South Mountain Nature

Rating: 
Round Trip Distance: 0.4 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: 1380 - 1407 feet
Cellphone: 3-5 bars
Time: 30 mins.
Trailhead: Ranger Station
Fee: none
Attractions: Interpretive trail, petroglyphs

The South Mountain Nature trail is located behind the Ranger Station in the South Mountain Park and Preserve in Phoenix, Arizona. Signs with drawings provide interesting facts about the plants and animals that are found in the rugged desert environment of the preserve.

The trail runs along the foot of the hill behind the Ranger Station.

Before crossing the road to the Ranger Station you can stop at the Holmquist Boulder to see its petroglyphs.

The geometric images include a set of concentric circles and wavy lines.

After crossing the road to the Ranger Station look for the sign for the Nature trail that directs visitors through a passage between the buildings.

The trail is a little primitive but easy to follow.

The plaques with their pictures are a great place to become acquainted with a large number of the areas plants and animals.

The Max Delta trail intersects with the Nature trail offering a side route to extend your outing.

For those that would like to learn the names of the different plants and animals in the area the South Mountain Nature trail makes a nice outdoor classroom where you can pick up a lot of information while getting a little exercise. If you also find petroglyphs interesting then the Holmquist Boulder is a nice addition. If you would like to see it for yourself then all you have to do is 'Take a hike'.