In contrast to what many believe, the city of Phoenix, Arizona is located in one of the most geographically diverse areas in the United States. Definitely, there is a ton of beautiful desert landscape throughout the area. However , Phoenix and areas around an hour or two driving distance from the city, are crammed with a gigantic topography that includes desert, mountain ranges, and lakes. Though the the city and its swift surroundings can be oppressively hot during much of the time, there are a good deal of Phoenix natural landmarks that offer recreational possibilities. Such places as Piestewa Peak, located in Phoenix Mountains Park, and Gatlin Site (situated near Phoenix) are good Phoenix natural landmarks.
Piestewa Peak
In the massive Phoenix urban area with a population of 1 million folk is a mountain range known as the Phoenix Mountains. It's one of the highest points in Arizona where you can hike to the summit and enjoy monumental panoramic views of the Phoenix area and beyond. You would never believe being in the middle of one of the largest built up areas in the U. S. and yet you can visit here for one or two hours feeling as if you're miles away from any the city of Phoenix. There is a sufficiency of plant life to enjoy, like mesquite and wildwood trees. Fauna as well as flora is also abundant on the peak and the encircling Phoenix Mountains Park which include coyotes, gila monsters and jackrabbits. Though hiking is the primary activity here, the trek averages from very easy to barely difficult. It's easy enough for a family to enjoy on and expedition.
Gatlin Site
This is another one of the natural landmarks in Phoenix that is at once both resplendent with natural beauty and historic interest. Much of it is aimed towards those with a healthy interest in archeology though there is a sense of wonder for anyone that hasn't seen it. There are old ruins such as canals and mounds that once served a much earlier civilization here. Nature has reclaimed much of it. Hikers and walkers are allowed to bring shovels to dig through the ruins. A lot of the exploration is done on the interpretive trail where visitors can find plenty of the old ruins.
Camelback Mountain
Like Pietswa Peak, a lot of this mountain is within the city. It got its name from the peak's semblance to the form of a camel which includes the head and the hump. As one of the natural landmarks in Phoenix, there is a lot of foliage and animal-life to see. The biggest activity is hiking. Nevertheless unlike Piestewa Peak, the hiking here is for the sturdier hiker. The terrain is awfully steep and it can take just about 3 hours just to hike a trail that is hardly more than a mile long. It's very critical that anybody hiking anybody of the two trails here carry enough water water during the hike and not risk dehydration or major illness.
Piestewa Peak
In the massive Phoenix urban area with a population of 1 million folk is a mountain range known as the Phoenix Mountains. It's one of the highest points in Arizona where you can hike to the summit and enjoy monumental panoramic views of the Phoenix area and beyond. You would never believe being in the middle of one of the largest built up areas in the U. S. and yet you can visit here for one or two hours feeling as if you're miles away from any the city of Phoenix. There is a sufficiency of plant life to enjoy, like mesquite and wildwood trees. Fauna as well as flora is also abundant on the peak and the encircling Phoenix Mountains Park which include coyotes, gila monsters and jackrabbits. Though hiking is the primary activity here, the trek averages from very easy to barely difficult. It's easy enough for a family to enjoy on and expedition.
Gatlin Site
This is another one of the natural landmarks in Phoenix that is at once both resplendent with natural beauty and historic interest. Much of it is aimed towards those with a healthy interest in archeology though there is a sense of wonder for anyone that hasn't seen it. There are old ruins such as canals and mounds that once served a much earlier civilization here. Nature has reclaimed much of it. Hikers and walkers are allowed to bring shovels to dig through the ruins. A lot of the exploration is done on the interpretive trail where visitors can find plenty of the old ruins.
Camelback Mountain
Like Pietswa Peak, a lot of this mountain is within the city. It got its name from the peak's semblance to the form of a camel which includes the head and the hump. As one of the natural landmarks in Phoenix, there is a lot of foliage and animal-life to see. The biggest activity is hiking. Nevertheless unlike Piestewa Peak, the hiking here is for the sturdier hiker. The terrain is awfully steep and it can take just about 3 hours just to hike a trail that is hardly more than a mile long. It's very critical that anybody hiking anybody of the two trails here carry enough water water during the hike and not risk dehydration or major illness.
About the Author:
Helena Richese has been fascinated by Phoenix natural landmarks for years. She has written op-eds and editorial pieces for many online publications, plenty of which can on occasion be read here.