About South Mountain Park and Preserve

South Mountain Park and Preserve offers a diverse range of outdoor experiences, from easy, scenic hikes suitable for younger children to challenging, rewarding treks for older kids and teens. Its unique value lies in the breathtaking panoramic views, spectacular sunsets (especially at Dobbin's Lookout), and opportunities to spot wildlife amidst vast desert landscapes.

What parents should know

Summarized from real visitor reviews.

Best for: Families looking for easy, scenic hikes with younger kids.Families with older kids/teens seeking a challenging but rewarding trek with a sense of accomplishment.Sunset viewing with breathtaking desert backdrops.Wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.Longer family vacations where multiple days of exploration are desired.

Why families love it

Breathtaking summit views that offer a profound sense of accomplishment.
Spectacular sunsets with vibrant desert colors, particularly from Dobbin's Lookout.
Trails that accommodate varying difficulty levels, including enjoyable easy paths suitable for younger children.
Wide sections of paths allow walking comfortably with a partner.
Abundant wildlife can be spotted throughout the preserve.
Well-organized events and helpful rangers/volunteers (as noted in a large annual event).

Insider tips

For families with younger children, seek out the 'easy' trails, which are described as enjoyable and suitable for them.
If planning a long, strenuous hike (e.g., 15.5 miles), ensure children are experienced hikers, pack trekking poles for severe declines, and carry ample water (4-5 liters per person).
To avoid heavy traffic and crowds for sunset viewing, visit on a weekday or arrive early on non-holidays.
Be aware that trail markers can sometimes be confusing; consider a map or GPS, especially when hiking with children.
Consider arranging a ride to bypass the last 2 'irritating' miles of longer treks to maximize enjoyment.

Good to know before you go

Visiting on holidays due to heavy traffic and crowds that may prevent access to the best viewpoints.
The last 2 miles of the very long 15.5-mile trek, as they are described as uninteresting and irritating.
Challenging trails without proper hydration (4-5 liters of water per person) and trekking poles for severe declines, especially with less experienced hikers.
Some trails can be confusing, making navigation challenging at times.
Heavy traffic and crowds on holidays can prevent access to popular spots like Dobbin's Lookout.

Crowds: Can feel spacious even with large groups (e.g., 300 people) on specific event days.
Value: Pricing is not mentioned in the provided reviews, but the experience is described as 'awesome' and a 'highlight' for vacationers, suggesting high perceived value for entry (if any).
Food: No specific food policy mentioned. However, reviewers strongly emphasize the necessity of bringing ample water (4-5 liters for longer hikes) due to the desert environment.
Accessibility: No specific accessibility accommodations mentioned for those with special needs or mobility challenges. Trails vary in difficulty, implying some might not be universally accessible.
Safety: Presence of 'lovely rangers and volunteers' noted during organized events, suggesting a degree of oversight and support.

What parents say

Shambri Murphy

5.0

"I did the annual national trail event and this was great, the whole thing was well organized and everyone was so positive. You would think with 300 people on the trail it would be crowded but it was spacious. It was a 15.5 mile trek but I would recommend just arranging for a ride at the end of the mountain instead of the last 2 miles of the trail. It’s nothing to look at and just irritating once you finished the entire mountain. You absolutely need trekking poles because the decline switchbacks are severe. I think I went through 4-5 liters of water and make sure you watch throughout the hike. "

3 months ago

Anup Lamichhane

4.0

"South Mountain Park and Dobbin’s Lookout are incredible spots to catch a magical sunset over Phoenix. The views are breathtaking, and the vibrant desert colors as the sun sets are unforgettable. However, visiting on a holiday can mean heavy traffic and crowds, which might prevent you from reaching the top. Even from ground level, the sunset is stunning, but for the best experience, try going on a weekday or arrive early to avoid the rush. Definitely a must-visit for nature and sunset lovers!"

3 months ago

Dyneil M

5.0

"Beautiful, it was s a little confusing at times where it seems trails end. Still a beautiful hike and very enjoyable. Not too tough at all I would consider it more easy. Kids even younger kids can hike this. Love the rocks that you can sit on and take a water break. Most the path allows you to walk with a partner next to you."

3 months ago

Reviews sourced from public Google data.