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The largest municipal park in the country
Photo by R Enders
South Mountain: As a city of Phoenix park, South Mountain dates back to 1924. In 1935 the National Park Service developed a master plan for the park with riding and hiking trails, picnic areas and overlooks. Today, the park boasts three million visitors a year. 
History: Mount Suppoa (not accessible to the public) reaches 2,690 feet. Dobbins Lookout, at 2,330 feet, is the highest accessible point in the park.
Geology: South Mountain Park/Preserve consists of three mountain ranges, the Ma Ha Tauk, Gila and Guadalupe.
Trails
Mormon Trail:
TH: Mormon Trailhead is located at 24th Street and Valley View Avenue (south of Baseline Road)
Length:1.1 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult (elevation change about 1,000 feet)
Type: Multi-use trail
Beverly Canyon Trail
TH: Beverly Canyon Trailhead is located by the parking lot, 8800 S. 46th Street (south of Baseline road)
Length: 1.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate - some short, steep sections
Javelina Canyon Trail:
TH: Javelina Canyon Trailhead is located at Beverly Canyon parking lot, 46th Street (south of Baseline road)
Length: 1.7 miles
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Pima Canyon:
TH: Located at 9904 S. 48th Street and Guadalupe Road. A number of trails, varying in length and difficulty, can be accessed from this location.
National Trail:
TH: Multiple locations
Length: 14.3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult, horses not recommended, trailpost #15 west to Buena Vista Lookout.
Desert Classic Trail:
Length: 9 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult - due to the length
Telegraph Pass Trail:
TH: Telegraph Pass Trailhead is located at Desert Foothills Parkway (north of Chandler Boulevard) and Sixth Street.
Length: 1.5 miles to Telegraph Pass. First 0.5 mile is paved.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate - steep sections toward the top.
Holbert Trail:
TH: Holbert Trailhead is located at Activity Complex (first left turn immediately after entering the park on Central Avenue) passes near by Mystery Castle.
Length: 2.5 miles
Difficulty: Difficult - fairly steep and long.
Kiwanis Trail:
TH: Kiwanis Trailhead - turn left at the dip in the road (Central Avenue entrance), go straight at the next intersection. Follow the road back to a split rail fenced gravel parking area.
Length: 1.0 mile
Difficulty: Moderate - steep towards the top end.
Ranger Trail:
TH: Ranger Trailhead - turn left at the one mile marker (one mile in on the main road of the Central Avenue entrance)
Length: 1.4 mile, one way
Difficulty: Moderate - steep switchbacks toward the top end.
Bajada Trail:
TH: Bajada Trailhead - take the main road (do not make any turns) from the Central Avenue entrance until nearly two miles in. Then, turn to the right following the signs towards San Juan Valley. Turn left into a gravel parking area at the 2.5 mile marker. The San Juan area closes at sunset. All vehicles should be outside the area by that time, so plan your hike accordingly.
Length: 2 miles
Difficulty: Easy to moderate - although there is little elevation change, some sections and wash crossing are steep.
Alta Trail:
TH: Alta Trailhead is located at same location as Bajada Trailhead or at the end of San Juan Road.
Length: 4.5 miles
Difficulty: Very difficult - very steep on both ends, not recommended for horses or bikes.
Contacts
Phoenix Parks and Recreation: 602-262-6861
Recorded Message: 602-262-6262 Ex. 189. For information not on subjects options list press zero to reach an operator during business hours.
www.phoenix.gov/parks
Trail Map
Do not remove map! Click here for printable map and direction page.
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