Take A Hike

Local birders and fitness fans love Tempe's "A" Mountain for its scenic trail past wildflowers and desert shrubs, plus the sweeping vistas from the summit. Experiencing it yourself is incredibly easy; you can access its trailhead at the northern end of downtown Tempe.

The steep out-and-back trail is under a mile, with a big payoff at the top: panoramic views of the city, including Papago Park, Arizona State University, Tempe Town Lake and other landmarks. Time your short trek for sunset to catch especially stunning views. If you're hungry for more trails, Tempe's got the goods, including some in scenic Papago and South Mountain Parks.