Parks & Recreation
The Valley’s continuously warm climate makes for an idyllic setting most of the year. Few places in the US provide more opportunity for golf, baseball, hiking, mountain biking, or just about anything else you do outdoors. Winter sports are the exception. But believe it or not, it snows in the high country, and you’re able to snowboard or ski up there, too.
Everyone knows there’s plenty of mountain hiking, rock climbing, and other hillside recreation available here. But the Valley is also known for its lakes, which are loaded with fish and perfect for water sports. Horseback riding is also a major draw in the Valley, and the thriving equestrian culture enables visitors to see the desert from the saddled back of a four-legged guide. Municipal parks and aquatic centers provide more options for everything from softball and tennis to wave pools.
To give you an overview of the Valley’s outdoor hotspots, we’ve divided this chapter into two sections. The first is Parks, in which we list the major parks in and around the Valley of the Sun and the variety of recreational offerings each one affords. The second section is Recreation, which focuses on specific recreational activities, like horseback riding and soaring. For information on camping in the Valley, see the RV Parks & Campgrounds chapter. Some sites, like Papago Park (Phoenix Zoo, Desert Botanical Garden), McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park for families with young children, and Sahuaro Ranch in Glendale Park are detailed in the Attractions and Kidstuff chapters.
City: Phoenix, AZ
Category: Parks & Recreation
City: Phoenix, AZ
Category: Parks & Recreation
3. Encanto Park
City: Phoenix, AZ
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (602) 261-8991
Address: 2605 N. 15th Ave.
Description: A lush, grassy enclave in the heart of Phoenix, Encanto Park is the easiest way for people caught up in the swirl of urban life to take a breather. It’s also a spot for family picnics and recreation. There are boating and fishing on the small lake, a children’s amusement park at Enchanted Island (see the Kidstuff chapter), a lighted basketball area, tennis courts, a nature trail, golf, a playground, and softball fields.
City: Phoenix, AZ
Category: Parks & Recreation
5. North Mountain Recreation Area
City: Phoenix, AZ
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (602) 495-5540
Address: 10600 N. 7th St.
Description: The hiking and mountain biking hotspot is situated on and around North Mountain and covers a small section of the North Mountain Preserve. From the higher points on North Mountain, you can look down over Sunnyslope and see downtown Phoenix to the south. The rec area also offers basketball and volleyball courts, a playground, a ramada and picnic area, and restrooms. The North Mountain Visitor Center (www.northmountainvisitorcenter.org) is a must if you’re in the area. Preserve experts offer information on the history and landscape of the area. There’s a huge exhibit hall, and nature programs are hosted regularly.
6. Phoenix Mountains Park & Recreation Area
City: Phoenix, AZ
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (602) 262-7901
Address: 2701 E. Squaw Peak Dr.
Description: Like Camelback, North, and South mountains, the rugged landscape around Squaw Peak (Piestewa Peak) at the south end of Phoenix Mountains Preserve makes for outstanding urban trail outings. It’s almost like being outside the city. The Summit Trail and other trails attract hundreds of people daily. You’ll see athletic types running up trails that you find difficult to walk, so there’s something for everyone. The cul-de-sac trailhead area includes picnic ramadas.
City: Phoenix, AZ
Category: Parks & Recreation
Address: 10919 S. Central Ave.
8. Thunderbird Conservation Park
City: Phoenix, AZ
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (623) 930-2820
Description: Thunderbird Park boasts 1,185 acres that offer great views of the Northwest Valley. The natural desert foothills area includes nearly 15 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian paths; 15 covered picnic areas with grills; and wildlife-viewing blinds. There are 50 different bird species viewable from the park.
9. Hot Air Expeditions
City: Phoenix, AZ
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (480) 502-6999, (800) 831-7610
Description: Groups meet daily in the cooler months at Deer Valley Airport in Phoenix to drive out to a North Valley launch site to climb aboard hot air balloons. After dawn you’ll be floating anywhere from treetop level to 1,000 feet high over 200 miles of open desert. You’ll touch down 45 to 90 minutes later and enjoy a champagne brunch in the desert as you and other passengers reflect on the flight. Then the company drives you back to your car. Rates are $133 to $183 per person. Gift certificates and group rates are available. Food includes quiche, pain au chocolate, fresh fruit, and other food prepared by Vincent on Camelback (see the Fine Dining section of the Restaurants chapter).
City: Phoenix, AZ
Category: Parks & Recreation
City: Phoenix, AZ
Category: Parks & Recreation
12. Camelback Mountain
City: Phoenix, AZ
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (602) 261-8318
Description: Camelback Mountain offers quick access to great climbs in the Valley, but the crumbly sandstone walls make the situation a bit dicey. The 80-foot tower called the Praying Monk, one of the most popular climbs, offers a sheer angle, a great view of the Valley, and permanent—though aging—bolts fixed along the route. The east face is rated at 5.4; the southeast corner at 5.6. Hikers beware—do not climb these rocks without the proper gear, protection, and instruction.
13. Westworld Paintball Adventures
City: Phoenix, AZ
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (602) 447-8200
Address: 4240 W. Camelback Rd.
Description: At 30,000 square feet, Westworld Paintball Adventures has the largest indoor facility in the Southwest. Courses include dirt, bunkers, and sniper towers, as well as a regulation airball field. An on-site pro shop sells paintball supplies and features a friendly, helpful staff. You don’t need a reservation to join in the open play. Reservations are $30 and include the equipment rental and 100 rounds of ammo. The company also runs the outdoor Splatter Paint Ranch on the southwest corner of Jomax and Scottsdale roads.
14. Roosevelt Lake
City: Phoenix, AZ
Category: Parks & Recreation
Description: Serious anglers recommend Roosevelt Lake. From central Phoenix, Roosevelt Lake is the farthest of the lakes formed by dams along the Salt River. Despite being the highest of the lakes, it’s fairly warm because it’s shallow, and the fish grow well. Spring is the best time to catch bass; crappies are abundant, too. Catfish are best caught in spring and summer. You can fish the lake year-round, though, and still turn up some good catches.
15. Saguaro Lake
City: Phoenix, AZ
Category: Parks & Recreation
Description: Saguaro Lake is a challenging place for anglers because the lake is so popular. It’s tough to make a good catch here. The best time to fish Saguaro Lake is in winter, when most of the boating traffic dies down. Anglers who can’t wait for winter will get up well before dawn or stay up into the wee hours to partake of Saguaro Lake’s bounty of bass and catfish in some secluded cove.