Official Web Site of the City of Phoenix

South
Mountain
Trail Guide

Wheelchair
Accessible Trails

Ramada reservation
information

South Mountain Environmental Education Center Brochure (828kb pdf)

Due to budget reductions approved by the Phoenix City Council, the South Mountain Environmental Education Center will adopt new operating hours effective April 14, 2008: Fridays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. & Saturdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Visitors to the South Mountain Environmental Education Center's can gain new insights into the richness and diversity of the Sonoran Desert.

The museum's displays allow visitors to interpret and understand the Sonoran Desert ecosystem found right outside the center's doors. A series of trails, including the wheelchair-accessible Judith Tunnell trail, adjacent to the center mean desert exploration is just a step away. The center is also a good stop for those planning a longer, more challenging hike in this part of the preserve.

At the center, visitors can:

• Find trail maps and talk to a park ranger for information on hikes or mountain bike rides in the area.
• Utilize the center's extensive Dottie Gilbert Reading Room.
• Pick up brochures and pamphlets on a variety of topics related to the Sonoran Desert and the City of Phoenix mountain preserve system.
• Learn about upcoming park ranger-led outdoor programs.
• Make reservations for ramadas located within South Mountain Park.

Silent Sundays
All park roads past the gatehouse at the Central Avenue entrance are closed to motor vehicles during the event. Free public parking is available near the parks' main entrance at 10919 S. Central Avenue. The roads are reserved for the entire day for all non-motorized recreational activities!

2008 Silent Sunday dates are: January 13, February 24, March 30, April 27, May 25, June 22, July 27, August 24, September 28, October 26, November 23, and December 28.

Park Stewards

Judith Tunell Accessible Trail

Hohokam History
Rock Art

Critters
Stink Bug
Coyote
Rattlers & Gila Monsters
Ringtail

Desert Plants
Elephant Tree
Night Blooming Cereus (Cyrus)

Civilian Conservation Corp

Kids Stuff

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Reshelving books in the Dottie Gilbert Reading Room are members of the Diggers Garden Club.
Left to right are Bev Brown Kennedy, Kay Loftin,
Shirley Becker, and Betty Lou Meeks.

Hohokam historians call this panel
the "Party-Morphs".