South Mountain Park/Preserve consists of three mountain ranges - the Ma Ha Tauk, Gila and Guadalupe.
Know Before You Go
At more than 16,000 acres, South Mountain Park/Preserve is one of the largest municipally managed parks in the nation and consists of three mountain ranges - the Ma Ha Tauk, Gila and Guadalupe. The park boasts more than 100 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. Additionally, the roadways throughout the park are a favorite for bicyclists.
Dobbins Lookout, at 2,330 feet, is the highest point in the park that is available to the public. Accessed by both hiking trails and Summit Rd., the lookout is popular with tourists and locals, who want to get an unobstructed panoramic view of the Valley.
Note: The park's scenic roadways are shared by motor vehicles, bikers and hikers. Due to the many blind corners, narrow sections and treacherous drop-offs, extreme caution should be maintained and adherence to the speed limit followed.
Silent Sunday
This event closes the park’s main roadway, Summit Road, to motor vehicle traffic during these times and the park’s roadways are reserved for non-motorized activities such as walking, cycling, jogging, hiking, etc.
On the 4th Sunday of every month is Silent Sunday, an all-day (5 a.m. to 7 p.m.) road closure into the park.
All vehicles must turn into the Activity Complex and park there. They may hike, bike, stroll on the roads without fear of traffic from public vehicles. Tower workers, City staff and emergency vehicles may be on the roads at any given time, however.
On the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th Sundays of the month, there is a shortened Silent Sunday (5 a.m. until 10 a.m.) with the summit road closed at the 1.0 mile marker.
This different closure allows visitors to access some trailheads and picnic areas in the lower areas of the park otherwise inaccessible on the 4th Sundays.
San Juan Road: Open from 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on the first Saturday of the month and from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on the first Sunday of the month.
Ramada Usage in South Mountain Park/Preserve
The ramadas in South Mountain Park/Preserve are available for public use, and several require a reservation*. Please view the information provided by the links below to learn more about reserving a ramada. Ramada reservations require submission of a Special Activity Request Form no more than 6 months ahead of your event/reservation and no less than 72 hours prior. Reservations can be placed on a ramada anytime between 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. All ramadas are open for public use after 6 p.m.
*To increase the availability of ramadas during popular holidays, reservations will not be accepted on holiday weekends.
NOTE: Amplified Music and Bounce Houses are not permitted.
To assist with general reservation questions please call the NRD Main Office at 602-495-5458 or email natural.resources.pks@phoenix.gov .
Happy 100th Birthday South Mountain!
Did you know South Mountain Park and Preserve turned 100 years old in 2024?! That's right! In 1924, the City of Phoenix purchased 13,000 acres of land for $17,000. Today, at more than 16,000 acres, South Mountain Park/Preserve is one of the largest municipally managed parks in the nation!
As we celebrate 100 years of Stewardship, we are excited to announce the reopening of the newly remodeled South Mountain Visitor Center Museum Exhibit Space, along with a complete remodel of the Activity Complex.
Take a Hike. Do it Right.
More than 200 hikers annually are rescued from City of Phoenix desert and mountain parks and preserves. Follow our simple checklist to help you from becoming a statistic.
More to Explore
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Development and Improvement Projects
The Parks and Recreation Department has regular projects to maintain, renovate, and improve our natural areas.
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Phoenix Trail Heat Safety Program
The Trail Heat Safety Program is designed to help outdoor enthusiasts navigate the Phoenix trail system while minimizing the risks of high heat conditions.
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Register for Hikes and Outdoor Nature Programs
Hike with a park ranger, backpacking 101, family workshops, and more.
