Phoenix is one of those places in the United States of America that attracts tourists and travelers when winter strikes other places in full force. The amazing weather and climatic conditions during the month of November till April is believed to be the optimal time to visit. If you are here wondering what you can do in between desert, the possibilities are endless. From amazing activities in the Phoenix national parks, there are many things one can indulge in. Owing to the scorching heat that sometimes even crosses the 100 degrees, it is better to visit during the “winter” season.
10 Best Phoenix National Parks
If you are here wondering what are some of the best national parks in Phoenix, we do have a list of the top 10 you should be aware of.
1. Phoenix Mountains Preserve
If you are on the lookout for a one-stop destination to spend your entire day in, the Phoenix Mountains Preserve is definitely one of the best options in the lot. It is nothing but a group of parks which is situated encompassed around the Phoenix Mountains in the state of Arizona. The entirety of the park, as mentioned before, comprises of multiple parks which include Piestewa Peak, Camelback Mountain Park, Lookout Mountain Preserve, North Mountain and Shaw Butte Preserves and the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve is under construction at the moment. Apart from the natural beauty around, the same also has horse stables where you can rent out horses to roam around the entirety of the park.
Location: 2701 E Squaw Peak Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85028, USA
Timings: 5 AM – 7 PM
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2. Dobbins Lookout
Yet another one of the popular national parks around Phoenix which is known around for its view is the Dobbins Lookout. This place is for those lazy bums who don’t want to hike through the steep mountains. Located around the South Mountain viewpoint, this is a perfect spot to spend some alone time in. It provides with a complete panoramic view of the entire city of Phoenix. Owing to the fact that it is located high up in the mountains with no significant barrier, you need to be safe. If kids are traveling with you, keep a close eye on them. Explore around the entire spot to get the essence of the entire place. Wait for the sunset and watch it from there.
Location: Phoenix, AZ 85042, USA
Timings: Open always
Entry Fees: Free
3. Agua Fria National Monument
The Agua Fria National Monument is another one of the national parks near Phoenix that majority of the crowd adhere towards. It is located at a distance of 40 miles away from the north of Phoenix. This specific national monument is maintained by the Bureau of Land Management and was established back on January 11, 2000, under the Presidential Proclamation. This structure is located in between an elevation of 2150 ft and 4600 ft which is pretty steep. It predominantly hones the presence of semi-desert grassland along with riparian stands of cottonwood as well.
Apart from the notable presence of the migratory birds, this place is also known for its notable species of animals and reptiles. Some of the most notable ones around include leopard frog, garter snake, desert tortoise etc.
Location: Black Canyon City, AZ 85324, USA
Timings: 24 hours
Entry Fees: Free
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4. Thunderbird Trail
The Thunderbird Trail is more of underrated spots when it comes to visiting the Phoenix national parks. On a whole, this is a 4-mile long trail which is not strictly but moderately trafficked and is located near Tucson, Arizona. Apart from being a natural reserve, it is also known for its amazing display of wildflowers around. The trail is primarily used for activities like that of hiking, trail running, walking or even nature trips if you visit Phoenix during the months from October till April. The Gila Monster Mine is actually a popular spot around that many expats suggest not meddling around with.
Location: 5970 W Brown St, Glendale, AZ 85302, USA
Timing: 24 hours
Entry Fee: Free
5. North Mountain Park
Next on the list of the Phoenix National Parks is the North Mountain Park. This is majorly popular amidst the locals because of its steep and adventurous trails. If you have been on the lookout for a national park around Phoenix to work those thighs and glutes, the North Mountain Park is definitely an amazing option to look into. The trails in the backend of the mountain park are often considered a little rockier so make sure you are safe while climbing up there. If you are traveling with friends, it can actually be an amazing experience because the view at the end of the trail is too good to be true.
Location: 10608 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85020, USA
Timings: 5 AM to 7 PM
Entry Fee: Free
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6. Papago Park
This is one of the other national parks near Phoenix that attracts quite a lot of tourists. It is predominantly a municipal park of the cities of Phoenix and Tempe, Arizona. Spread over a total area of 1200 acres, it is known for its typical desert plants and unique geographical formations. Apart from that, the park is also home to the Phoenix Zoo and the Desert Botanical Garden. If these don’t interest you and you want some adventure, it has salient options for that as well.
Location: 625 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008, USA
Timings: 6 AM to 7 PM
Entry Fee: Free
7. Winifred Green Park
Known for its interactive activities and the amazing range of lush greenery that encompass the entirety of the place, the Winifred Green Park is definitely one of the local favourites amidst the people who visit Phoenix. The interactive games and activities in the park are made in a way so that they can be played during any time of the day.
Location: 1608 W Peoria Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85029, USA
Timings: 5:30 AM to 10 PM
Entry fee: Free
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8. Grand Canyon National Park
If you are in Phoenix, make a bit of a drive to one of the national parks near Phoenix, the Grand Canyon National Park. It has marked a significant place in the geography of Arizona and is a common visiting site for thousands. The layered band of red rocks is what leaves the visitors shocked. Some of the popular viewpoints around the place include Mather Point, Lilan Point etc.
Location: Arizona, USA
Timings: 24 hours
Entry Fee: Free
9. Petrified Forest National Park
Don’t get deterred by the name of the national park, it is named so mainly because of the abundance of petrified wood around the place. It is also home to the popular Rainbow Forest Museum which is specifically known around for its popular paleontology exhibits. The Black Forest Bed in the Petrified Forest National Park is a must visit.
Location: Arizona, USA
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10. Tonto National Monument
Last but not the least on the list of national parks close to Phoenix includes that of the Tonto National Monument. The additions of the iconic Tonto Basins have added fervor to the Arizonian landscape. The pièce de résistance, otherwise known as the lower cliff dwelling is a must visit too. So, don’t miss out on this place!
Location: 26260 AZ-188, Roosevelt, AZ 85545, USA
Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM
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Visiting the Phoenix national parks might seem a bit complex at first, but each one of them stands out for specific reasons. Make sure to visit these top 10 first and explore a few more around. So, now you know where to land in USA when everything else is freezing up! Plan a US trip right away, visit Phoenix and have an adventurous experience in the parks!
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