At more than 16,000 acres South Mountain Park/Preserve actually consists of three mountain ranges, the Ma Ha Tauk, Gila and Guadalupe; and is one of the largest municipally operated parks in the country. It boasts 51 miles of primary trails for horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking for all ability levels. From the park's main entrance, you can drive up the Summit Road 5.5 miles to Dobbins Lookout and spectacular valleywide views or you can continue to the Gila Lookout for a view of the Gila River Valley. 

Note: The scenic roads are shared by bikers and hikers and there are many steep sections and blind curves, so maximum speed is 25 mph and 15 mph on curves. 

To learn more about South Mountain Park/Preserve view an Emmy Award winning video or listen to a podcast with Phoenix parks rangers.​

Highest Point:
Mount Suppoa (not accessible to the public) reaches 2,690 feet. Dobbins Lookout, at 2,330 feet, is the highest point in the park accessible by trail or public roadway.

South Mountain Roadway Notices:

San Juan Road

Is open to vehicles the first full weekend of every month for easy access to the Alta, Bajada and National trails.

Silent Sunday (4th Sunday of every month):

Cyclists, skate boarders, wheelchair users and stroller-riding tots can now call the roads of South Mountain Park their own one Sunday of each month.  During Silent Sunday events, the park’s main access roadways are closed to motor vehicles, reserving them for the entire day (5 a.m. to 7 p.m.) for non-motorized uses.  Vehicle parking is available at the Activity Complex, which is located at the main entrance, and is located within close proximity to several trails.

Trailheads not accessed via the main entrance and roadways will remain open to vehicles.

 If a holiday falls on the fourth Sunday of a month, Silent Sunday will be held on the third Sunday of that month.

2017 Silent Sunday Dates: January 22, February 26, March 26, April 23, May 28, June 25, July 23, August 27, September 24, October 22, November 26, December 17 (3rd Sunday due to Christmas Holiday)

Other Road Closure Dates:

01/28/17: Road closure at Pima Canyon Trailhead 5 a.m. to 11 a.m. and at 1.0-mile marker 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. Access to lookouts will be denied to vehicles. Due to National Trail Trek.

02/24/17: Road closure at the 1.0-mile marker, Noon to 11 p.m. Access to lookouts will be denied to hikers, bikers and vehicles. Due to Climb to Conquer Cancer.

02/25/17: Road closure at the front gate. 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. Access to lookouts will be denied to hikers, bikers and vehicles. Due to Climb to Conquer Cancer.

03/18/17: Road closure at the front gate. 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. Access to lookouts will be denied to hikers, bikers and vehicles. Due to South Mountain Classic Run.

04/09/17: Road closure to Ramadas 1 -9, Kiwanis Trailhead, and Equestrian Area. 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. Access to lookouts will be denied to hikers, bikers and vehicles. Due to South Mountain Bike Classic.

05/12/17: Road closure at the front gate. 1 p.m. to close.  Access to lookouts will be denied to hikers, bikers and vehicles. Due to Moon Over South Mountain Fundraiser.

05/13/17: Road closure at the 1.0-mile marker. 5 a.m. to 10 a.m.  Access to lookouts will be denied to hikers, bikers and vehicles. Access to San Juan Road allowed for bikers and hikers (walk ins only). Due to Time Trials Bike Event.

07/04/17: All entrances to park will close at 3 p.m. in observance of the Independence Day holiday.

8/06/17: Road closure at the front gate. 5 a.m. to 11 a.m. Access into the park is limited to race participants. Due to ARR Road Run.

10/14/17: Road closure at the front gate, 5 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Access into the park is limited to race participants. Due to YMCA Race.

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To join the “Friends of South Mountain Park” mailing list, please e-mail
natural.resources.pks@phoenix.gov
with the following information:  last name, first name, e-mail address.