South Mountain Park and Preserve
- Park
- Regional draw
- Phoenix
South Mountain Park and Preserve rises along the southern edge of Phoenix with desert slopes, ridgelines, and an extensive trail network.
The terrain offers a close encounter with the Sonoran Desert as well as broad views across the metropolitan area. Different trailheads serve very different outings, from short walks to demanding climbs.
Choose a route that fits your fitness and the weather, and carry more water than a city walk would require. Check current trail, road, and heat restrictions before setting out; the exposed landscape offers little relief from summer conditions.
Visitor details reviewed October 17, 2026. Check official visitor information for current access, admission, and operating arrangements. View on OpenStreetMap.
Image credit: Iterat at English Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons. Original source. CC BY-SA 3.0. Resized and converted to WebP; may be cropped for display.
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