THE 10 BEST Phoenix Parks & Nature Attractions
Nature & Parks in Phoenix
Category types
Nature & Parks
Awards
Travelers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travelers across the globe.
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165 places sorted by traveler favorites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
Recommended Outdoor Activities (58)
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Geologic Formations
Camelback East
Zoos
Camelback East
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Open now
Admission tickets from $38
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
Camelback East
Nature & Wildlife Areas
North Mountain
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Mountains • Hiking Trails
North Mountain
Nature & Wildlife Areas
South Mountain
Hiking Trails
South Mountain
Hiking Trails
South Mountain
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Open now
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Gardens
Speciality Museums • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Encanto
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Showing results 1-30 of 165
What travelers are saying
- AkinniyiLuton, UKAn interesting collection of desert flowers and plants sigh various desert themes. I would suggest going to visit during the cooler periods of the year
I would definitely recommend thebotanical garden as a must see if you visit PhoenixWritten October 3, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Claudia IGlendale, AZThis is the most rewarding hike in the Phoenix area! The views from the top are worth the effort.
However, word to the wise: put on some good shoes, it’s slippery in many parts if it rains.
Also there’s no reason to go hike there during the hot summer months no matter how much water you bring along: don’t underestimate the Phoenix heat.
I saw many families with kids so technically anyone can complete this hike. However I’ve also seen many people turning around.
Know your limitations because it might take a while for help to arrive!
Will definitely return!Written August 21, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Daniel LApex, NCIt is a pretty cool spot to overlook the surroundings, that is incredibly easy to get up. It's a shame the parking lot takes up such a big chunk of the look down.Written September 18, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Short hike is doable on a heat warning day. Stunning views, close to the airport, lots of opportunities for cactus pictures.Written October 4, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- MelvinPusfingerTemecula, CAThis is not one of the top ranked zoos in the United States. Not quite in the same league as the San Diego zoo.
Nevertheless, if you are looking for a very enjoyable day for the family, this is a great place to go for a family. Children younger than 15 will particularly enjoy it.
An adult ticket cost $38 and a child is $28. So a family of five could run to approximately $170. Nevertheless, this is an all day activity and significantly cheaper than Disneyland. And you will get a great deal of exercise walking around the zoo. This is a very spacious zoo and you get to cover a great deal of territory.
They was a pretty good assortment of animals here. Three lions, a leopard, at least one elephant, and plenty of monkeys. There was also a rhino and camels.
Speaking of camels, the camel ride is very popular. Eight dollars per person but the kids will really enjoy it.
There is a shut to take you around the zoo, but that will cost you extra. At least eight dollars.
Free parking are not too far from the entrance. The gift shop is OK but nothing to write home about.
All in all a very enjoyable experience. A very good family activity if you live in or are visiting Phoenix or nearby, Scottsdale.Written April 1, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Anita WPhoenix, AZMy kids love this area, great walking trails, beautiful scenery. Phoenix native speaking here. There is horse back riding for all ages, we especially enjoy the Perl Charles trail while riding. Check out there website its very easy to navigate.Written January 13, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- amoraceMinneapolis, MNGreat climb, all types of people climbing it. It’s not a trail walk, but a climb at times. It progressively gets harder, but very worth doing. Know your limits and go as far as you can. Awesome views on every cornerWritten December 28, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ZMAN3411Westfield, INWe hiked to the Saddle as a family with two younger kids. Great hike for them, nice views, and lots of great information at the base in the parking area.Written April 11, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Perfectly relaxing stop! It doesn't take long to walk through but you have to at least walk around twice, it is so beautiful and tranquil. The greenery is picture perfect but I especially enjoyed watching the baby ducks waddle around 🥰Written June 4, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Up4laughsPortland, ORGreat for a stroll among pretty, well maintained foliage and canals/waterway. Lively groups of picnickers everywhere. Golf course and small kids’ amusement park on premises. Can rent little paddle boats. Saw tons of interesting birds. Lots of convenient parking.Written March 18, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- BlmhoustonTuscaloosa, ALWe used the all-trails app and had no problem navigating a 4.1 mile loop - there’s a variety of hiking options and lots a wonderful views and natural beautyWritten April 4, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- John HMiami, FLI had done Echo in the past and had heard that this trail is a little easier. To the contrary, Cholla trail is more difficult. The bottom 2/3 of the trail is easy to moderate. But the top 1/3 is extremely challenging, pretty much climbing straight up on sharp and uneven rocks. Unlike Echo, there are no bars or fences to grab or ropes to assist. It is true that Echo is steeper at the bottom part, and may be more strenuous overall, but the top 1/3 of Cholla is definitely more difficult.Written December 3, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Brendan SArlington, VAI can’t tell whether the name of this water feature - a 20-foot man-made cascade powering a hydroelectric plant - is tongue-in-cheek or not. The use of water to power homes in the Sonoran Desert is interesting. The Falls are also the starting point for a canal with a mostly dirt jogging path that proceeds for miles; a nice place to run off the streets and sidewalk.Written November 12, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jerri LJohnston, IAParking available at Desert Vista Trailhead. There used to be a nice restroom available here before you head out in the trails. There are a few trail options from this trailhead and they vary in difficulty. They all start with the Hawk’s Nest and branch off or continue from there. Hawk’s Nest is easy-moderate trail - a little rocky with slight incline in elevation. It is about .4 miles one direction. From there we decided to hike The Dixie Mountain Trail Loop (we went counterclockwise as recommended with a more gradual ascent). The loop is very scenic and moderate difficulty with beautiful wild flowers in the spring. This loop is around 3.8 miles. We added the Dixie Summit Trail (.2 miles one way). It is a more difficult rocky trail with switchbacks taking you to the summit which is breathtaking! We finished up the hike again in the Hawk Nest Trail to the trailhead and parking lot. (Another .4 miles). Our total hike was about 5 miles and was an enjoyable, relaxing 2 1/2 hours or a little less. We went mid-late March and wild flowers weee beginning to bloom. We also saw an owl in its nest in a large saguaro on the Hawk Nest Trail. That was amazing. Great hike!Written March 26, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Views were amazing. Bring water and a charged phone. You can get easily turned around out there and find yourself on a different trail. Mornings are much better to hike. Get there early for parking.Written September 11, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
