Galleries & Museums
P. W. Litchfield Heritage Center
Litchfield Park Historical Society is rebranding to reflect its broader focus and is now known as the P.W. Litchfield Heritage Center....
P. W. Litchfield Heritage Center
This popular urban hike reveals the rugged beauty of the Sonoran Desert.
In the heart of the Phoenix metro area, Phoenix Mountains Preserve invites hikers and mountain bikers to set off on rugged, challenging trails. Steep slopes and loose-rock trails require visitors to keep their eyes on the ground here, no easy task when passing by giant saguaros and impossibly balanced rock formations. The challenge is clear from the parking lots at the bottom of Piestewa Peak. Hikers survey the climb ahead and make a decision — go up or go around?
Most hikers commit to the climb, the Valley floor’s toughest out-and-back hike rivaled only by Camelback Mountain. Piestewa’s Summit Trail is short at just over 1 mile to the top, but the trail has more than 1,200 feet of elevation gain. Hikers head single file up the Summit Trail on a relentless hike that goes straight up. Natural rock stairsteps, multiple switchbacks and railings in the most precarious spots help the cause. Precise footing and stamina get hikers to the top, where 360-degree views of the metro area and surrounding mountain ranges reward the effort.
Other trails at Piestewa Peak offer a flatter and less strenuous experience, but not by much. While rated moderate, the Freedom Trail is no slouch. It winds 4 miles around the base of the peak and features the same loose shale on the trail and includes steep ups and downs that hug the side of the mountain. Other trails meander through the surrounding desert washes and attract trail runners and hikers seeking solitude, but the trails at Piestewa Peak are too rough for mountain bikers. For fast and flowy rides through the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, head north of Piestewa Peak to the Dreamy Draw Recreation Area or south to the Quartz Ridge Trail to find hard-packed rocky singletrack.
Other summit hikes smack-dab in the middle of the metro offer the same amazing views but without the crowds. Lookout Mountain and North Mountain have less elevation gain than Piestewa and reward hikers with a great workout and spectacular valley views. Shadow Mountain is a longer hike that features gentle switchbacks to reach the summit. The Dreamy Draw Recreation Area brings even more picturesque hikes into the mix. For a complete Phoenix Mountains Preserve experience, Trail 100 stretches 11 miles from the northern fringe of the preserve into the city center. Mountain bikers pick up speed on the flatter sections of bumpy singletrack and navigate many technical, rocky climbs. Hikers enjoy the vast expanses of desert landscapes along trails that skirt the preserve’s urban summit hikes.
Cities
Phoenix is the capital city of Arizona and is located in the central region of the state. People may know it for its year-round sun, desert...
Cities
Looking to upgrade your travel experience? Welcome to Scottsdale, Arizona's vacation destination for fine dining, upscale shopping and luxury...
Head to the western gateway of the Superstition Mountains for epic hiking and camping trips.
Nature & Wildlife
Enter the Phoenix Zoo and explore a wondrous world of curiosity, imagination and discovery. Featuring more than 3,000 animals, including...
Galleries & Museums
Litchfield Park Historical Society is rebranding to reflect its broader focus and is now known as the P.W. Litchfield Heritage Center....
Spas & Luxury
Set amid the magnificent landscape of Scottsdale, Arizona, the Palo Verde Spa & Apothecary is inspired by the splendor of the Sonoran...
Sports
Peoria Sports Complex is a baseball complex and Spring Training Home of the Seattle Mariners & San Diego Padres. There are twelve...
The Old West
The Phippen Museum is named after local artist and first president of the Cowboy Artists of America, George Phippen. It presents...
Spas & Luxury
Immerse yourself in luxury at one of our three distinctive lifestyle experiences at The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale....
Performing Arts
Performing Arts
Phoenix Center for the Arts provides arts and culture opportunities for all through education, programming, and advocacy. Located in...
Road Trips & Itineraries
Phoenix Charter Bus Company is the #1 rated charter bus and bus rental service in Phoenix. Buses range from full-size, 55-passenger motor...
Arts & Culture
Phoenix Chinese Week continually strives to provide quality opportunities for cultural awareness, education, and exchange.
Shopping
Phoenix General is a polished boutique highlighting a curated selection of women's & men's clothing, home goods, & gifts inspired...
Performing Arts
Providing knowledge, workforce, and opportunities to the music and film industries and promoting innovation, creativity, and economic...
Shopping
Phoenix Premium Outlets serves as the premier shopping destination for locals and visitors alike looking for high sought after brands at...