1. Florence Ely Nelson Desert Park

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Scottsdale, AZ

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Florence Ely Nelson Desert Park

4.5 (2 reviews)

Florence Ely Nelson Desert Park Photos

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2 years ago

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6 years ago

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Eldorado Park

Eldorado Park

4.3(34 reviews)
15.7 mi
Kid friendly
Locally owned & operated

Great playground for kids and plenty of fields for soccer or other sports. I've always felt very…read moresafe parking here, whether it's in the morning or around sunset. It's a great spot to park for a bike ride because you can head in either direction--towards Tempe or North Scottsdale--depending on your mood. I love biking this path because it's secluded with few intersections, making for a smooth, uninterrupted ride. You can bike alongside two different golf courses, and it's easy to connect to the canal as well. If you head north on the path, there's a grocery store along the way in case you need more drinks or a snack during your ride or run. There's a great variety of biking options from this location!

As a recent resident of Phoenix, I have heard a lot about the intensities of the summers here. I…read moredon't know what it is about me, but maybe the heat doesn't phase me as much. With that in mind, I braved the heat and stopped by Eldorado Park for a hour-long walk (hydration pack and sunscreen in tow). Located in Scottsdale, there's plenty of parking. The first thing that stands out is the size of the park. There's plenty of greenery, there are benches, there are picnic tables, there's a lake, there are playgrounds, there's disc golf, and more. Eldorado actually bleeds into another park so it takes quite a while if you're trying to explore it in its entirety. I wouldn't say Eldorado Park is the most picturesque park I've been to. Nor is it in the nicest part of town. But it did the job. There are so many hiking and walking opportunities in Phoenix. It was nice to try out a new spot.

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Eldorado Park
Eldorado Park - Bridge Crossing

Bridge Crossing

Eldorado Park

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Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch - Great Blue Heron

Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch

4.7(279 reviews)
24.8 mi

Went for a quick one-mile walk and ended up doing two. It's like Bridge to Terabithia in the heart…read moreof the city: seven ponds, shaded trails, turtles, birds, and a floating boardwalk, all free. The mental health messages along the paths are such a pleasant touch. If you want something more leisurely, you can do an easy walk around the lake. My mom found this helpful, instead of venturing back into the trails. Parking fills up fast, but the library next door has plenty of free spots, and parking there is allowed, so you won't get towed. Bring water!

Being from NYC this is our version of central park. I love the observatory which is open Friday…read moreand Saturday nights sunset till 9pm. It's free but donations are appreciated. They are rib by volunteers. The trails are clean, dogs welcome everywhere, horses in designated areas, camp sites also available to rent which come with bbq grills and pits along with space for tents. Check out their website for the info. This is a great park to take your kids to the playground, go fishing, get your steps in, take your dog food a walk or have a date. Many picture perfect spots which are popular for graduation, wedding, and birthday pics. I even saw a couple get married on the bridge at sunset a quick 5 minute ceremony to not hold up anyone. Parking in a few spots and adjacent to the library for extra parking. 2 bathrooms I've been to are clean and maintained. Water fountains also there.

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Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch - Featured once again

Featured once again

Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch - Sunrise

Sunrise

Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch - Every walk feels like a peaceful escape.

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Every walk feels like a peaceful escape.

Lookout Mountain Preserve

Lookout Mountain Preserve

4.4(89 reviews)
10.5 mi

Great hiking area with beautiful views all around! The trailhead starts right at the base of the…read moremountain - don't be misled by Google Maps - just drive straight up the road leading to the mountain ahead. Once here there are several routes you can take varying from easy to challenging. Most importantly, please wear appropriate footwear!! I saw an older guy wearing Crocs without the back supports going up the path and he nearly toppled backwards several times. I was very worried for his well-being - this path really requires socks and shoes. Of note, depending on when you go and which direction you choose to go in, one side of the mountain has no relief from the sun - it is hot! The other side is shaded and pleasant. Whichever route you take, make sure to bring liquids to hydrate and know your limit. You can always get to a lower elevation and walk around the mountain if it gets too steep.

Lookout Mountain Preserve was on my list of the top hikes in Phoenix. Located in North Phoenix, I…read moremade my way on a weekday afternoon. According to All Trails, this is a moderate hike. I would agree with that assessment. It took me a little over an hour to complete. There are 30 free parking spots or so and I didn't have trouble finding a spot. I'm not sure if this is the case on a weekend too when the weather's nice. While it's not a super long hike, here's what adds to the difficulty: a good amount of steep incline on the way up the mountain with some rocky terrain. For a small portion, you have to scramble a bit. On the way down, some pretty steep decline in some areas so make sure to have the proper footwear. Even with my hiking boots, my shoes slipped a little bit. I didn't fall or anything, but you probably will if you're not wearing the right stuff. Once you get to the top of the mountain, you'll be rewarded with great views of Phoenix. I sat up there for a good 10 minutes. Enjoy it, this is what it's all about.

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Lookout Mountain Preserve
Lookout Mountain Preserve
Lookout Mountain Preserve

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Florence Ely Nelson Desert Park - parks - Updated October 2026

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