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Best Parks and Gardens in Phoenix
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items One of the benefits of visiting the Phoenix and Scottsdale area any time of year is all of the fantastic parks and gardens that you can visit. Here are my favorites. Get out early if you are visiting when the temps are high and bring lots of water al...
Map
A unique desert garden easily accessible from wherever you are staying in the Phoenix area. Many events and classes also. My favorite is Las Noches de las Luminarias during the holidays in December.
Desert Botanical Garden
The arboretum is about an hour drive from downtown Phoenix but worth the effort. Desert plants from around the world are featured. A fairly easy hike through a canyon brings you along Queen Creek.
Boyce Thompson Arboretum
This is my favorite place to hike, with trails of a variety of lengths and difficulty levels. Good restrooms and water available at the trailhead and a large parking lot.
Gateway Trailhead - McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Chaparral parks offers a xeriscape garden, fishing pond, playground, fitness trail, and picnic ramadas. Plenty of parking is available. It's a great park for walking or hanging out with friends.
Chaparral Park
An oasis in the middle of downtown Phoenix with a waterfall and lovely path through manicured gardens. I lead Shinrin Yoku (forest bathing) here and the park provides a wonderful setting for it.
The Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix
A beautiful park in Old Town, Scottsdale with two stages for concerts, fountains, sculptures, and a playground. The Scottsdale Center for the Arts, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Arts, Scottsdale Historical Society and a few restaurants rest on th...
Scottsdale Civic Center
A wonderful park southeast of Phoenix with many trails and a large lake.
Chandler Nature Center
Created as a way to recycle waste water, the park offers great walking trails and bird watching.
Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch
The Scottsdale Waterfront offers a sidewalk around the canal with two bridges for crossing, including the Soleri Bridge which is aligned with the solstice. Many restaurants and shops surround the canal.
Scottsdale Waterfront
Along the bike path that runs next to the canal in Phoenix, a man-made waterfall offers a great place for a rest.
Arizona Falls
The grounds are beautiful with a large pond in the middle and most of the animals exhibits are outdoors.
Phoenix Zoo
A multi-use path winds down through Scottsdale with a large portion in Eldorado Park. There is also a frisbee golf course.
Eldorado Park
Great view of the Phoenix Valley from the peak which is not very difficult to reach. Small parking lot so arrive early in the day.
Pinnacle Peak Trail, Arizona
In south Phoenix with great views of the city. Hidden Valley Trail is my favorite.
South Mountain Trails | City of Phoenix
A difficult trail right in the middle of the city. Parking is mainly on Invergordon street with a short walk to the trailhead.
Climb Camelback Mountain