RECREATION / PARKS AND NATURE

From the world’s largest metropolitan park to thousands of acres of regional parks and sparkling recreational lakes, the area surrounding Metropolitan Phoenix is nature’s own playground. While communities offer exceptional parkland filled with sports facilities and amenities, governments on every level have preserved vast acres of pristine desert and mountain landscapes that encourage every type of outdoor activity and adventure.

Major Metropolitan Parks

Cave Creek Recreation Area

37019 N. Lava Lane

Cave Creek 623-465-0431

www.maricopa.gov/parks

Covering 2,922 acres, the park nestles in the southwest corner of an area that was the scene of mining exploration for 120 years.

Dreamy Draw & Piestewa Peak

2421 E. Northern Avenue

Phoenix 602-262-7901

www.phoenix.gov/parks

Opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, dirt biking, volleyball, nature study, or picnicking combine with a summit trail to Piestewa Peak—one of the city’s best-known landmarks.

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Attractions at this centrally located park include family amusements, a fitness course, a golf course, sports facilities, picnic areas, a playground, and a swimming pool. Special events add to the four-season fun.

Estrella Mountain Regional Park

14805 West Vineyard Avenue

Goodyear 623-932-3811

www.maricopa.gov/parks/estrella

Attractions in this southwestern county park include picnic areas, sports fields, a golf course, and rodeo arena.

McDowell Mountain Park

15612 East Palisades Drive

Fountain Hills 480-471-0173

http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/mcdowell

More than 21,000 acres of Sonoran desert provide a wealth of hiking and biking trails with exceptional mountain and valley views. Picnic ramadas are also available.

North Mountain Area

10600 N. Seventh Street

Phoenix 602-495-5458

www.phoenix.gov/parks

This close-in desert mountain park bridges Central Phoenix with the Paradise Valley area in North Phoenix. Attractions include a paved mountain trail to the top of the mountain as well as sports courts, hiking and horseback riding trails, a playground, and a selection of picnic facilities.

Papago Park

Galvin Parkway & Van Buren

Phoenix 602-495-5458

www.phoenix.gov/parks

The unique geological formation of “Hole In Rock” towers above 1,200 acres of desert hills and mountains. The park is brimming over with attractions that include a golf course, the Phoenix Zoo, fishing lagoons, and hiking trails.

The Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area

2439 S. Central Avenue

Phoenix 602-262-6863

www.phoenix.gov/parks

Restoration of a rich riparian habitat offers five miles of trail system and four staging areas.

San Tan Mountain Regional Park

Phillips Road

Pinal County 602-506-2930

www.maricopa.gov/parks/santan

Actually located in adjacent Pinal County, this vast expanse of parkland covers more than 10, 200 acres south of Hunt Highway.

South Mountain Park/Preserve

10919 S. Central Avenue

Phoenix 602-495-5458

www.phoenix.gov/parks

The world’s largest municipal park covers 16,500 acres with an amazing variety of plants, trees, and wildlife.

Usery Mountain Regional Park

3939 N. Usery Pass Road

Mesa 480-984-0032

www.maricopa.gov/parks/usery

More than 3,600 acres encourage hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

White Tank Regional Park

13025 N. White Tank Mountain Road

Waddell 623-935-2505

www.maricopa.gov/parks/white_tank

Nearly 30,000 acres makes this beautiful desert mountain park the county’s largest

Arizona's golf courses are as diverse and spectacular as its landscape. With more than 300 courses across the state, Arizona can offer a unique golfing experience. Ranging from desert target style to links courses and alpine fairways, visitors are sure to find a good tee time that also fits their budget. Of course, planning ahead is always recommended.

The Arizona Golf Association has provided course information throughout the state. For additional information, visit www.AZGolf.org.

For information about junior's golf or women's golf, www.JGAA.org or www.AWGA.org.