Where are the best scenic overlooks in and around Phoenix? (Fountain Hills: hotel, neighborhoods)

[angelko]

Hi, I would like to find a nice scenic overlook where I can get a good view of the city from my car. I know there are a many mountains I can hike up but I want to be able to go at night too so am looking for someplace where I can drive. Someplace where I can park and chill out for some time while enjoying the view of the city lights.
Anyplace like that in the valley?
Thanks

[miamiman]

Originally Posted by angelko

Hi, I would like to find a nice scenic overlook where I can get a good view of the city from my car. I know there are a many mountains I can hike up but I want to be able to go at night too so am looking for someplace where I can drive. Someplace where I can park and chill out for some time while enjoying the view of the city lights.
Anyplace like that in the valley?
Thanks

South Mountain. Take Central Avenue as far south as possible.

[garisonthebull]

Miamiman Said it best the one and only South Mountain. However if you are lucky you can meander your vehicle on the south side of Camelback Mountain up Camelhead Trail towards the Castle and get a couple nice views as well. The problem is, it is a very wealthy neighborhood, with lots of security and narrow roads, so your stay will need to be short.

[wit-nit]

Fantastic views from either the Squaw Peak area or Camelback Mountain area, as well as the South Mountain views.

[cmist]

Can you go up South Mountain at night though? I know there is a gate at the entry and not sure when it closes. That was my first thought too but didnt post it because I wasnt sure if it was open at night.

Camelback Mtn has drivable roads with great views but true, its private property and loitering cars will be viewed as suspicious.

I'm not aware of any roads that drive up Squaw Peak either where you are actually permitted to park and lounge? Where at?

This place should have more places where you can do that type of thing that isnt private property. When I was younger and dating we would find areas to hang out in various neighborhoods and look at the city, but we were also chased out by a helicopter one time. They just kept the spotlight on us until we drove away and shined it down on us the whole way out.... since it wasnt technically a "public" gathering place. We were doing nothing wrong... just admiring the views and not making a ruccus. Other occasions of doing this same thing also resulted in encounters with authority. Now, the idea of parking anywhere to view the city conjures up feelings of fear and anxiety, that we are going to get "caught" and I think thats a real shame.

Last place I remember where you were actually allowed to park your car and see views of the city at night was at Fountain Hills Scenic overlook. However thats gone now, and if my eyes didnt deceive me, I think its now a Fry's Supermarket!!! Maybe go drive to the parking lot of Fry's???

What a waste. Grocery stores win in favor of scenic overlooks. Its a perfect example of why I dont like this city. There was no need for Frys there. If you drive a few minutes down the road there are lots of other grocery stores. It was probably the last thing the area needed.

[Ponderosa]

Couple ideas:

Rustlers Rooste near 48th and Baseline. Sit by a mesquite fire on the patio, have a drink and take in the view.

Head out US60 toward Canyon Lake. As you start to go into the foothills there are great views behind you. Turn around and pull over somewhere.

Star Tower at Estrella. Large waterfall with a stone observation tower that you walk up to the top. Best for star-gazing as this part of town is not as developed, but some city lights too. There is a parking area just past the waterfall and a short hike from there to the tower area.

[cmist]

Does anyone agree that there ought to be more outlets to actually park and view the city without "breaking the law"?

The other options offered by Ponderosa

Rustlers Roost: Dining experience, not exactly a drive your car up a mountain and chill thing. Maybe a great way to spend the evening out but comes with a price tag.

Sitting alongside US60: the peace you are seeking to find by driving uphill to see city lights will be interrupted by oncoming traffic headlights as well as the noise and wind that shakes your car as people zoom by at highway speeds. Also, likely to attract attention from police wondering if you are alright.

I know nothing about Estrella, but this is new to me and sounds like something to check out.

Not trying to be a downer but trying to know if anyone else thinks the city should provide a few more escapes to enjoy views that dont require fancy dining or owning hillside property.

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by cmist

Not trying to be a downer but trying to know if anyone else thinks the city should provide a few more escapes to enjoy views that dont require fancy dining or owning hillside property.

The close-by mountains are all "preserves" and parks. I don't think building a road up one or two would be acceptable to most. S. Mountain was done in a different age and is about as good as it is going to get.

[KarmaPhx]

For a great view, check out the Different Pointe of View restaurant at the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs. You don't need to eat either, they have a lounge for drinks.

The restaurant is located in the North mountain preserve, you have EXCELLENT views of the downtown skyline, and pretty much everything south of Cactus Rd.

I used to work at the hotel, and I always too my girl to the restaurant, it's pricey because it's a legit 5 star restaurant, but it's worth it IMO.

Here's a shot, it doesn't show downtown though"

Moderator cut: sorry, no copyrighted photos

[cmist]

Originally Posted by Ponderosa

The close-by mountains are all "preserves" and parks. I don't think building a road up one or two would be acceptable to most. S. Mountain was done in a different age and is about as good as it is going to get.

I think we could spare one of these preserves for a nice overlook that people can use. Its still preserved, it just makes it driveable and adds something to hang out and do at night if you arent the hiking at night type, which I dont think is allowed in the preserve anyhow.

It seriously bugged me when I saw the Ft. Hills overlook turned into a Frys parking lot, and makes me wonder how safe are all these "preserves" if thats the way the city handles land use?

Id rather see them cut a road up it and make an overlook than give us MORE shopping OVERKILL!!!!!