South Mountain Park and Preserve (Phoenix)

Photo: Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons. The stone Dobbins Lookout shelter at sunset, overlooking Phoenix — the preserve's signature drive-up viewpoint on Summit Road.

South Mountain Park and Preserve in Phoenix: best for ages 0-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12, 13-17; Not confirmed.

Address10919 S Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85042

HoursParking/entrance hours 5 a.m.-7 p.m.; trail hours 5 a.m.-11 p.m.; South Mountain Visitor Center Thu-Sun 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Silent Sunday: Summit Road closed to motor vehicles all day (5 a.m.-7 p.m.) on the 4th Sunday of each month, and 5-10 a.m. on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th Sundays. San Juan Road open 5 a.m.-7 p.m. on the first Saturday and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on the first Sunday of the month.

Price notesNot confirmed - no admission fee or 'free entry' statement is published on the City of Phoenix South Mountain Park/Preserve page, so no price is recorded. Some ramadas require a paid reservation; that is a facility rental, not park admission.

Age notesNot confirmed - a public city park/preserve publishes no age tiers; all age bands are included on a content basis (100+ miles of trails of varying difficulty plus the drive-up Dobbins Lookout and an accessible trail at the visitor center; youngest children will use only the lookout/accessible-trail portions).

BookingNo reservation is mentioned for general park/trail use; several ramadas require a reservation via a Special Activity Request Form (no more than 6 months ahead, no less than 72 hours prior).

Suggested timeAbout 3 hours

AccessibilityThe City of Phoenix wheelchair-accessible trails page lists the Judith Tunell Accessible Trail at the South Mountain Environmental Education Center, 10919 S. Central Ave., with disabled accessible parking spots at the center. This applies to that accessible trail/center only; the preserve's other trails are desert mountain trails and no accessibility is stated for them.

ParkingNot confirmed - the City of Phoenix South Mountain page lists parking/entrance hours (5 a.m.-7 p.m.) but publishes no parking fee or free-parking statement.

More family spots in Phoenix

Venue details last verified November 5, 2026 against official sources. Hours and prices change — check the official site before you go. FamilyDay AI is a free planning tool for parents; we list only facts we have verified, and we never invent ratings or reviews.

South Mountain Park and Preserve — Phoenix, Arizona

More family spots in Phoenix