I only know of one place on Terra Firma where I can see Casa Grande, Wickenburg, Apache Junction, Camelback Mountain and all of the Phoenix area and it is one of my favorite places in all of Arizona. Any guesses? It is smack-dab in the middle of our nations fifth largest metropolitan area. Its the worlds largest municipal park with 17,000 acres of outdoor space, it is called South Mountain Park.

There are a number of reasons I enjoy South Mountain Park but here are my top five. Number five: I love being able to travel less than one hour from my home and hike or bike on a National Trail feeling as if Im in a very remote location. When I do this I am obviously aware of the city around the park, but somehow it feels more like Im watching a silent movie of the city while Im there. Number four: I have met some the neatest people from around the world on the nearly 60 miles of trails within the park. I met a couple from Germany who stumbled upon the park while riding around in their rental car prior to heading for the airport. They didnt want to end their hike and were very sadden to find the park three hours before their flight and after 3 weeks of traveling around the southwest. What a nice couple.

The third reason I enjoy South Mountain Park is because of the awesome outdoor aromas which hang in the air only minutes from the bustling city. The trails into the desert take us past a wide variety of desert flora which from mid-October to mid-May fill your nose with the wonderful smells of the desert. Number two: Its a work-out if you want it to be. Take your bike, on-road or off-road it doesnt matter, and ride to the summit and youll see what I mean. Its only a few miles from bottom to top, but it will test both your lungs and your legs.

The number one reason I enjoy this park so much is very simply the view from the top. Standing at Dobbins Point it seems you can see forever in any direction. With the wind whipping against your face the metropolitan area lays silent at your feet. Taking a couple moments to slow down and soak in the sensations makes its easy to pause and reflect on how youve finally come to stand on this very spot and where your next steps might possibly take you. Youll enjoy your time in South Mountain Park - especially if you take someone with you. Get Outdoors!!