Lots of hiking and mountain biking trails. Great place for some good sunset/sunrise pics. Bring lots of water as some of the trails are pretty decent walks. Many good parking spots to just sit, chill & blow some dro roads up the mountain close around 6. Beautiful place. All around. 10/10 would recommend.

This park is truly magnificent. You can see beautiful sites of the valley. A hazard to be careful of is bicyclists and drivers who dont have the patience to not pass them, especially in the dangerous curves. My friend and I witnessed three cars passing two cyclists in dangerous curves. The first one was able to pass them when there was no oncoming traffic. The second driver followed behind him and nearly hit an oncoming City of Phoenix truck, missing the truck by what seemed to be inches. After the truck passed, a third vehicle made a similar maneuver, but fortunately didnt have oncoming traffic. These situations could have been very tragic. Remember to always be careful. Dont take dangerous chances. It could one day end tragically for you and/or someone else.

Great place to take the family, gf, or wife. The park is open to the public. There are several places to see the sunsets. Hiking is common. They also have picnic areas.

Excellent hiking trails. Bathrooms available. Very amazing scenery of the city scape.

Omg wow, a great hang out place and wild rocks to climb. The rock mountain locations are so cool and are great for interesting pictures.

Love that you can drive right up and see all of the city from here. Really cool at sunset and to see all the city lights turn on once it’s dark.

The area I specifically was at was Holbert Trail. It was classified as a hard trail, but besides some incline and unstable rock terrain the trail was fairly easy. Dobbins view point wasnt accessible do to some renovation, so ended going to the end of the trail head and back. November weather was perfect and although a lot of people on the trail, everyone was spaced out.

Beautiful site to see!More than 16,000 acres, South Mountain Park/Preserve is one of the largest municipally managed parks in the nation and consists of three mountain ranges - the Ma Ha Tauk, Gila and Guadalupe. The park boasts more than 50 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. Additionally, the roadways throughout the park are a favorite for bicyclists. Dobbins Lookout, at 2,330 feet, is the highest point in the park that is available to the public. Accessed by both hiking trails and Summit Rd., the lookout is popular with tourists and locals alike, who want to get an unobstructed panoramic view of the Valley.

South Mountain is a beautiful place to go and get away from everything for awhile. There’s a lot to hike, plenty to see, and the wildlife is abundant. I love to go and watch the sunset and it is easily a photographer’s dream. Breathtaking view of Phoenix, and I feel like it really comes alive at night. The stars are clearer and it’s a wonderful place to go and clear your head. They’ve got plenty of places to sit up there, so you can bring breakfast/lunch/dinner and have an easy picnic. I highly recommend taking out of state guests here!

I love this Mountain Best Sunrise view . Easy trails and hikes.

There are trails for everyone here. If an easy-does-it is your speed, try the Desert Classic MTB Loop. Most of the trails rank in the moderate range, but one stands out in the hard category and that is the Holbert Trail. The first half mile of this trail is pretty easy going. After that it mostly look like the attached photo. The view at the top though...priceless!!!

What amazing views of Phoenix. The drive up is beautiful as you drive up South Mountain. Went with a friend and will be back. What a great area to hike. Everyone should check this out and soak in the beauty of Phoenix.

Amazing hiking and city scape views. Beginner to expert.

Out of city life in Natures lap for hours as much as you want. Open 5 am to 6pm. Be there by 5.30 am to get a decent parking spots.

Such beautiful views the Thunder Tank looked right at home in the parking lot. I should have some mountain views up on my site Blutintphotography soon. The place opens at 5 and closed at 11 No overnightn there for the Thunder tank and I. Its such a shame... with their winding roads that take you up to the top of the mountains being able to camp in ones camper up there, overnight... at 2333 ft would really take the cake.Its still most definitely worth the visit

Great for a hike. Brought my 5month puppy with us. He loved it too

Places to picnic out doors theres horses you can ride for a fee. Hike. There is many trails beautiful places for you and your family many places to see either phoenix outlook or happy valley outlook . Either way leaving feeling amazed!!! Please drive with caution . And go slow

The park is open to the public. There are several places to see the sunsets. Hiking is common. They also have picnic areas.

Great area to hike and bike. Great views come with moderately difficult trails of varying lengths.

Love the drive up and down the mountain. Always over crowded. Great park. Lots of hiking trails. Great pictures and good times.

Be careful with vehicles that don’t use a physical key. The electromagnetic interference from the antennas cause interference and you may not be able to start your car/motorcycle. Had to get towed to the bottom of dough mountain. But still an amazing ride and views!!

New views from the Loop 202. Saw a structure from the freeway and hiked the area and found a very cool old building and bee hive in a wash area! Great hike, beautiful scenery looking West toward the Estrella Mountains.

Pretty place to take a couple folding chairs and enjoy the beautiful AZ sunset or sunrise with your special someone. My 73 year old in-laws did the small little hike to see the view of Phoenix. Get out and enjoy the view.The view is just a few yards BEFORE the first gate entrance. There is a small parking lot to the right and the stone/brick structures are to the left...thats the area you park to hike about 250 feet to the mountain view of phx. Worth it!!!

Beautiful we loved the castle. And Ramone the tour guide was spectacular.

I have visited South Mountain Park and Preserve several times. It is full of amenities, hiking & mountain biking trails, and view points. I LOVED the view points. There is a paved road that goes to the top and allows you to overlook Phoenix. I highly recommend taking the drive! Quick tip: the preserve is over 16,000 acres! Download the app, Avem, to help you find South Mountain amenities.

Really cool at sunset and to see all the city lights turn on once it’s dark. I love to drive right up and see all of the city from here.

A great hang out place and wild rocks to climb. The rock mountain locations are so cool and are great for interesting pictures.

So the best outlook is closed! call ahead, the road is crazy and fun. We parked and walked to get a view and got a ticket! Really wanted more information and the visitors center was closed and no bathrooms.

Great views of the valley, fun drive to the top.

Excellent view of the entire valley...very impressive...when the breeze is just right hang glider enthusiasts do their thing jumping off the steep cliffs...cool

We hiked Mormon Trail to Hidden Valley Trail and through Fat Mans Pass. The first part was tough because it was a steep elevation gain but it got easier at the top and was well worth it. We are in our 50s and we are active but I would not say we are especially fit. The trail is clean, well marked, and the views of Phoenix and Tempe are gorgeous! It took us a few hours to complete. There were other hikers (all ages and some with dogs) and mountain bikers but not so many that we didnt get to proceed at our own pace. Beautiful trail!! Will definitely do it again.

The desert is crazy beautiful and life seems to struggle here. How ever the people seem to have built there homes on top on the park this is why the low rating

Ranger Johnson was amazing when we were low on water and energy! Nice, professional and reassuring. Made our rough day so much better!

A great place to go and experience 360 degree views of the surrounding areas, with excellent views of downtown Phoenix from multiple vantage points. Definitely a gem in the area.

Great place for hiking with loved ones... The view is very nice

Great scenic and breathtaking view of Phoenix. Totally worth the grueling sun and heat, though in hindsight, Id definitely go later or even in another season of the year. We were told to go to Dobbins Lookout but you couldnt drive in. There was security stopping people and watching. We stopped nearby and got an incredible sunset. We couldnt hike very far because it was so hard and that wasnt easy to do 7 months pregnant. All the picnic tables and areas although socially distant from one another were CAUTION tape roped off. We got a beautiful time lapse of the sunset there but you should be careful because we did see coyotes surprisingly close to the parking area.

Beautiful and so calming. Love that its so close to the horses. Nice place to take photos! and to gather around.

Best place in south Phoenix. I love it here. Its absolutely beautiful. I come here daily lol

It is a beautiful place for all the family ... where you can see the entire city of Phoenix

I hiked Holbert Trail to Dobbins Lookout on South Mountain when I was in Phoenix in February. The trail has a good mix of flats and incline. At the time, you get a great view of the city. While I enjoy the hike, it wasnt as scenic has other trails I did on this trip. If I had to choose between here or Papago Park, PP is much scenic in my opinion.

Amazing views of phoenix and the surrounding mountains. A must see for anyone interested in the area.

I was only able to hike around for about an but the views during that short time were stunning. This is my first time to Phoenix and I have enjoyed it. Very glad I was able to get out and see the hills. also stumbled upon a random pair of red shoes...

This place is gorgeous at sunset! My photos were taken at the Mormon Trailhead. I had a very memorable and positive hike - It’s not an easy one though. There’s lots of steep, slick stretches that are just begging for you to fall down, so if you come, be extra careful with your footing!

I recently did a photo hike at South Mountain and it is such a magnificent and pristine place. However, It is also a very hot and dry place. Do not overestimate it. Bring water, sunscreen, and an abundance of precaution. But most of all, pace yourself and have fun.South Mountain has many roads, trails, and hikes to match anyones activity level. If you were there last week, I was the one with the SLR and the tripod looking like a fish out of water. For one. I had the wrong shoes onFor another, this was my second ever photo hike and I was still learning my equipment. But aside from that, as I traipsed up the mountain and balanced my tripod on the rocky ground, I really had fun finding shots.Though overlooked by tourists (most preferring the Grand Canyon, Sedon, and the like, really who wouldnt), this place is worth a try. Really, check this place out.

Always fun to hike and enjoy the park. Fin things to see. Bring your water...

I love this park, my Wife or I take the kids 5 or 6 times a week for nature and exercise. A cautionary note, after sunset the coyotes are getting bold and have even approached us in the parking lot.

Absolutely, spectacular living environment of a desert ecosystem, with magnificent panoramic vistas of the natural beauty of the surrounding area.Including distant illuminated sights of majestic city of Phoenix.An absolute must visit.

Nice view, very relaxing, nice place to kick it, good family park, love it! Nice place to hang out with family and friends.

The trails are always well kept and its a great place for every level of hiker with so many different choices.

Best sunrise in phoenix get there just before 5am when gates open get up to the tv towers and sit back relax and allow life to slow down a moment

I tried to get into the reserve for 2 days but I didn’t make it in until the 3rd day. It was worth the drive that’s for sure. I truly adore this place and especially the views. Impeccable.

So many different trails to take of all different lengths great for all us different individuals. Very knowledgeable staff working at the visitor center and not too mention so very friendly. Will be back for sure.

Look mom i.m on top of the worldAhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

One of the largest city parks in the country. Great biking and hiking.

Find something new everytime. Loved seeing the horses at the Ponderosa.

I love it! There are plenty of trails and its a great place to take my dog for a nice little adventure. There are multiple little stages with electricity access for something like band performances. There are many benches and tables as well as grills to chill and eat. There are also bathroom facilities as well. Plenty of parking spaces as well. Beautiful scenery and great environment.

Great hiking and best 360° views of Phoenix. You wont run out of trails here!

It was expectacular!! Relaxing, awesome

One of my favorite places to go with the family to get away from everything and watch the sunset

I visited the area in February and again in May of 2019. On each occasion I went for a night hike and trail run. 14-15 miles in length, this rolling series of trails offers some great views at sunset. It is the Southwest region so watch out for snakes and scorpions.Bring your own water. There are no bathrooms located anywhere along the trailSome of the trails are gentle and rolling and others steep and require some high stepping and climbing. Young children accompanied by and adult would do fine as long as the adult is in shape and ready to help them out.Views of the city from the summit are great at night.

Its breath taking when you get to the very top the view is priceless

Beautiful hike, definitely not easy if you are doing the loop, about 6.5miles and the midlife crisis side is not a maintained active trail.End of the loop connection between 2 mountains there is some rock climbing with practically non existence path, get slippery and vertical, do not go with running shoes.Have enough water and snacks, this is a 3 hrs hike even distance wise it is not that long of hike.Utilize apps such as all trail to maintain route, trail branches frequently.Let other knows where you are hiking if hiking alone.

This place is great if youve got 30 minutes or 6 hours. Nice and challenging, though there is more introductory stuff as well. Ive been time and time again and love it.

Wow, what a beautiful place. Its like being outside in the wilderness with a picture size window look at the city. Not just one but all the valley cities with Phoenix right in the center. You can watch airplanes take off and land, you can see Camelback and mummy mountain. You can see why they named the mountain the white tanks. Looking to the north east you can even see the Arizona license plate in real life as you marvel at the 4 peaks. After all the tranquility and photos you realize I have a hike ahead of me. The trails are for everyone from beginners to advanced. I started with a beginner one mile jaunt that was challenging yet fun with more of that tranquility. Next time Ill stretch myself further into the great city escape right under its nose.

Great area to hike up and observe the city! In the summer, you need to start early as theres not much shade. Stay hydrated!

Mothers Day hike. My daughters, 3 absolutely BEAUTIFUL and best daughter that a mother can ever dream. Now they are unbelievable dedicated mothers. Im so proud of them.Our new tradition if going on mothers day to do a special hike. South Mountain have the best views and the weather was perfect. Feel blessed to be able to do it with my them.Highly recommend ♡♡♡

Great mountain with hundreds of trails

This place is just beautiful! Great views and hiking trail is good for those of us who do not like it too steep!

It was very scenic and you can overlook Phoenix. It has been 9 years since I have been and had grown but the view is always breath taking. I am from a lush green environment and it is nice to find beauty in other landscapes too.

There are lookouts facing north right when you pass the entrance and horse stables. Those are nice and have tons of seating for parties or gatherings. But if you have the extra 15 minutes, keep driving up the winding road until you get to the big lookout spot. The view is incredible. There were vendors selling handmade native jewelry, nothing over $50 and most items $10-20. It was windier and colder there. There are dozens of hiking trails. Just a great way to escape and enjoy nature for free.

We hiked South mountain off of 48th street and Elliot. Its a great hike for young children, the terrain is not rough and elevation is gradual for kids that are still finding their footing. If you want somewhat of a challenge dont walk the main trail. There are plenty of trails that go deeper into the mountain range where the terrain can get steep.

Holbert trail, plastic bottles left behind on the trail.. More signs needed to stress the importance of leaving trash behind.

The top you can see miles and miles you can see a town underneath clean nice hair

Amazing place to hike or just get away from everything. They have pavilions that have outlets to charge your phones and there are many awesome spots. They have one area, Ill attach a picture, it looks like a fairy tale. Love this place!!!

Nice trail I will be back

Absolutely one of the best places in Phoenix. Just have to see a sunset or a sunrise from this Place.

This was my first hike in Phoenix, and the views were absolutely amazing! Im not too experienced of a hiker, but this trail was not too difficult. Id consider it moderate. The trail is clearly labeled, but I did veer off trail for a little bit. I got a little too off trail and ended up doing more climbing than I expected. So, as long as you dont do that there is no climbing necessary. The trail is also dog friendly.

South Mountain is a great place for all to enjoy the wonders that God has created. The rocks; the cacti; the wildlife: it’s a genuine desert adventure in the heart of the southeast valley. Bring some snacks and plenty of water, and be sure to take sun protection seriously. Be nice to the wildlife—respect their home, as you would want your own home respected; if you see a snake: leave it alone and walk away safely.Have a great time and be blessed always

A wonderful place to hike and bring your family for a picnic or a short hike. Maybe just to overlook the valley and have peace and quietness.

Sad to see everyones trash left behind! But still an amzing view of the city!

Went on the Bursea trail. Very nice and easy. Beautiful in February. All the rains had lent a hand at helping the flowers bloom.

I love going to South mountain park. This is a great place to take your kids or visitors. There are plenty of places to see the vistas of the valley without getting out of your car. And there are short and long walking trails for every level. I like to take people there who have never been to the valley before its a great way to see the desert. See pictures here are looking North into the City of Phoenix.

The scenery was very pretty there. Everything was closed when we went, but we got to see the little old Western town, horses, and a baby colt! Nice place/area to visit.

Excellent city desert park. Not a lot of amenteries but great hiking

Great views. Parking a lil tough but worth it

South Mountain Park spans around 16,000 acres and consists of three mountain ranges. It is ideal for cycling, hiking, road drive and horse riding. The highest point in the park called the Dobbins Lookout offers stunning panoramic view of the valley. A stone structure at the top offers shady seating, and a small observation platform identifies various Phoenix landmarks visible from the view, including Camelback and more local mountain ranges. I loved driving to the top of the park enjoying the scenic views in the evening. My trip concluded by watching the beautiful sunset at the Dobbins Lookout.

Great Park. They have easy hikes or they have a little more challenging hikes. A little something for everyone.

Always a great place BUT it was so packed only 2 main lookout spots open up top. Very Very crowded on a Sunday.

This was such a beautiful hike. I went in mid-March in the morning and wether and temperatures were perfect. Trails are easy to navigate, though at some points feel narrow.Definitely pack sunscreen for yourself, and keep yourself cool by dressing in layers if the hike starts off with cooler temperatures (I shed my jacket about halfway into the hike)I would not recommend this hike to a beginner though, so bring good shoes and plenty of water.

Awesome drive and one of my favorite things to do in Phoenix. Great views of the city, some wildlife, and neat scenery.

I heard it has nice views from the top. However, it was closed so we couldn’t go to the top of the mountain.

Beautiful trails, great easy way to get out of the city.

Very cool place to visit. The road is amazing

Great multi directional views including a great view of the entire Phoenix metro area. Be very careful though, what would otherwise be a great driving road is LITTERED with cyclists, bad drivers, and people in the street, so go slow, and be careful

Great hike. Everyone wore masks when they got closer to other people.

Very exciting experience to be able to coyote watch while hiking. Loved the experience! Amazing views!

Great place to get your exercise plan started

A hard hike to the top of the mountain with two stops to enjoy the view, one at the half way mark and another to the top, all around difficult hike that will make you enjoy the vast view of the south phoenix metro area.

DO NOT go here during the daytime in the summer. I made that horrible mistake. The views are amazing and it’s very scenic.

Wonder place. Looks like it did 30 years ago.