Here's Looking at you - Valley of the Sun!

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

There are several reasons why I enjoy South Mountain Park, but here are my top five. Number five: I love being able to travel less than an hour from my house and hike or bike on the Trail of national feeling like I was in a very remote location. When I do I'm obviously aware of the city around the park, but somehow it feels more like I was watching a silent movie in the city, while I'm there. Number four: I've met some of the neatest people around the world at nearly 60 miles of trails within the park. I met a couple from Germany who found a park and ride around in their rental car before heading for the airport. They did not want to end their trip and were very sadden to find the park three hours before the flight, and after 3 weeks traveling around the southwest. What a nice couple.

A third reason I enjoy South Mountain Park is because of the tremendous outdoor aroma that hangs in the air, just minutes from the bustling city. trails in the desert us past a wide variety of desert flora, which since mid-October to mid-May to fill your nose with wonderful aromas of the desert. Number two: It is a work-out, if you want to be. Take the bike, on road or off-road it does not matter, and the ride to the top and you'll see what I mean. It's just a few miles from bottom to top, but it will test both lungs and legs.

the number one reason I enjoy this park is so very easy to view from the top. Standing at Dobbins moment it seems that you can see forever in any direction. With the wind whipping against his face, the metropolitan area placed on silent feet. Taking a few moments to slow down and soak in the sensations it easy to pause and think about how you have finally come to stand in this place and where you possibly can the next steps you take. You will enjoy your time in South Mountain Park - especially if you have someone with you. Get outdoors !!