As part of my continuing series of things to do in and around Scottsdale, Phoenix and Paradise Valley, Arizona, today's edition is devoted to the Phoenix Mountain Preserve.
As the Valley has been beset by rapid expansion and development, political forces have been at odds over the preservation of our native land. Victories for conservationists have produced a series of preserved mountain areas within the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. Encompassing approximately 23,500 acres (non-continuous) in total, and open to the public for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding, the preserves offer an amazing opportunity to experience raw Arizona without leaving the confines of the city.
There are seven primary mountain preserve areas in Phoenix: Lookout Mountain, Shadow Mountain, North Mountain/Shaw Butte, Stoney Mountain, Stoney Mountain South, Piestewa Peak (formerly Squaw Peak) and South Mountain.
This past Sunday, I took the family to the Piestewa Peak preserve area. Instead of accessing the preserve from the South where there is a direct route up the peak, we decided to stomp around the open area to the North. Not quite ready for mountain climbing, the boys were much better suited to scampering along the relatively flat trails. On this day, the desert was surprisingly green and vibrant with undergrowth. With sunshine on our faces and just the slightest nip in the air, it could not have been a better morning for communing with mother nature.
Look, there goes a group of middle-aged mountain bikers. Up ahead is a gaggle of high school girls chattering away about nothing and everything. To my left is a couple with three exceedingly happy Labrador Retrievers. In the distance to the right, I can even see the silhouette of a man on horseback.
Yet, despite the traffic, I do not feel imposed upon. The preserve so open and expansive, the mountain vistas so spectacular, that it never feels crowded. Quite the contrary, we trade genuine smiles with each person we encounter. Eager for the chance to express feelings of contentment with fellow revelers. Every eye sparkles.
While fruitlessly trying to teach my toddler to identify a "mountain" and "cactus," I can only laugh as he instead opts to inspect every single rock at his feet. Trust me when I say that is a lot of rocks.
An hour later, tired but refreshed, we found our way back to the parking area. The paved parking lot which I should note was not paved the last time I utilized this point of entry. In fact there were no restrooms when I was here last either. What does this tell me? That it has been far too long.
When you need to step away from the rat race, don't forget this haven is only minutes away.
For access to this part of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, go West on Shea Boulevard from Tatum. Follow 40th Street South from Shea until it terminates in the public parking area. Leave your worries with your car, and enjoy an enchanting day in the mountains.
For more information, please visit the Phoenix Mountain Preserve.
Paul Slaybaugh is your source for Phoenix, Paradise Valley and Scottsdale Real Estate. A native of Scottsdale, Arizona, Paul has been selling the land that he loves since 1999.
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Scottsdale, Phoenix and Paradise Valley AZ Real Estate. A Slaybaugh family tradition since 1974! We haven't sold every home in the Valley, but we're working on it!
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Paul, you might want to think about posting in Realtor Life group and entering this in the "back to nature" contest, if you're looking to get some extra points.
Thank goodness there are those working to preserve spaces like this. The desert can make one feel both very small and very free at the same time. It must be very nice to stroll the trails on a winter day.
Thanks for the heads up, Georgina.
Elaine, what the heck is this winter of which you speak?
Goodness, what memories. I once fell in love in PHoenix. Saw my first cactus and had dinner at some "Pete" place in the desert. Love that place.
Trying to think of where you dined, Lenn. Sure it wasn't "Ed" instead of "Pete?" There is a great spot in Cave Creek called Crazy Ed's Satisfied Frog.
I love AZ and I love your blog (subscribed) I'll be out there in a few days and headed to Sedona. I enjoy your perspective to keep me in the loop about the area.
I simple must go to Crazy Ed's Satisfied Frog just because it's called Crazy Ed's Satisfied Frog. That is brilliant!
I spy a happy family. Great post and loved the photos of your family enjoying nature's bounty together.
Next time I'm out your way (which will be soon!), you can bet I'll be out there on my bike. It looks like a wonderful place to get lost for a day :)
Thank you, Chris! I love Sedona as well and try to get up there every couple of months. Enjoy your trip and look me up if you are down in the Valley for any substantial period of time.
Elaine, if you think that's great, you'll love the joint down the street. Ole Crazy Ed opened up the Satisfied Frog after the non-compete expired on his original bbq joint: The Horny Toad.
Marlene: Thanks for reading, and you spied accurately. It's a great place to lose your cares for a while.
I know you are quite the cyclist, Jennifer, so I'm not surprised that this appeals to you. If you do make it down this way, you'll want to tool around on those trails from sunup to sundown. It's spectacular.
Hey... I'm a night rider.. so don't be surprised to see me in the coffee fields at midnight Juan ;-)
Hi Paul - What a great time it looked like you had. Do you all ever camp in the desert? I'll bet the stars are spectacular out there at night.
My hubby and I had lunch at Old South Pancake House last Friday and I thought about you!
Does not surprise me in the least, Jennifer. Best time to pick the beans.
I wish camping were permitted, Linda. Of course, there is the occasional mountain lion ...
Mmm. Old South sounds really good right about now!
Paul, this made me want to drive to the desert again, and hug those soft pyramids of Arizona hills... cactus and all... Someday soon, must get out of the flatlands, for a little while:-)
Thank you for sharing your love of nature and your adorable family-
Paul - I am sorry to say that this may have earned you entry into next week's Family Reunion post. I wonder how you will look?
But seriously, this was another awesome Localism piece, my friend.
The desert will be waiting for you, Inna. Of course, I fully expect a headsup if you do make it out my way. Thanks for complimenting the fam!
Here we are a week away from your next recap, Jason, and you are already scheming. LOL. If I am fortunate enough to make the cut this week, I will eagerly anticipate seeing which photo you cull from my past.
Paul~Are you writing for the local newspaper? Seriously, this is fantastic. Once they find you, you're going to have a side job. As I was reading I felt as though I were there hanging out with your family. What a great time and I couldn't help laugh at the picture of you carrying that darling little one on your shoulders. That reminds me all too much of how my little girl finds her way to daddy's shoulders every time we go for hikes or other outdoor excursions. Have a great week!
Thanks, Julie! No side job just yet :) My son does love to ride up there on my shoulders. He'll walk for a little while, and then run over with arms outstretched saying, "Up, pease!" Impossible to resist. Have a great week, Julie.
Wonderful pictures. Isn't it funny how everything we do these days ends up in a blog? I am glad that Squaw is still protected!
It will always be Squaw Peak to me, Ginger. I don't care what the revisionists say. It is quite amusing how I bring the camera everywhere now just for Localism opportunities.
Paul, don't we live in a beautiful state. I am always snapping photos of our beautiful Arizona. Good localism post. It will always be Squaw Peak to me too.
Paul - I included this post in the Family Reunion for this week.
Imagining a world without a desert to hike through, without a rainforest waterfall to swim in, without a glacier's electric blue...
Way to connect us, in story, to the need to conserve our natural beauty.
Teri, as one who has lived in the Valley for quite some time, I am not surprised to hear you say that. That rock is Squaw Peak, end of story!
Lenza: They use cars here.
Thanks, Jason.
Joey, I was going to put an APB out for you, my man. Hope you are back to stay for awhile.
PAUL - This sounds like a great place to spend the day with your family. Anyone living in the area, or looking to relocate to the area will certainly appreciate this.