Daytime temperatures get into the 70ºs (Fahrenheit) and the sun is shining. Soon, we’ll have a profusion of flowers – yes, it really can flower in the desert!

So, on a day when most of the country was socked in with snow, I’ll show you where I hiked.  With a jacket that I wound up taking off since I became too warm while hiking, I headed out on a trail that gave me views of downtown Phoenix, Camelback Mountain and a panorama of the whole surrounding area.

Take a look – South Mountain Park – the largest city park in the USA.   These pictures show the Javelina Canyon Trail (Easy to moderate difficulty) that you can enter from 46^th Street (south off Baseline Road).

Beginning of the trail - Javelina Canyon Trail in South Mountain Park

Camelback Mountain in the distance

The trail

Phoenix downtown (in the distance) from South Mountain Park

In some giant US cities, they build up with multi-storied skyscrapers. But, with the vast spaces available in Arizona, they have built out and even have had height restrictions on how high buildings can be built.

So, welcome to Phoenix.  Spread out and still in the desert.

Saguaro cacti and mountains are a short ride from the hustle and bustle

The convoluted routes

In recent years, the road system has been improved with “loop” routes that circle the built up cities and allow travelers to get places more quickly.   If you want to travel to the more northerly areas of Phoenix, take the 101 loop to Scottsdale, North Phoenix, Glendale and Peoria.  The “101” also connects to the north-south Interstate Route 17, which has recently been widened to four lanes in the northern segment. The 101 also connects to Interstate 10, which wiggles all around and, at times, going west when it is really heading north, etc.

Previously, getting out of town to Sedona and other points north has been a nightmare, but with the widened area, that is improved.  That does not stop (note – STOPPED – totally) the occasional road stoppage as when there were brush fires near the road and traffic was stopped for significant chunks of time.

The completed loop 202 allows traffic to flow more freely in the southeastern part of the “Valley,” connecting travelers to the 101, Route 60 (east/west road) and Interstate 10.

So, what I’m saying is that traffic issues can still be problematic.  Avoid traveling on major interstates, if at all possible, during rush hour.  On some of the arterials, two or more people in a vehicle can take advantage of “HOV” – high occupancy vehicle – lanes and move along faster than ordinary mortals.

Downtown Phoenix

Why travel around in the Phoenix area?

Well, for one thing, there are lots of things to see and do, spread out in many directions.  As a resident of the area, we don’t always go to the tourist spots, but we often go to the different extremes.

East

We have enjoyed the Boyce Thompson Arboretum  – out east – in Superior several times.  Route 60 will get you there for a great view of desert plants, both especially cultivated and native.  It’s worth the drive, both for the scenery and the respite from the hustle and bustle.

http://arboretum.ag.arizona.edu/index.html

Cacti at Boyce Thompson Arboretum - one of many displays

There are indications that copper mining is reviving in the area as well.

North

Taking the loop 101 to Scottsdale or points further north like Cave Creek and Carefree (don’t you just love that name!) will get you some culture, laid back cowboy and arts environments, and open desert.

By the pool at the Carefree Resort

West

Before you hit the open road on the way to Los Angeles on Interstate 10, you’ll be able to see Glendale, noted for antiques and their bead museum, Peoria, Surprise, Goodyear and Buckeye.

http://www.beadmuseumaz.org/

Way out west is the Wigwam Resort, an interesting throwback to a gracious cowboy era. Originally a location for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company execs to vacation, since the company had bought land to cultivate for cotton, the Litchfield Park area was ‘way ‘way out in the country back almost a century ago.

http://www.wigwamresort.com/about-us.html

South

In the south Valley, although many communities have grown up in the last 10-20 years, there are still some rural areas where they cultivate cotton, raise cattle and dig for copper (part of the 5 “C’s that made Arizona famous – Cattle, Citrus, Climate, Copper, and Cotton).   On an occasional day, you might even be able to see the wild horses for which the Wild Horse Pass area near I10 is named.

Cattle - a major "crop" in Arizona

Why visit Phoenix?

Despite the bad publicity that the misguided “SB1070” law has created for Arizona, Phoenix is still a great place to visit.  If you’re used to the cramped quarters of most large US cities, the Phoenix area can be a revelation.   There are still wide-open spaces, desert landscaping (original, not cultivated), and a sense of peace with fabulous sunsets to enthrall you.

Sunset in Arizona

This time of year, travelers can take advantage of great hotel rates, since the weather typically tops 100 degrees (Fahrenheit) until close to October.  You won’t notice the heat, unless you decide to sit by a pool, but then you can take a dip so it won’t matter. Otherwise, air-conditioning reigns supreme – you might even need a light wrap inside!

On my first trip prior to moving to the area, I came out in the middle of June with temperatures around 115 degrees.  Even with my 3-piece business suit, I fell in love with the climate.  I’ve been healthier in Phoenix because of the infamous dry climate (humidity is typically less than 20%).

Although I’m not a paid tourist bureau rep, I’d suggest you take a trip to Phoenix.  It is a great place to unwind.

Saguaro on a slope

Join us next week as we surprise you with more about Arizona and the Southwest

Papago Park

"Hole-in-the-Rock" - great view

An actual park, Papago Park has ramadas (covered picnic areas) and a rock formation that visitors can climb.  It is that rare stone in which nature has carved a window, called “Hole-in-the-Rock.”  Climb up from a path leading behind the opening and get a great view!  It is not a handicapped accessible visit – at least not the entire pathway. 

Other activities include hiking trails, fishing (license required), and archery.

In warm weather, you will want to bring water and a hat and arrive early in the day.  This time of year, the weather is perfect to take the several minute walk to the “window,” then go back and have a picnic lunch.

http://www.phoenix.gov/PARKS/papago.html – facilities

Next we talk to the animals… 

Phoenix Zoo

Next, you will want to visit the Phoenix Zoo.

Entrance to the zoo and all the fascinating creatures to visit

Until January 10, Phoenix Zoo has their “ZooLights” program running every evening from 6-10 P.M.   Thousands of lights and special exhibits make this a memorable event with the “Land of the Dragon” theme entrancing children of all ages.  Admission is $10 for a ticket good any day of the week; there are $9 tickets fro Sunday through Thursday nights.

Otherwise, there are many animals to see during the daytime.  There are monkeys to see, plus camel rides, a petting zoo, giraffes and many other animals to visit. A safari train can take you around and point out animals and things to

There’s a lot to do at the Phoenix Zoo!  So, allow several hours.  If you get hungry, they have several on premises food opportunities with pizza, burgers and the like.

There are handicapped accessible paths, but there is a lot of walking.  Both strollers and wheelchairs may be rented during your visit.

http://www.phoenixzoo.org/

And don’t leave yet…

Desert Botanical Garden

Entrance to Desert Botanical Garden with 3 Chihuly "agave"

If desert plants are new to you, a trip (in the vicinity of the zoo) to the Desert Botanical Garden will amaze and delight you.  Set out in a park-like area, DBG has some unusual desert plants, a butterfly garden, endangered plants and some wonderful paths to stroll to see the plants. 

This time of year, (until December 30), Las Noches de las Luminarias lights up the walkways with thousands of small candles, a shimmering, glowing experience. 

DBG has numerous events to see a new aspect of the gardens.  Food is also available on the premises.

One exhibit left from a multi-month display is the “agave” from the Dale Chihuly glass exhibit.  The agave greet people just as they walk into the entranceway.  Although they are not real, they add another dimension to your experience as art mimics nature. (See our blog on April 3, 2009 showing the Chihuly exhibit intermingled with DBG.)

Again, allow at least two hours to see the many areas of the park.

http://www.dbg.org/

These three locations will easily fill a day with memorable experiences and they are all within 20 minutes of Sky Harbor Airport. (traffic allowing)

More next week as we take you to other great places to see, things to do and places to shop in Phoenix and nearby locations in Arizona.

In the casino business, it’s all about numbers:

- 242 room hotel
- 1,400-seat Las Vegas-style showroom
- 1,000 Vegas-style slot machines
- 12,000 sq. ft. of meeting space
- 800-car parking garage
- 7 restaurants
- 5 night clubs/lounges

Atrium of Wild Horse Pass Hotel

This is currently the largest hotel/casino project to open in Arizona. Unfortunately in the hotel business, fame is fleeting as everyone tries to top each other (i.e. Las Vegas). Within the next few months the area east of Scottsdale and home of the Salt River Pima – Maricopa Indian Community will be home to a larger hotel/casino property (double the room number and nearly two and a half times the square footage of gaming floor.)

Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino

But wait, that’s not all! There is talk of an even bigger property in Glendale, Arizona if “everyone“ can come to some type of an agreement.

But for now, The Wild Horse Pass & Casino is KING!

Fountain at Wild Horse Pass

About the only thing that is free is the parking, but that’s better than most hotels on Vegas strip! Once you enter the massive 100,000 sq. ft. gaming area, the noise ramps up and the fun begins, if you are a gambler.

GAMBLING

Although it’s actually possible to go in a casino, walk around and never spend one penny on any of the enticing machines that seem to be calling your name, you might be one of those who listens to the call.

In that case, there are 1,000 slot machines to choose from. If you haven’t seen a slot machine lately, don’t expect to be pulling on one of those arms on the side of the machine. Today’s slots are totally electronic/computerized masterminds at the art of trying to get your money to become theirs. The clicking sounds of the rotors have been quieted to the extent you can actually hear music emanating from the ceilings.

If you are not a smoker (Indian Gaming in Arizona makes smoking permissible on the casino floor), there is an enclosed room with a small number of slot machines.

Table games include Blackjack with table limits from $5 to $1,000.

A separate 17-table Poker room is a non-smoking area with its own kitchen offering half-price menu items for qualified guests.

So, what if you don’t gamble? There are still things to do.

Come back tomorrow for more things to do at Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino

For instance, the Gila River community has three casino properties, but only one has a hotel connected to its gaming area. (The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Hotel has no casino.)

Native American casinos are not exclusive to Arizona. You can hop in our car in New Mexico, travel through Arizona, California and up the coast to Oregon and Washington and you will find tribal gaming in all of the previously mentioned states. A number of those casinos also have hotel accommodations and resort amenities such as golf courses.

With the exception of Arkansas and Utah, there are tribal gaming establishments in every state west of the Mississippi River. But, not all tribal gaming is Las Vegas-style with a resort and casino. Some tribal entities opt for only Bingo or Poker. Others are currently developing, or in construction of, hotels as they envision “destinations,” not just gaming.

East of the Mississippi, there are similar exceptions to the “no Tribal Gaming states” with the majority being in the Midwest: Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Ohio, for example, do not have tribal gaming although some have several private enterprise casinos (Indiana/Illinois). Other scattered states throughout the eastern United States have no gaming at all, Tribal or private.

Although there might be some disagreement, the premier resort casinos east of the Mississippi are located in Connecticut: Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun.

A LITTLE BACKGROUND

In retrospect, Native American gaming is relatively new. It started out as the proverbial “Bingo Hall” in 1979 when the Seminole Tribe of southern Florida fought with the state government over their sovereignty to basically do what they wished on their own land. The lawsuit took a trip to the United State Supreme Court, and yes, the rest is history! But not quite!It took until 1987 for the Federal government to concede that all federally recognized tribes had the right to operate casinos outside of the jurisdiction of any state as long as the state did not prohibit gambling. The following year the IGRA, (Indian Gaming Regulatory Act) was established by Congress. In a bit of a reversal of the, “you can do whatever you want” law from the previous year, limitations were established that needed to be negotiated between the tribes and the individual states. These negotiated terms then needed to be approved by the Department of Interior.

It shouldn’t take a “state government” rocket scientist to figure out what happened during that year … can you say, “fair share of the profits” without winking?

There are now three classes of gaming (we seemed to have lost the word “gambling” along the way) with Class III the most recognizable to that of Las Vegas with slot machines, roulette, blackjack or anything that is “played against the house.”

For a list of Tribal Casinos throughout the United States and Canada:

http://500nations.com/

ARIZONA

Over the next few weeks, we will makes stops at two casinos here in the Phoenix area that have recently opened hotels, and then take a look at the newest member whose opening date is early next year.

We’ll also make our way down to Tucson and visit the only Hotel-Casino in the area.

(See the additional blog today on the Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino that debuted on October 30, 2009.)

If you are taking any airline except for Allegiant (see our blogs on our trip to Oregon), you’ll likely land at Phoenix at Sky Harbor Airport.  Terminals are large and do include amenities like moving sidewalks for some of the long walks from your arrival gate down to baggage claims.

Heading down to baggage claim - Terminal 4

In Terminal 4, the most used one by airlines to Phoenix, baggage claim is on a lower level, with passengers able to leave on both the north and south sides of the terminal.  I make the distinction of north and south sides since you’ll want to make sure where you are going for pick up.  If you’re getting a bus to the off-site car rental location (all housed in one large building off of the airport’s premises), you’ll be picked up on the south side of the terminal.  But, individuals can still make connections on the north side, so make sure you know which side of the building you’ll be on.

Baggage claim

If you have someone you know picking you up, there is a free lot near terminal 4 for “cell phone calls” where someone can wait for you until they hear from you that you have arrived.  A posted light board gives flight statuses, but don’t expect that to be up to the minute – by husband heard from me that I’d arrived before the board even indicated we’d landed.

Mosaic from terminal wall - note the cacti

Leaving Sky Harbor

If you landed in the daytime, you’ll see the vastness of the Valley of the Sun spread out for many miles in every direction.  Unlike many airports that are tucked at the edge of the development, Sky Harbor had the city grow around it.

Depending on what your transportation is and ultimate destination, you’ll be heading in any number of directions.  Most of the car rental locations put you west of the airport.  If you’re heading to downtown Phoenix, you go further west; to Scottsdale, you’ll be heading northeast, the “Easy Valley” – that’s southeast (Chandler), Tempe is east, the west valley includes Surprise, Buckeye, Avondale.  

Points north of Phoenix include resort destinations like Sedona, Prescott, Flagstaff or the Grand Canyon.  Two to four hours will get you to the Grand Canyon or most major destinations anywhere in the state.  Tucson is south on Interstate 10 it and can take one-and-a half hours to Tucson – or more depending on the amount of construction and traffic.

Arizona has some natural and historic attractions, as well as manmade ones, that could easily take you weeks to visit.  We’ll spend the next several weeks exploring them.

Tomorrow: The first of several manmade attractions as we offer an overview and visit one of the Native American casino/hotel properties near Phoenix.  The environs are gorgeous, and the amenities include a lot more than just a casino if you’re not the gambling type. And, the location is only about 15 minutes from the airport.

 
During the daytime, you can typically walk around in shirtsleeves, soak in the sunshine and enjoy the wide-open spaces. The epitome of the southwest, there is still evidence of Phoenix’s territorial attitude, mixed in with some spectacular scenery.

 
And, if you decide to move beyond the Phoenix area, there are some quirky and distinctive cities to visit. There’s Prescott, Flagstaff, Tombstone, Sedona, Tuscon, and other cities, each with its own vibe and ambiance.

 
Nature was very generous to the state of Arizona because, in addition to the Grand Canyon, Arizona’s most known scenic asset, there are amazing sights almost around every corner. Some spring times (this varies by how much rain the “winter” months bring), there are profuse displays of roadside color with purples, golds and oranges so stunning that a visitor was shocked to see it in the desert.

Blooming in the desert

We do have cacti – lots of them. The picturesque saguaro with arms extending at strange angles skyward, as well as other prickly desert plants, are a revelation. You don’t want to cuddle, but you do want to stare for hours at the scenery.

Saguaro - like sentinels guarding the desert

While the sandstone and earth colors of Arizona can be breathtaking in themselves – see Sedona, for instance  – other colors and scenery can be quite memorable.

For a person who grew up on the east coast of the US, Phoenix and the other cities of Arizona were quite a revelation. Outside of the urban areas, there is openness – wide-open spaces. There is a sense of space that a suburban person is not used to seeing. Traveling less than three hours in any direction, a new environment opens up.

 
For the next few weeks, we’ll offer a flavor of sights and scenes in Arizona. On Wednesdays, we’ll take you to  casinos (see our background on casinos this week) and visit sights that we ourselves recommend. We promise to share the good, the bad and – well, there isn’t a lot of ugly – of what we know of Arizona.

 
Reactions appreciated! If you have a legitimate experience of Arizona you’d like to share, we’ll consider posting it.

 
Happy sunshine!

Come back tomorrow to arrive at Phoenix’s Sky Harbor Airport

No, we are not all gun-toting nuts in Arizona! The people I know are all peaceful, friendly and, at least as far as I know, quite sane.

So, please come visit Arizona! There are a multitude of amazing sights to see – nature has been abundantly generous in making Arizona a vividly memorable land. From desert flowers blooming in spring to the Grand Canyon, volcanic cones to pine forests, Arizona has a wide array of climates and scenery.

Cereus Peruviana in bloom

Eight years ago, I attended a business conference in mid-summer. The temperature was over 110 degrees (Fahrenheit) and I was in a three-piece business suit. The sunshine, blue skies and low humidity were a revelation for me. I was invigorated and the allergies that were debilitating in the Eastern US did not trouble me at all!

Red Rocks of Sedona

Roosevelt Dam

So, I moved to Arizona, where I have been living for six years. The breadth of scenery is fantastic and, although we have traveled extensively, we still have not seen every great sight in Arizona.

Phoenix viewed from South Mountain Park

In our blog, we have highlighted some major Arizona locations. We’ve shown you caves (Colossal Caves and Kartchner Caverns), natural land masses (Chiricahua and others), city sights (see our light rail blog for Phoenix and our review of Flagstaff) and National Parks. We admit that we haven’t shown you our views of the Grand Canyon, but it seems that everyone goes there. We’ve provided alternatives that are equally breathtaking.  (We , of course, will continue to show other locations besides those in Arizona.)  All of the photos in today’s blog show you the diversity of Arizona.

Chiricahua National Monument with hoodoos

Cruiser's Cafe 66, Williams, AZ

Volcanic Cinder Landscape in Sunset Crater National Monument

An Invitation

Thank you for your readership. We’d love some feedback (spam will be discarded) about what you’d like to see on this blog – especially in Arizona. Also, we’d be delighted to produce images of the places you’d like to wear on a T-shirt, which can be ordered at our “Shop.” Let us know what you like. We aim to please!

If you would like to write about a place you found memorable, please send me 300-500 words on that subject with jpeg images, if you have them. I’ll post your contributions, if I can verify details, and edit the writing, if necessary. (No pay, but your name will be out there for many readers to see.)

Thank you for being part of our travel blog!

"Come and Get It" greets visitors at Rawhide's entrance

There’s a lot to do and a great restaurant, too. (Actually, there are several restaurants, but in the summer, things slow down a little.)

 
Run by the Gila River Indian Community in an area just off I10 south of the Phoenix area, Rawhide is a cowboy showcase where you can find fun things to do with the family. From the moment you walk through the gate, they are out to entertain you! (No charge for entering Rawhide.)

"Dutch" greets a visitor at Rawhide

First, there is a “bad guy” who winds up flat out dead on the street, the “Sheriff” hovering over him. The Sheriff offers to let you take photos with the “dead guy” – “You know you want to,” he says.

Shoot out at Rawhide

There are stores, where you can buy sweets, Western wear, and souvenirs. Burro rides, stagecoach rides, the mechanical bull and the Six Gun Theater are available for entertainment. There’s even gold panning. For the rides and the show, you can purchase a bracelet that gives you access to all of the fun, or pay for each individual one. (The bracelet is the better deal if you plan to try lots of the fun.)

 
A museum, also on view (no charge), has an authentic assortment of late 1800s items.

 
One of the most interesting crafts shown is by Devin Mace, a fourth generation blacksmith, who is plying his trade – at almost 3,000 degrees! – while he makes horseshoes, key chains, candle holders and the like. Using 150-year-old equipment, he proficiently demonstrates his craft as he works.

Devin Mace, Blacksmith

He customizes items so you can have your name on them and that rarity – something made in front of your eyes, right here in the USA!

www.macefamilyblacksmithing.com

 
Most of the year, Mace can be found in his Rawhide blacksmith shop. Sometimes, he heads up to the Grand Canyon to ply his trade, as well.

 
A revamping of Rawhide will be underway soon to make it more authentic to the 1880s. They also plan more live entertainment starting Fall 2009.

 
During the summer, the offerings are scaled down a little because it is so hot, but on July 4, over 5,000 people came to enjoy the fun and see the fireworks!

Rawhide’s Steakhouse

A massive dining room is meant to evoke a big cowboy hall. A three-piece country Western band plays recognizable favorites and invites people to dance, if they feel so inclined.

 
The steaks are wonderful. Hey, they are a steak house! I had their 8-ounce top sirloin – The Gunslinger Steak. It was probably the best steak I ever remember eating. Tender, lean, moist and delicious – every bite! Also, it was medium rare, as ordered. (Not a given at most restaurants.)

The salad, vegetables, garlic whipped potatoes, special green chili pepper cornbread muffins, and a spicy corn salad, which come with the meal, were no slouches either.

The cold things were cold; the hot items were hot. (Not always such at many restaurants,) Service was friendly and efficient. (I asked for my asparagus without fat and the server quickly brought my asparagus steamed.)

 
Even if you just want a good meal with a little Western ambience, the Rawhide Steakhouse is a fun diversion and offers a great meal at a reasonable price. Full steak dinners range from $20.50 to $29.50 (a 24 ounce steak!). There are also non-steak items such as red pepper ravioli, BBQ chicken, baby back ribs, and an assortment of other choices.

 
Rawhide is located in the vicinity of the award-winning Kai Restaurant at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort.

RECIPE

(This is not Rawhide’s recipe, but got good reviews on grouprecipes.com)

Serrano Chili And Cilantro Cornbread Muffins Recipe

2 small Serrano chilies (or 2 ounces canned green roasted chilies)
1 1/2 cups unbleached white flour
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
Pinch cayenne
2/3 cup low-fat milk or soy milk
2 large eggs
1/2 cup canola or grape seed oil or softened butter
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup or sugar
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

HONEY BUTTER TOPPING
(Optional)
3 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons soft butter
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350° F.
2. Put the chilies on a baking pan on the top rack under the broiler until they blister and turn black. Turn them over and repeat. Remove them from the broiler and drop them into a brown bag to cool. The skin will become loose and flaky as they cool.
3. Mix together all the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Whisk together the milk, eggs, oil or butter, maple syrup or sugar, and the cilantro in a separate bowl.
4. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients with a wooden spoon until thoroughly mixed.
5. Take the chilies out of the bag and slice them in half, directly down the middle. Open them up, and remove the seeds and discard. Peel the skin off and discard. Cut the chilies into small pieces and stir them into the batter until they are completely mixed in.
6. Smear a little butter or oil on the bottoms and sides of a 9-inch square baking pan or 12 muffin molds and pour the batter in. Bake 20 minutes if using a muffin pan, or 25 minutes if you’re using a baking pan. Remove from the oven and let cool.
7. Make the Honey Butter: Simply blend the softened honey and butter together in a bowl with a fork, whipping lightly to create a creamy spread. Scoop the spread into a ramekin and serve along with the cornbread.
Enjoy!

www.rawhide.com/
www.rawhide.com/dining.html (The restaurant is open Thursdays-Sundays during the summer months.)

 
Certain perspectives are almost otherworldly as you can be hiking with no one around, yet you’ll see the City of Phoenix below, spread out as far as the eye can see!

View of Phoenix from South Mountain Park

 The hiking paths themselves can be challenging, but there are variations that can range from easy to difficult. One minute you’re heading down an almost vertical path with sliding rock. A little while later, you’re walking along a sandy, flat area that seems like a dry riverbed.

 
In the spring especially, the abundance of blooms almost makes you question whether you are really in the desert. The saguaro, arms up, sometimes twisting, is there to remind you that, yes, you are in the desert!

Hillside of saguaro

There are picnic areas that can be reserved, stone rest stations, restrooms (rustic, hole in the ground type) and rules and regs to follow.

Stone Shelter On South Mountain Trail

But, if you don’t mind sharing the paths with bicyclists and horses, the hikes and views can be very rewarding. We’ve hiked in South Mountain Park many times and, even if we take the same path, there are always new plants, native creatures and interesting people about.

Saguaro on South Mountain Trail

 One hike starts in an area that backs on condominiums. I could never understand why people would want someone to be able to see their yards, but I guess that’s the price they pay for having a view of nature and not other rows of homes.

 
A favorite trail is the Kiwanis Trail, which gives a good view of the City of Phoenix. – Of course, on a day when the air is cloudy – Phoenix does have pollution – it is harder to see.

If you come to South Mountain Park… be prepared to come early before the parking lots and roadsides are full. (They now only allow parking on one side of the entrance road that leads from the Elliot Road entrance.) There are three major entrance areas, two off of Central Avenue and one just north of the Elliot Road intersection. There are also other related businesses, like a horse rental firm and “civilization” nearby. Also, bring your own water supply and first aid kit. Once we saw a biker who had scraped up his leg. There was no one else around with first aid equipment. We helped him. We had “stuff” in our car.