Register on-line for South Mountain Hikes and Programs
Ramada
reservation
information
South Mountain Environmental Education Center Brochure (828kb pdf)
Due to budget reductions, the South Mountain Environmental Education Center closed indefinitely on April 5, 2010. The City of Phoenix is actively pursuing partnerships that would allow the center to resume operation. Please monitor this page for updates.
The museum's displays allow visitors to interpret and understand the Sonoran Desert ecosystem found right outside the center's doors. A series of trails, including the wheelchair-accessible Judith Tunell trail, adjacent to the center mean desert exploration is just a step away.
When the center operated, visitors could:
- Find trail maps and talk to a park ranger for information on hikes or mountain bike rides in the area.
- Utilize the center's extensive Dottie Gilbert Reading Room.
- Pick up brochures and pamphlets on a variety of topics related to the Sonoran Desert and the City of Phoenix mountain preserve system.
- Learn about upcoming park ranger-led outdoor programs.
- Make reservations for ramadas located within South Mountain Park.
Volunteering
Park Stewards
The Hohokam
Animals of the Desert Preserves
Desert Plants
ADA Accessible Trail
The Civilian Conservation Corps
Kids Stuff
Silent Sundays
All park roads past the gatehouse at the Central Avenue entrance are closed to motor vehicles during the event. Free public parking is available near the parks' main entrance at 10919 S. Central Avenue. The roads are reserved for the entire day for all non-motorized recreational activities!
2010 Silent Sundays (Fourth Sunday of the month): Starting at 5 a.m. the park's roadways past the Central Avenue gate will be reserved for non-motorized use. Silent Sunday dates for 2010 are: Jan. 24, Feb. 28, March 28, April 25, May 23, June 27, July 25, Aug. 22, Sept. 26, Oct. 24, Nov. 28, Dec. 26.
South Mountain Environmental Education Center
in South Mountain Park
Reshelving books in the Dottie Gilbert Reading Room are members of the Diggers Garden Club.
Left to right are Bev Brown Kennedy, Kay Loftin,
Shirley Becker, and Betty Lou Meeks.
Hohokam
historians call this panel
the "Party-Morphs".