The following also is provided in Spanish . This vast Sonoran Desert environment is a great place to picnic, car tour, bike, hike, walk or ride a horse. For the past 74 years, residents and visitors have enjoyed the open spaces and spectacular views. The recently opened South Mountain Environmental Education Center, located at 10409 S. Central Ave.
Admission is free to the public.
The city provides a variety of programs and recreation opportunities at the education center. The Desert Awareness Program offers participants an understanding of the Sonoran Desert and the need for its preservation. A series of increasingly difficult hikes are offered this Fall within South Mountain Park. The pace is easy and the leader is informative. Pre-registration is required by Wednesday the week of the hike.