In contrast to what many think, the city of Phoenix is situated in one of the most geographically beautiful areas in the USA. Actually, there's plenty of cactus and desert all over the area. But Phoenix and areas inside one or two hours driving distance from the city, are crammed with a massive topography that includes desert, lakes and mountain ranges. Though the the city of Phoenix and its swift location can be extremely hot during most of the time, there are plenty of Phoenix natural landmarks that offer recreational possibilities. Such places as Piestewa Peak, located in Phoenix Mountains Park, and Gatlin Site (located near Phoenix) are good Phoenix natural landmarks.
Piestewa Peak
In the gigantic Phoenix city area with a population of 1 million folks is a mountain range called the Phoenix Mountains. It is one of the highest points in Arizona where you can hike to the peak and enjoy breathtaking views of the Phoenix area and beyond. Visitors can never believe being in the middle of one of the largest built up areas in the United States and yet you may visit here for one or two hours feeling as if you're miles away from any the city. There is a sufficiency of plant life to enjoy, which includes wildwood and mesquite trees. Animal life is also plentiful on the top and the encompassing Phoenix Mountains Park which include jackrabbits, gila monsters and coyotes. Though hiking is the most important activity here, the trek averages from relatively easy to slightly complicated. It's easy enough for a family to enjoy on an outing.
Gatlin Site
This is another one of the natural landmarks in Phoenix that's both resplendent with natural beauty and history. Much of it has been geared towards those with a healthy interest in archeology though there's a sense of wonder for anyone that hasn't seen it. There are old ruins consisting of irrigation canals and mounds that once served a much earlier civilization here. Nature has reclaimed much of it. Hikers and walkers are able to bring spades to dig through the ruins. Much of the exploration is done on the interpretive trail where visitors will find lots of the old ruins.
Camelback Mountain
Like Pietswa Peak, a good portion of this mountain is within the city. It acquired its name from the peak's resemblance to the shape of a camel which includes the head and the hump. As among the natural landmarks in Phoenix, there's plenty of foliage and wildlife to see. The largest activity is hiking. However , unlike Piestewa Peak, the hiking here is for the sturdier hiker or walker. The terrain is awfully steep and it can take nearly 3 hours solely to hike a trail that is hardly more than a mile long. It's very critical that any person hiking anyone of the two trails here carry enough water water in the hike and not risk dehydration or serious illness.
Piestewa Peak
In the gigantic Phoenix city area with a population of 1 million folks is a mountain range called the Phoenix Mountains. It is one of the highest points in Arizona where you can hike to the peak and enjoy breathtaking views of the Phoenix area and beyond. Visitors can never believe being in the middle of one of the largest built up areas in the United States and yet you may visit here for one or two hours feeling as if you're miles away from any the city. There is a sufficiency of plant life to enjoy, which includes wildwood and mesquite trees. Animal life is also plentiful on the top and the encompassing Phoenix Mountains Park which include jackrabbits, gila monsters and coyotes. Though hiking is the most important activity here, the trek averages from relatively easy to slightly complicated. It's easy enough for a family to enjoy on an outing.
Gatlin Site
This is another one of the natural landmarks in Phoenix that's both resplendent with natural beauty and history. Much of it has been geared towards those with a healthy interest in archeology though there's a sense of wonder for anyone that hasn't seen it. There are old ruins consisting of irrigation canals and mounds that once served a much earlier civilization here. Nature has reclaimed much of it. Hikers and walkers are able to bring spades to dig through the ruins. Much of the exploration is done on the interpretive trail where visitors will find lots of the old ruins.
Camelback Mountain
Like Pietswa Peak, a good portion of this mountain is within the city. It acquired its name from the peak's resemblance to the shape of a camel which includes the head and the hump. As among the natural landmarks in Phoenix, there's plenty of foliage and wildlife to see. The largest activity is hiking. However , unlike Piestewa Peak, the hiking here is for the sturdier hiker or walker. The terrain is awfully steep and it can take nearly 3 hours solely to hike a trail that is hardly more than a mile long. It's very critical that any person hiking anyone of the two trails here carry enough water water in the hike and not risk dehydration or serious 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.
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