South Mountain Park And Preserve

A true southwestern treasure, this all-inclusive guide to South Mountain Park and Preserve encourages readers to discover the nature and adventure available in this massive outdoor playground.

Metropolitan Phoenix is one of the country's fastest growing areas, contains the nation's fifth largest city, adds more than 100,000 residents each year, and rapidly consumes the surrounding desert. However, it is not losing all of its open space. One can stand anywhere in the Valley of the Sun and look toward the horizon--in just about any direction the glories of nearly 100 years of preservation efforts are visible. All told, over 300 square miles of the most beautiful desert and mountain scenery are preserved or targeted for preservation in the Phoenix area. This book celebrates the beauty of these special places, and the foresight, determination, and efforts required to preserve this critical link to the great outdoors. Using more than a century's worth of historical photographs, it tells the stories of the acquisition and development of seven of the Phoenix area's most important parks and preserves.

Whether you're hiking red rock trails in the Valley of the Sun or relaxing in Scottsdale's resorts, take Arizona at your own speed with Moon Phoenix, Scottsdale & Sedona. Inside you'll find: Strategic, flexible itineraries like a luxurious desert getaway, a family road trip, and the 4-day best of the Valley of the Sun Unique experiences and can't-miss sights: Explore the local art scene, from Native American exhibits to contemporary galleries, and taste the best Sonoran-style cuisine this side of the Mexican border. Luxuriate in five-star resorts, world-class spas, and gourmet restaurants. Go stargazing in Sedona or bar-hopping in Scottsdale. Hike water-carved canyons and climb mountains or hit the links in the golf capital of the West. Discover the rich culture of the Native American people who first settled the Valley, and venture to the leafy respite of Oak Creek Canyon to picnic between trout-filled ponds and towering red-rock monoliths The top spots for outdoor adventures, from rock climbing and hiking along hidden mountain trails to sunset hot air ballooning and exhilarating desert Jeep tours Expert advice from Phoenix local Lilia Menconi on when to go, how to get around, and where to stay, with special focus on the best resorts in the area Full-color, vibrant photos and detailed maps throughout Thorough background on the culture, environment, wildlife, and history With Moon's practical tips and local know-how, you can experience Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Sedona your way. Expanding your trip? Try Moon Arizona & the Grand Canyon. Hitting the road? Try Moon Southwest Road Trip.

Explore Arizona's vast open spaces, dreamy canyons, and colorful culture with Moon Arizona & the Grand Canyon. Inside you'll find: Strategic, flexible itineraries from day hikes in the Grand Canyon to a two-week Arizona road trip, designed for outdoor adventurers, history buffs, foodies, and more Can't-miss highlights and unique experiences: Embark on a multi-day expedition into the depths of the Grand Canyon, discover hidden streams on a hike through high-desert forests, or find the best spots to hit the slopes in winter. Take a scenic drive along historic Route 66, learn about Arizona's ancient native cultures, and stroll charming Old West towns. Explore the red rock cliffs around Sedona, watch your favorite MLB team play during Spring Training, and sample Southwest cuisine from spicy enchiladas to Sonoran hot dogs How to plan a Grand Canyon adventure, including coverage of towns near gateways to the park Local insight from Arizona local Tim Hull on when to go, where to stay, and how to get around Full-color photos and detailed maps throughout Focused coverage of Phoenix, Scottsdale, and the Valley of the Sun, Tucson and Southern Arizona, Flagstaff, Sedona, and Red Rock Country, Navajo and Hopi Country, the White Mountains and the Gila Valley, the Grand Canyon and the Arizona Strip, and the Lower Colorado River Practical information including background on Arizona's landscape, climate, wildlife, and culture With Moon Arizona & the Grand Canyon's practical tips and local expertise, you can plan your trip your way. Seeing more of the Southwest? Check out Moon New Mexico or Moon Phoenix. Hitting the road? Try Moon Southwest Road Trip or Moon Route 66 Road Trip.

Allow yourself to be taken back into deep geologic time when strange creatures roamed the Earth and Western North America looked completely unlike the modern landscape. Volcanic islands stretched from Mexico to Alaska, most of the Pacific Rim didn’t exist yet, at least not as widespread dry land; terranes drifted from across the Pacific to dock on Western Americas’ shores creating mountains and more volcanic activity. Landscapes were transposed north or south by thousands of kilometers along huge fault systems. Follow these events through paleogeographic maps that look like satellite views of ancient Earth. Accompanying text takes the reader into the science behind these maps and the geologic history that they portray. The maps and text unfold the complex geologic history of the region as never seen before. Winner of the 2021 John D. Haun Landmark Publication Award, AAPG-Rocky Mountain Section

Whether you’re planning your first family adventure or you’re a seasoned pro, Arizona Family Outdoor Adventure is the definitive guide for families exploring the Grand Canyon State. Experienced writer and adventurer Chels Knorr takes us across Arizona—from the winding slot canyons of the north, past the iconic red rocks of Sedona, and down through the cacti-covered hillsides of the south, with locations for camping, hiking, biking, birding, and stargazing throughout the entire state. Organized geographically with maps, detailed descriptions, and beautiful photography, every activity is graded for difficulty, age-appropriateness, and interest so readers know which are right for their family. Approachable and inclusive, this book embraces the idea that Arizona outdoor adventures are for everyone.