(south of Dobbins Road)
Map to the Park
South Mountain's 16,000
acres make a beautiful backdrop for your picnic, barbecue or gathering.
Below is a list of developed picnic and gathering spots, all of them
accessible from the park's entrance on Central Avenue. Some areas are
first- come, first-served. For other areas, reservations are required
and must be made in person. Reservations can be made at South Mountain Environmental Education Center 10409 South Central Avenue- Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., 602-495-5078; the Norton House 2700 North 15th Avenue 602-262-6412; South Division Office 1346 East South Mountain Avenue 602-262-6111- Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Rio Salado Habitat Offices 641 W. Lower Buckeye Ave., 602- 262-6863 call for hours. It is always a good idea to call first for hours as these are subject to change.
Fees are based on whole-day reservations – Reservation times are from: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. PARKING IS FOR ALL PARK USERS AND IS NOT GUARANTEED. PARKING MAY BE LIMITED. Beer is ONLY allowed with a Beer Permit only at Big Ramada, Little Ramada, the Activity Complex and Las Lomitas with a ramada reservation. ABSOLUTELY NO glass bottles allowed.
Inflatables are ONLY ALLOWED WITH A PERMIT at the Activity Complex. All other Ramadas and Picnic Areas are available on a first come, first-serve basis. Maximum Capacities for Ramadas and other Picnic Areas will be strictly enforced. Call 262-6300 for Ranger Dispatch if needed.
Activity complex - * $20
per hour with a three-hour minimum reservation. Accommodates up to 5,000
people with restrooms, dance platform and kitchen. Alcohol permit for beer
only is required. Reservations are required for this area and must be made
in person. Requires a $200 refundable deposit. Las Lomitas - An
H-shaped ramada with 12 tables, restrooms and a dance platform that accommodates
200 people. Alcohol and music permits are available. Reservable. 
Las Lomitas is currently not reservable - while undergoing maintenance repairs. Big and little ramadas
- A U-shaped ramada with eight tables that accommodates 150 people
and a double ramada that accommodates 80 people. The ramadas are on a gentle
rise that offers sweeping views of the Phoenix skyline. Both areas have
a dance platform and a restroom. Alcohol permit available.
Reservable. Piedra Grandes - Ramadas in this area are available only on a first-come, first-served basis. Ramadas 1-9 accommodate smaller groups of 25 with four ramadas accommodating
50 people. Small swingset, tables, grills. Area includes a restroom. No alcohol permits or amplified or
live music is allowed in these areas, and vehicles are not permitted in
the picnic dirt area. Users also can choose from among small, family-sized
shelters in this area. Ramada #10- tables, grills, water fountain. Five Tables and Three Tables - Eight ramadas available on a first-come, first-served basis. *Prices listed are for Phoenix residents. Non-resident prices are 50 percent above posted resident rate.