It's always an awesome experience at my favorite nature preserve in the area. Today, there were so…read moremany turtles out in the water they were enjoying the oat cereal a lot. There's so much wildlife here, especially today. It was fun having our bird app to help identify the different bird calls. We also saw 3 families of ducks with babies. So cute. There were also bunnies, quail, pelicans, and even a coyote today. If you haven't been here, it's a must see.

This riparian area is a great place to get outside and walk around. There are a lot of trails that…read moreloop around multiple ponds, and we usually end up doing about 2 to 3 miles without even trying. There is a ton of wildlife here. You will see rabbits, squirrels, ducks, turtles, fish, and a wide variety of birds. It feels like every time we go, we see something new. It is also one of the few places in the Phoenix area where you can see pelicans out in the wild, which is really cool. On our last visit we saw a coyote, a whole flock of pelicans take off and soar for a long stretch, and a bunch of little duck families with baby ducks. It is just a really peaceful place to spend some time. This is a perfect spot for a walking date or to bring the family and enjoy being outside. Definitely one of the better outdoor spots in the area.

Went for a hike, decided to do the 2 miler, the area and weather is gorgeous, no humidity! The…read moretrails are clearly marked and we decided when we got to the turn around point to go even farther, ended up doubling our mileage and seeing some gorgeous views!!! There are trails that are easy and flat and of course some that are hilly and challenging, great for exercising! They also have tortoises and a small "museum" area with some of the wildlife....

This is a solid, vey large County Park all-around. There are trails for all skill levels. Most of…read morethe trails come off the Phillips Road entrance, which is coincidentally where the nature center is located. If you need a bathroom or to buy a Parks Pass, this is where you'll go. The other two entrances are off Hunt Highway (Wagon Wheel Drive) and Brenner Pass. Most of the easy/family-friendly trails are off Phillips Road- lots of loops with gradual, minimal rolling hills. The Wagon Wheel trails definitely have more elevation and challenging features. Both of the parking lots I've been to are wide, allowing plenty of car and equine parking. It's so fun to see the horses and riders out on the trails! You'll also see bikers too. This is also a popular park for races - running and biking, based on some friends experiences. Make sure to bring cash for parking if you don't have a Parks Pass, in case of emergency and/or if there's not a ranger manning each station.

The Veterans Oasis park has different walking trails, offers a lake for fishing, several benches…read morefor bird-watching, large covered ramadas, the Chandler Nature Center (Chandler Native Plant Oasis), and much more. Offers different signs to learn about wildlife and how to be safe. I came in early morning in mid-October and the weather was amazing. In the morning it was about 60 degrees. The park was active: people walking the trails, fishing, several people walking their dogs and there was a group of people with their dogs getting dog training classes. The park still offers plenty of space to enjoy your time outdoors.

This is our favorite neighborhood park. We have seen it grow from a small park to a huge trail…read moreworthy, well kept oasis. Our favorite is going around the scenic loop around water, spotting the ducks, geese and the birds. There are so many exotic Birds specially during the spring, it's a sight. The wildflowers are beautiful and the large trees create a perfect canopy during the summer. We love biking and hiking too, this park has a cute little waterfall and is a favorite among photographers for shoots. There are programs offered in the community center for the kids for summer break and also activities with nature which is nice specially since it's involved with nature. There is also a nice display and tribute to the veterans with some installation arts. This place is worth a visit and wish there were some kids play structure to add to the beauty.

Really good hike You can see the valley the whole time…read more When you get to the top you can't help but think of what a great accomplishment you just made.

I had heard good things about this trail and it has a cool name, so I decided to check it out one…read moremorning. I didn't want to pay for parking so I started at a different trailhead and hiked a few kilometers to get to the beginning of this trail. I saw a good amount of people along the way, but not too many. They were all courteous and respectful of the trail and its rules. There are lots of switchbacks and some decent elevation, I'd classify it as a moderate hike. The top with the "cave" was nice, more like an indentation, and I saw 2 chipmunks. I guess I didn't make it all the way to the top according to my map, but close enough. I went back down the trail and continued on my loop back to the parking lot I came from. There isn't much cover from the sun so be sure to dress appropriately, wear sunscreen, a hat, drink water, etc. I'm glad I got to do this trail.

Beautiful and simple hike that will take you to a half way mid point, then you can keep going to…read morethe top. Lovely local hike with good views. Going up can be rocky, not a smooth path.

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.

Nice trail to walk especially with doggos! They love seeing all the bunnies and ducks on the trail…read moreas we walk and are always ready for naps by the end of it. Such nice scenery and very well lit at night as well on one segment of the trail which is about .50 long and enough to get their energy out at night while still feeling safe

I'm currently training for a half marathon and I had seen this trail in passing and thought it…read moremight be a good place to do my "long runs". It is perfect for a nice a easy run. I was able to go 12.5 miles and while it was not easy (because of the distance) the trail itself was flat and there was a lot to see. Cows, ducks, llamas, pretty parks, people riding horses...you've got it all! Definitely better than my typical Chandler green belt jaunts!

Mountains are to me a cleanse for the soul.This trail was a 1100 gain off of 145 th in Scottsdale…read more We were lucky enough to discover this trail after meeting a Scottsdale local who recommended it. We found parking at the entrance although there is parking down the mountain another 500 feet away from this one if full. Even though it was 56 degrees at the start it can get warm as the trails are a moderate climb in parts but with good trail shoes and balance you most likely would not need hiking poles . The views from different points are worth a view and we were lucky to go early on a Saturday where the trails were not crowded. It was dog friendly and clean.No facilities so definitely need to bring water or drink of choice. Return: definitely for the views

A lovely hike. It has some elevation gain but is not overwhelming. There is also a lovely false…read morepeak a bit over a mile from the top which is a nice rest or place to stay as the rest of your party does the last bit of the hike. Lots of cute desert plants as well!

Hiked the death trap that is echo canyon trail and it did not disappoint…read more Made for mountain goats aka I recommend it if you're okay with basically rock climbing the whole way up, it's pretty vertical. It's a fun hike and definitely a good workout. It's also very well marked for people who frequently get lost on trails like me. I wasn't super impressed with the view at the top since it's just overlooking the city but it's probably one of the highest vantage points compared to other hikes. Tips: There is one part where the stairs and rails are where it gets very windy so sunglasses can help. You don't necessarily need gloves to do the hike, just be careful with how you pivot with your hands, I got through it without any callouses, scabs or scratches. Like others said, try to wear shoes with some type of traction, I got through it with sneakers. Very small parking lot so come at sunrise or if you come around 7am, sometimes the early risers leave around that time. There's bathrooms and a water fountain at the beginning. Have fun and be safe!

The views on this trail the higher you go are priceless. However, one time is enough for me lol. It…read moretook an hour and a half up and another hour and a half down. This was my first time doing a hike like this and it's definitely not a "beginners" hike but I had no expectations & didn't know what I was getting myself into. On the way down, I fell and busted my knee. My only recommendation is to take your time & take breaks while going up/down the mountain. & listen to your body if you get tired!

Easy little hikes - bit of a drive out of the way but so worth it. One of the rare natural bridges…read morebuilt in this way

It was amazing I got to see wild horses So peaceful and…read morerelaxing can't want to go back again

Super easy hike up to Hole-in-the-Rock…read more Plenty of parking in the area with trails up either side to the money shot. At 11a in the morning, there were plenty of people around to follow up. When you get through the smallish opening, you are greeted with vistas of the city in the background. We stopped on our way out of town and it was the perfect spot to reflect about our time in Phoenix.

This place is sooooo crowded. It's a beautiful view and parking is plentiful although you may need…read moreto walk a bit more from a parking lot. But from the base of the "trail" to the top, it was really only .25 and very easy. There were a few spots that could be tricky for older people but overall, this was a very easy and a well graveled walk up. I came on a Monday afternoon and there were crowds already. I couldn't imagine enjoying it when it's more crowded on a Thursday/Friday/Sat kind of afternoon. The views are different from the back to the front. So make sure you actually go through the hike and see the other side! Not a hike worth calling a hike. More like a mini adventure climb if you will.