Phoenix - Surroundings

In the Pueblo Grande Museum are the ruins of a 12th century Hohokam settlement and remains of old irrigation channels.
The site is a National Historic Landmark where you can see both excavations and reproductions of historic features. There are also trails and walking paths, along with picnic sites for anyone who wants to simply enjoy a little time in the desert. There are also indoor exhibits.

South Mountain Park in Phoenix is the world's largest city park, covering over 15,000 acres of desert country. Miles of trails are ideal for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Views out over the desert and beyond to the city are fabulous. This is a nice place to come at night as well with a wonderful view over Phoenix and the city lights.

Agua Fria is home to Perry Mesa and Black Mesa. It is 71,000 acres of semi-desert area with at least 450 prehistoric sites. Abundant wildlife includes mountain lion, pronghorn, common black hawks and many species of neotropical migratory birds.

Cricket Pavilion is an outdoor amphitheater located west of downtown Phoenix. It seats 8,000 under the roof and another 12,000 can sit on the hillside grass.

The Mystery Castle is located south of downtown Phoenix near the entrance to South Mountain Park. It was built by Boyce Luther Gulley before his death in 1945 but his daughter lived her for decades afterwards. The castle is a unique piece of architecture to say the least, made largely of stone with all kinds of whimsical features and inlaid pieces.

North Mountain Park is located in Phoenix with a children's playground and picnic area.

The Energy Information Center of the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station features hands-on displays dealing with various energy sources.

The Pioneer Arizona Living History Museum north of Phoenix is a reconstructed village with 28 buildings, including an opera house, blacksmith, and a school house. This 90 acre site takes you back to the 1800s with costumed interpreters recreating a bygone age, complete with a cowboy show.

It can be very hot during the summer months so plan accordingly and perhaps try to schedule your visit early in the day.

The Salt River Indian Reservation is home to the Pima and Maricopa Indians who established a relationship as they migrated towards each other. The Pima's are known for their basket weaving, while the Maricopa are known for their red clay pottery.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) handles over 30 million passengers each year. The interior of the airport features a number of exhibits highlighting the work of Arizona artists.

Sonoran Desert National Monument has an extensive saguaro cactus forest and three distinct mountain ranges. There is evidence throughout the monument of ancient villages, campsites, rock art, and artifacts of the prehistoric Hohokam and other native peoples. An array of wildlife can be found in the area including desert bighorn, sheep, mule, deer, bobcats, raptors and owls.

THE ATTRACTION IS CLOSED.

The collection at West Valley Art Museum contains ethnic dress, textiles and ethnographic Arts as well as ethnographic artifacts and decorative arts.

The American art collection of the West Valley Art Museum focuses on 19th and 20th C works from the likes of Henry Varnum Poor and George Resler. Other featured displays include cultural artifacts from Africa, Asia and South America.