South Mountain Guidebook
Recreational
The Pima Canyon Trailhead has a lot of trail options available. They are fairly easy. If you want a challenge, you’ll need to hike up into South Mountain preserve.
The trailhead has a decent sized parking lot that fills up, with more parking on the road leading in.
There are bathrooms, water, and a map available.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g31310-d13838330-Reviews-Pima_Canyon_Trailhead-Phoenix_Arizona.html
10 locals recommend
Pima Canyon Trail
Pima Canyon TrailThe Pima Canyon Trailhead has a lot of trail options available. They are fairly easy. If you want a challenge, you’ll need to hike up into South Mountain preserve.
The trailhead has a decent sized parking lot that fills up, with more parking on the road leading in.
There are bathrooms, water, and a map available.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g31310-d13838330-Reviews-Pima_Canyon_Trailhead-Phoenix_Arizona.html
Hiked with a group of friends. The facilities are good with lots of parking. Pit toilets are available. Signage is helpful. Many times there are Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve volunteers who can answer questions. 5 miles round trip, rated difficult because of the grade. If you want to look like a hiker wear closed toe shoes, not sandals or white sneakers. Take your time and enjoy the views when you reach the top. Also consider the Marcus Landing trail which is reached by the same trail head as the Thumb.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g31350-d3547073-Reviews-Tom_s_Thumb_Trailhead-Scottsdale_Arizona.html
21 locals recommend
Tom's Thumb Trail
Tom's Thumb TrailHiked with a group of friends. The facilities are good with lots of parking. Pit toilets are available. Signage is helpful. Many times there are Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve volunteers who can answer questions. 5 miles round trip, rated difficult because of the grade. If you want to look like a hiker wear closed toe shoes, not sandals or white sneakers. Take your time and enjoy the views when you reach the top. Also consider the Marcus Landing trail which is reached by the same trail head as the Thumb.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g31350-d3547073-Reviews-Tom_s_Thumb_Trailhead-Scottsdale_Arizona.html
Beautiful and peaceful location! Great overlook of the city. Well kept and clean. Lots of hikes and trail riding available. You can also drive up to Olathe overlook for spectacular views!
https://yelp.to/MzAUsjOWuob
South Mountains (Arizona)
Beautiful and peaceful location! Great overlook of the city. Well kept and clean. Lots of hikes and trail riding available. You can also drive up to Olathe overlook for spectacular views!
https://yelp.to/MzAUsjOWuob
Ken McDonald Golf Course
800 E Divot DrRolling Hills Golf Course
1415 N Mill AveBig Surf
1500 N McClintock DrCastles N' Coasters
9445 N Metro Pkwy EOctane Raceway
9119 Talking Stick WayOasis Water Park
8000 Arizona Grand PkwyFood scene
Los Taquitos
7000 N 16th StThe food is fantastic and the restaurant offers a happy hour!
The Farm at South Mountain
6106 S 32nd StFate Brewing Company
201 E Southern AveSightseeing
Mystery Castle
800 E Mineral RdGreat place to walk! Saturday morning offer a farmer’s market at the church across from the trailhead.
https://yelp.to/4LGu32HYuob
Murphy Bridle Path
Murphy Bridle PathGreat place to walk! Saturday morning offer a farmer’s market at the church across from the trailhead.
https://yelp.to/4LGu32HYuob
Glen Canyon Dam
U.S. 89Go for the dam, stay for the canyon!
33.58582° N, 112.03290° W