We hiked the Kiwanis Loop Trail. Its an easy to moderate trail. The first 1.5 miles were the easiest. There's a lookout tower at the 1.5 mile mark. You can see most of the valleys on both sides of South Mountain. This hike would be great for families. Take lots of water and start early in the morning.

Beautiful mountain drive with many places to stop and hike! Picturesque views of Phoenix and the surrounding suburbs! Plenty of picnic spots and a very informative visitor center. There is also horse tours available close by. Totally worth the drive and completely FREE!

One of my favorite local cycling climbs. The new parking area and covered lookouts at the TV towers are great after making the final ascent. San Juan is an awesome add on for more miles and some easier climbs after the towers. Park ranger staff are excellent and always there to help.

One of my favorite local hikes. Mormona trail coss on National to Fatman's pass, thru hidden Valley back to Mormon trailhead loop. ❤️

Absolutely loved hiking the South Mountain Park trails! The views were beautiful, the paths were peaceful, and the whole experience was so refreshing. Definitely will be going again with my brothers and sisters.

I've been hiking South Mountain Park since 2020. The variations in trails and trail difficulty makes this area one of my favorites!

This is a favorite spot . I think of my girl Leti C.. when I come here. Catching a cloud or 2 with her was unforgettable.

This is an awesome golf course. It felt like a video game. We’ve never played on a desert dune course before, and it was really cool. All the bunkers and how they enter played with the natural desert sands was really cool. The greens were in great shape. I highly recommend this course.

A Sanctuary in the Desert – Southern Dunes Golf Club Over the past eight months, while caring for my terminally ill father, I found myself needing somewhere to breathe, to reset, and to reconnect with life—even for just a few hours at a time. That place, without question, became Southern Dunes Golf Club. It wasn’t just a golf course—it was my sanctuary. And in every possible way, it exceeded all expectations. From the moment you drive up to the facility, the experience begins. The course itself is stunning—immaculately maintained fairways stretch across the desert landscape, with breathtaking views that constantly remind you why Arizona is one of the most majestic golf destinations in the country. The layout is challenging but fair, a true player’s course with thoughtful design that rewards precision while never punishing creativity. Every round felt like a privilege. But what truly separates Southern Dunes from the hundreds of courses I’ve played is the people. I’ve never met anyone at a golf club—anywhere—who left such an impression on me as Tim, who handles check-ins. Tim is not only the kind of professional every club wishes they had; he is a genuinely remarkable human being. Warm, sharp, and incredibly insightful, Tim has a way of making you feel grounded, even during life’s hardest moments. Our brief conversations were often the highlight of my day—his wisdom and calm presence offered more than customer service. They offered comfort. Bree is another gem—a constant ray of sunshine. Every time I encountered her, she was welcoming, gracious, and kind. In an environment that prides itself on excellence, Bree upholds and enhances that standard. She treats every guest like a regular, and every regular like family. The on-course experience is also phenomenal. In the sweltering summer heat, they bring cold towels out to the course. Let that sink in. That kind of above-and-beyond hospitality is what sets Southern Dunes apart from even the most prestigious country clubs. Small details like that, and the attentiveness of the staff across the board, make every round feel like an escape—luxurious without ever being pretentious. The food? Spectacular. Whether you’re grabbing something at the turn or settling in for a proper post-round meal, the quality and consistency rival high-end restaurants. The clubhouse atmosphere is elevated, but relaxed—exactly the kind of environment that makes you want to stay long after your last putt drops. That said, if I had to offer one piece of constructive feedback, it would be this: Please replace the ball washers. Having functional, clean washers equipped with towels at every tee box would be the final touch in what is otherwise a flawless facility. It’s a small thing—but details matter when everything else is so thoughtfully done. In closing, Southern Dunes didn’t just offer me a great golf experience. It gave me peace. During one of the hardest periods of my life, I found something deeply meaningful in the fairways, in the rhythm of the game, in the beauty of the land—and in the kindness of the people who run it. I cannot thank this club enough. For the memories. For the moments of calm. For the excellence in everything you do. Southern Dunes, you are truly a treasure. — Andrew Wiggin

One of the better maintained desert courses in AZ! The greens were in spectacular condition with few ball marks, the fairways were challenging, and the bunkers were in good shape.

We had a group of 9 down from Canada for a golf trip. Our morning round was nice, so we paid $25 for a 3pm replay. With nobody else on the course, we played a scramble with a group of 5 and a group of 4. Apparently, a 5some is "bad optics," so we got kicked off the course. Our front 9 took 1.5 hours... there was nobody else on the course. The marshal's were great, attendants great, but management was questionable.

Flew in and went straight to the course. I did not book a tee time in advance. I paid when I got there. No military discount for retired military. Statement of fact - not a complaint. The course overall is beautiful. Some of the bunkers were unplayable and the course looked like they were trying to fix them but there were so many that looked out of play. The greens were super slow. It was like putting on shag carpet. The course tried to pair me with someone but no one wanted to join up. A two some in front of me with caddy let me play through after about 5 holes. The GPS on the cart they gave me wouldn’t turn on. It was cart path only due to the normal overseeding in late part of the year. Free water on the course. Never saw the cart girl. Food in the restaurant seemed really good. Good value. Menu seemed to have a lot of new additions according to the staff. Unfortunately I’m a little disappointed after hearing so many good things about this course. Didn’t feel like it matched its price point.

This was our first time golfing and a worker there named Mike Frey made our experience very unpleasant. The very first thing he yells at us is “One ball!”. There was no “Hello, how are you doing? How can I help you?” None of that just a startling “One ball!” suddenly from behind. I guess we were moving too slow for Mike Frey but he offered no suggestions on how we could speed things up. We told him we were dropping another ball to drive because finding the ball I sliced to the middle of nowhere would take much more time than simply hitting another one better. He made no sense because he was scolding us to hurry but also told us we had to go find the ball I sliced to oblivion. We politely tried to explain that this would be much quicker but his senile mind would not have it and sat and argued with us for several minutes even after we told him we’d try to move quicker (even though we were hustling and running to our balls the whole time). In his senile mind we must have been sitting there driving balls all day because he condescendingly scolded us that “This isn’t a driving range” even though the reality is we ever only drove a second ball if we sliced one to oblivion and moved on. The problem is we just suck at golf but we didn’t need this jerk, disrespectful worker to come scold us instead of helping us with suggestions to move faster. For instance, later from a friend we learned we can drive on the grass but did Mike Frey tell us that? No. First thing he did was start scolding us for being behind. I think he spent too much time out in the Sun and was just looking for a long drawn out argument. He wasted so much of our time that it put us even waaaayyy further behind. Mike Frey needs to find something else to do rather than harass and scold adults doing their best at golf. As I said we weren’t lollygagging at all, just not very good. And although it was fun and something we would definitely do some more, we won’t be doing it there thanks to Mike Frey. He’s a loose canon.

Unbiased review: •top 10 golf course in Arizona 100%, maybe top 5! •summer rates are really good which makes this a 5 star review. •super tough course which I love! Super pretty course as well, honestly doesn’t even feel like your playing in Arizona, reminds me of like Australia. It’s worth the drive!!

We love using the ASTC Passport Program when we travel. This is the first museum we visited on the ASTC Passport Program that we had to pay for a family member to get in. It was total chaos on a Friday afternoon with school field trips attending the museum. We had a hard time using the elevator and not having our service dog get touched. Be aware the SkyBike costs money to do. We didn’t realize until my son had already waited in line for 30mins. It’s less than $10 to experience something pretty unique. The kids liked the health section and the poison exhibits the most. Fun afternoon at the Science Museum- happy we took a moment of our trip to experience.

We bought actual passes for our grandkids almost a year ago. We've been to the science center and average of about once per month. The kids love coming. They validate parking, so it costs $1 to park. Today there was an event, and the signs for parking said $40. After validation, it was $1. Also with the membership, you're able to come one hour early at 930am. That's been really nice, because for the first hour, there aren't a lot of people there. Recommended.

Expensive and disappointed, I unfortunately came on an event day of “heritage event center” . Paid $30.00 parking and recommended bringing your ticket to their desk for a discount. They give maps and this place has gone down hill lol sorry it’s more for smaller kiddos…

We loved our visit! Our 2-year-old had a ton of fun. Lots to do and I think as he gets older he’ll enjoy it even more!

Great time for my family! My almost 5 year old really enjoyed our time here the other day. There are three levels of exhibits ranging from the human body, physics, and a special temporary exhibit on poison. My daughter enjoyed engaging with the different exhibits and looking at everything. She was super excited! The exhibits are really good at helping kiddos understand the different concepts in a more hands-on way. I will say that some exhibits seemed to have seen better days. I hope they freshen these exhibits up soon to create a better experience for the kids in the future. The planetarium is temporarily closed until October — they renovated and reimagined it so we will absolutely be back for it!

Have been before and had a great time however this visit a lot of the exhibits were broken. We primarily went to see the planetarium which is very nice but thought we'd stroll through the rest of the museum. My kids were pretty disappointed that so much of the interactive museum hasn't been maintained well.

What in the PBS 1998 outdated museum is this? It's nostalgic for millennials and older, but needs some serious upgrades to its graphics, videos, and displays for being a so called "Science Museum". 6 displays were out of order. The only saving grace is it's traveling displays and it's live science presentations. Other than that I can't see coming here every 5 years.

As a season ticket holder at Chase Field, I can honestly say it’s one of my favorite places to be. The atmosphere is always exciting, and I enjoy the games so much that I only miss maybe 15 a season—and that’s usually just because of work. The ballpark itself is a great home for the Diamondbacks, and the fan experience keeps me coming back year after year. My only real complaint is that it’s a cashless stadium. Having to constantly load prepaid cards just to grab a beer or snack is inconvenient and takes away from the otherwise smooth game-day flow. Overall, Chase Field is a fantastic spot to catch a game, but I really hope they make payments easier for loyal fans in the future.

What a great day! Went for Taiwan Heritage Day and the D-backs vs. Phillies game — the D-backs did not disappoint! The stadium is packed with restaurants, entertainment, and more. For a place that holds around 50,000 people, everything flowed smoothly with no hassle at all. We were able to do everything we wanted and still get in and out easily. Awesome experience!

I am from Los Angeles and first time coming to Chase! What an amazing stadium and atmosphere! I see the passionate fans and state of the art facility! It's a dome stadium and I could've used a little lower temperature but I loved the downtown atmosphere, the parking isn't a nightmare like other stadiums I won't name and i would have to say the nicest stadium I've been to and I've been to about a dozen! Good job Dbacks!

We had a fun night and day game at Chase Field watching the Diamondbacks play. The stadium is very comfortable with a lot of great amenities. We sat behind home plate with a great view. The stadium lets you bring your own food and drink in clear containers which is a huge help with my dietary needs. Also, they have gluten free, vegan, and other food needs covered. The stadium is easy to drive or take public transit to and there’a a lot of parking. The staff is very friendly and helpful. We didn’t try the restaurants but heard that they are great.

We went to see the Diamondbacks and had a great time. It was 112 outside but nice and cool inside. The pizza was good and the ice cream even better. After the game my son got to “round the bases” on the field. We waited about 15-20 mins after the game but it was worth it. My son loved it, highly recommended.

Enjoyed this field so much!! Came here for my first ever MLB game! No complaints! I love the enclosed field & no matter where your seat is, you will have wonderful views!!

⚾️Chase field is one of the best stadiums⚾️ It’s located in the heart of downtown Phoenix, there’s plenty to explore before or after the game like restaurants and bars. Inside the stadium, there’s a wide variety of concession stands offering everything from classic ballpark snacks to creative local food. The atmosphere is fun, the food hits the spot, and the convenience of the location makes it a great outing. Great place to hang out whether you’re a die-hard fan or just out for a good time! ⚾️

An absolute gem! There is so much history and exhibits at this museum. From the paintings, to the baskets and sculptures, Bob Haozous and HOME exhibits. Incredible collection of Hopi dolls and beadwork. I loved the substance of stars and courtyard. Learning the history of Indian boarding schools was also a highlight. I highly recommend if you want to learn about the history of Native Americans.

What an amazing place — this museum honestly blew me away! 💛 It’s modern, spacious, full of light and air — every corner feels alive. The exhibits are interactive and beautifully put together, and there was even a whole section about the stars — unexpectedly inspiring and so well done. We joined a guided tour that was supposed to be 45 minutes — but it went closer to 55, and it still felt like five minutes. The guide was incredible — so passionate and easy to listen to, sharing fascinating stories about Native American history and art. That hour just flew by. They also have a Family Room — a really lovely space for kids to explore and play while learning. I was there without my children this time, but I know they’d absolutely love it. It’s one of those places that’s interesting for both adults and kids — there’s something for everyone. I came around 2 p.m., and the museum closes at 4 — big mistake, two hours weren’t nearly enough. I didn’t get to see a couple of galleries, and I barely had time to peek into the gift shop — which, by the way, is fantastic. So many handmade things — pottery, jewelry, paintings — all authentic, unique, and full of soul. I could’ve easily spent another hour just there. There’s also a cozy café and a small bookstore — perfect if you want to sit for a bit and soak in the atmosphere. Next time I’m in Phoenix, I’m definitely coming back — and I’ll make sure to spend the whole day here. Such a beautiful, thoughtful, and inspiring place. 🌿

Marvelous museum, so glad we were able to go while I was in Arizona. Many interesting artifacts, artwork, exhibits from Native American artists showcased in several galleries. There are tours you can take with docents. We went through the museum on our own. Highly recommend a visit if you are in the state of AZ.

This is a beautiful museum with lots of exhibits and history. It is nice to get an honest account of what has happened to this culture. The "away from home: American Indian boarding school stories" is a must-see. The docents that work there are very friendly and take you on the tours. The only reason I gave it a four is because the lady behind the counter was not very friendly and very gruff. Maybe she had a bad day. Do not bring small backpacks. There is also a lot of security patrolling the museum at all times.

The architecture of the museum was quite unique and even a bit whimsical—I really liked that. Each gallery had its own distinct vibe, which made exploring the space enjoyable. Everything was beautifully curated and visually striking. However, the overall concept left me feeling emotionally overwhelmed. I usually enjoy viewing art, but the tragic history of Native Americans and the way they were treated made me feel incredibly sad—so much so that it gave me a stomachache. You can truly feel the pain, sorrow, and suffering expressed through their artwork, which is deeply moving but also incredibly heavy and heartbreaking.

My first time at the Heard Museum was memorable. It's not the biggest museum, but it has a lot of galleries and rooms. What strikes me about this museum is that it's has the best Native American antiquities and my favorite was the American history of taking away Native American children from their family to be reeducated in a white American school and way of life. The part that moved me was all the children being ripped away from their parents and once they reached their destination, each child was given a mandatory hair cut, the first step of stripping them of their heritage, culture and identity. It was horrific what these children went through, and having a Native American heritage myself, it was really moving Another part of this museum worth going to is their cafe. The people there are so friendly like our server, Christopher. The atmosphere and the food was worth the money spent. I bought the hummus sandwich since I'm a vegetarian and for dessert my partner and I shared a fried bread sundae which was delicious 😋🤤. I definitely recommend this place and the museum itself

The staff were very helpful. Enjoyed celebrating the Navajo veterans community on Veterans Day

Extraordinary museum. Their collections are excellent! There's something for everyone here. We spent a long time chatting with docent Alice in the Baroque exhibit. I learned so much. It was a fascinating conversation. All the employees and volunteers here are friendly. The gift shop is fun, too. The girl at the ticketing desk was informative about the museum's layout and contents. She was so smiley and happy. I had a great time. Free lockers available to store your personal items, such as water bottles.

So many interesting exhibits! Anna Sui is featured now and it was so impressive to see her unique, artistic style in the many examples of her clothing designs! Worthy of a visit just for this. After this fun and entertaining showing, we made our way to a serious, thought provoking exhibit on immigration. Don't miss the sheer panels imprinted with the names of the people who did not make it across the desert from Mexico to the US! Helps to make you realize every name listed was a real living, breathing, person just trying to get somewhere better to live and prosper... Add in all of the other halls with more art representing all different media and you have a great place to spend a few hours on a hot summer day in Phoenix!

The building itself is an architectural treat to enjoy. The collection is varied with some interesting items, but it also seems small compared to other art museums its size. We also did not find what was offered to be as compelling as other exhibitions. Overall, still glad we came and enjoyed what was there.

Wow. The Anna Sui exhibit was absolutely fascinating. If you’re into fashion, I highly recommend visiting this exhibit in the Phoenix Art Museum before it is done in September. The wings of this museum are gorgeous. I really enjoyed the photo gallery on the top floor and the Anna Sui fashion exhibit. The presence of these exhibits really set the phoenix art museum apart from other art museums I’ve visited. Great place for an afternoon with family or friends; also ideal to escape the sun and enjoy art from various eras ✨

Have been here several times over the years and I really appreciate the main collection. The collection of American art, specifically the art of the southwest, is inspiring. The special exhibitions are usually always good too. I have wanted to see Avedon's work in person for years and was thrilled when they recently brought some of his images to the museum. I loved the Anna Sui exhibition and their focus on fashion has been evident over the years... it's a fun time. Worth the drive from east mesa.

I had a great time here. The exhibits were beautiful and I enjoyed walking through seeing all the different cultures and pieces. I wish it was a little bigger. Was able to make it through everything in under 45 min. Definitely will be going back sometime soon! Highly recommend.

I went here with my toddler and I was pretty disappointed with their lack of family friendliness. There is no kids section. I like that Wednesdays are a pay what you want day, and the staff were kind and not too harsh when reminding me and my kid about being safe around the art. For example I had a backpack for my baby bag, and they have a policy about keeping it on one shoulder to avoid hitting art behind you. Totally understandable and they were very kind about it. My kid played with the ropes at one point and they asked him not to. But they did it in such a kind way I didn't feel like I was being scolded. It's a great was to escape the heat during the summer, and I appreciate that it's open because there's a lot of museums that go under renovation this time of year. They have a cafe, but it closes pretty early (4:30 I think?) so we missed it. TLDR; Not kid friendly, but great staff and AC.

It was a wonderful spot to escape the heat, though the water slides had very long lines, preventing us from riding many of them. The expenses added up quickly—tickets, food, cabanas, and more—especially considering how much time was spent waiting in line. Despite that, the kids had a great time and really enjoyed themselves.

Spent the day here. Went on a Thursday so it wasn’t horribly crowded. They seem to have changed their opening hours from 9am to 10:30 am so we sat and waited a while. Overall the slides are all well done and functional. The lazy river was good but needed more inner tubes. The wave pool was broken in the morning and was up in the afternoon but it isn’t a monster wave pool like the place in Mesa used to have. Food was good value. The cheese burger had 2 patties and probably a half pound. The chicken tenders had like a half dozen and the fries had plenty is seasoning. I bought a beer. Only 1 beer… because it cost $20!!!! For 1 beer. Maybe that was a little overpriced…. Lockers are available for use and you keep the code all day. The park was clean and staff seemed nice. We would likely come again

Awesome day. We went the week school started in Phx so it wasn't very busy which made it amazing.. I recommend going on off days highly.. otherwise the water was refreshing cause I was very afraid the summer heat was gonna be too much. The food is expensive but I got the admission tickets half off on a groupon so we had budgeted for extras. They have a small store if you forgot anything and plenty of rides to keep every age busy. We rented a cabana but we really didn't need it as there were a lot of open chairs but I imagine those get filled up much faster on full regular busy days

Hurricane Harbor was a pleasant surprise! We went on a Friday afternoon and the lines weren’t too bad. There are a few slides that are super fun! I don’t know that I need multiple days here but it’s a great way to spend one day. The website made it sound like they were strict on bringing in your own food/water but we took our own stuff in w no issues. The ground gets super hot so you’ll want sandals you can take off and hold on the rides or socks to wear around (personally I’d go for the socks).

Went on a Friday around 12 the lines were super long for the slides. If you try to pay attention to wich have shorter lines it isn't so bad. The splash play area for young children is excellent though. They also have a small wave pool and a lazy river. The misting systems for the slide lines is very helpful. I wish there was a "fast pass" I would absolutely purchase one to skip long lines. The food is beyond unreasonable the main bummer was really just how long every line was. I didn't feel like it was super Crowded at least not enough to make the lines so long.

Very busy. Hard to find a chair so we rented a cabana. It was a little expensive but it came with 4 rental tubes, a little fridge with 6 bottles of water a couch and table and ceiling fan. The lines were quick so we got on all of the rides.

Visited on the very last day of the season (our first ever visit) and we were very impressed! Every ride in the park was open and fully operational. The lines were extremely short (usually under 5 minutes), so we were able to enjoy everything multiple times. The slides were a blast, with a great mix of raft rides, racing slides, and even a water coaster. The staff were all friendly and upbeat, and even the food was decent (though pricey), with every option still available despite it being the last day of the 2025 season. A fantastic first experience—we’ll definitely be back next year!

Interesting buildings from the 19th century and small telephone museum, which can be seen in about 1-1.5 hours. There are a variety of buildings like homes, church, dentist office that were either original and moved here or replicas from the late 1880s. Though we couldn't go inside, most had a sign on the exterior giving its history then an open door where you could see the interior contents. Recommend getting a map from the front as there are not maps once inside. We came the day before Thanksgiving and it wasn't busy at all, but did have the modern Christmas decor being put up for the nighttime winter wonderland. It was a bit unusual to see modern lights and frosty displays on 19th century buildings, but am sure it's beautiful in the evening. The workers were very friendly and helpful. Restrooms near the front were clean, and a few cold sodas and waters were sold for $1-2 each.

Some of the buildings looked like they were starting to show signs of neglect, which was a little disappointing. A few houses had open doors or uncovered windows so you could look inside, though they were blocked off to prevent entry. There were still some interesting sights — the miner’s house had old tracks and carts nearby, and the schoolhouse was pretty cool. There was even a wedding happening at the chapel, which added a nice touch. Overall, it was something to do for the price, but I left feeling a bit underwhelmed.

Wow this museum more than blew me away. There was so much to see. In the front room where you check in, there's various antiques. Then, you walk through a small museum of telephones, and the displays are jam packed. From there, you walk outside. If you go to one side, they have a small shaded picnic table and the Spanish mission with murals. On the other side - you'll see most of the old buildings (and the buildings are genuine; the signs show how some of the buildings were moved over too from other sites). You loop around and see various cabins, a miner house, school house, and more. They all have the doors open so you can look in, and there's interpretive signage so you can look more. For animal lovers, they have a rooster pen, a peacock pen, and also goats. I spent about two and a half hours walking around, there was a lot to see! Accessible parking and they do have accessible paved paths, though some exhibits require you to walk up on sloped gravel path.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We had such a wonderful time at the Pioneer Living History Museum! It felt like stepping back in time — the buildings, the scenery, and all the little historical details were incredible. The staff were so friendly and knowledgeable, and you can tell they really care about preserving the history and making it come alive for visitors. It’s a perfect place for families, kids, or anyone who loves learning about the past in a hands-on way. We’ll definitely be coming back!

What an absolutely wonderful place! A fun gander back in history with things to learn and see! Connie Jo greeted us with such cheer and a background on the museum. Very friendly and positive atmosphere! I would definitely visit again! Beautiful area and lots to experience! Thank you!

Oh my goodness! If you love old towns, museums, reenactments, dressing in old western wear, or if you have a class that does field trips in the fall, this is the place for you! We had so much fun. The woman who checked us in was awesome and knowledgeable. The parking lot is massive and gravel. There is an RV park nearby as well as a shooting range if that is something you like to do too. They have festivals in the fall, you can have weddings on site, and it makes for a great morning out and about just a little ways from Phoenix. They have picnic tables on site, and you can bring your water bottles/ lunch bag in with you.

Was looking for something to do on a recent trip to AZ. Stopped in at this site after reading reviews and checking the museum’s website. We arrived to find the entire property was closed. This was a Wednesday when they should have been open. No indication they were closed on the website or Facebook. Poor form not to post an unexpected closure. That is one of the beauties of social media. Wished we could have toured.

I've only ever been to PIR once but really enjoyed the three days of racing that I managed to see. Craftsman Truck Series, Busch and NASCAR over a Friday/Saturday/Sunday race weekend. Bench seats are uncomfortable, as is true in pretty much every racing venue I have ever been in. We were able to move around a fair bit on the Friday and sit in the shaded stands as many fans only come for the Saturday and Sunday race. Easy access to the infield and some areas you can walk around (but not the garages of course). Decent midway on the outside with the usual souvenir and food trucks. A bridge over the entrance lane to the pits allows for a few good shots but you cant stay there long (others want their turn) and its not accessible during the races. Decent overall facility, but its an arid and hot area so bring water with you. We had corporate village access on the race day sue to our provider Inside Track. Its a nice spot just outside the track where drivers may show up and where they have TV's in case you want to stay in the shade of the village during the race.

Very well organized. Great choice of food and drinks. The barn is exceptional. A little pricey but totally worth it.

This was the second year I was able to go to the championship 4 for Nascar. although phoenix always provides a great time 2026 will find it empty when it comes to the last race. There is always a full camping venue its best if you take a trailer not tent. The showers and porta potty can be a good hike to get too. Always go with someone you get along great with or a great time could be downgraded to just fair. The racing is really good, and one unfortunate incident is almost fatal due to the small track. Food is extremely expensive 19.00 bucks for a corn dog is outrageous in my opinion so eat alto before going into the track.

So many things that could be done better. Better entertainment (take a lesson from the Super Bowl) … sitting in the infield and the TVs don’t show what going on. During qualification they couldn’t even keep up. In the photos we are listening to them introduce drivers but we r watching advertisements. 🙄

Great venue; been coming for years for Championship Weekend. Food vendor Pigglys stated the had baked potato and they didn't and the clerk blamed the track's contract...not.

First time going to NASCAR it was a great experience. But leaving the venue was horrible we waited in the car over an hour and a half.

Love taking the Family out every year, and creating memories in this fun filled family, or Stag environment! You are guaranteed fun, laughter, with a great wholesome time. We like to camp, positive side of camping Trash is picked up Daily, and the dirt roads are dust controlled Daily as well. They do have water trucks that drive around, if your RV needs a fill. Down fall: can not alway pick your neighbors lol! You may get a weirdo every once in a while, but the majority everyone is friendly! Recommend going out if you have never done it. Touch dirt, disconnect, have a great time. Enjoy!

Great way to see the Guardians, up close. We had seats behind home plate, though the last row so we could sit in the shade on an 82 degree day in February. Parking is convenient, easy access. Great view.

The best MLB spring training ballpark! It’s very family friendly. The tickets are reasonably priced, parking is easy, and the staff are wonderful!

Nice ballpark, clean restrooms, free parking and easy to get to. But please improve your food offerings! Compared to all of the other spring training parks, this is the worst. Limited selections, the lines are super long and you ran out of Skyline chili dogs at yesterday's game well before the game ended. This is our only chance to get Skyline chili dogs for those of us that don't live in Indiana or Ohio.

Great place for events, ballgames and pretty much anything else. Very nice facility.

Every single worker I came across was so pleasant. They have sunscreen available for free in the restrooms which is a nice touch. The only negative is there isn’t a ton of shade and those seats in the sun get HOT. Go Guards!

Ticket prices were affordable. Parking was easy and FREE! Food choices are limited and the lines were long. The ballpark was at best at 50% capacity. Family friendly environment.

The stadium is beautiful. The restrooms are clean, the workers are great. The parking lot experience is a different story. We've been sorting here for over an hour, in one place. There is no one directing traffic out of the 3rd base lot. This is the handicapped lot, you would think they would be a bit more on the ball.

It was somewhat of a good environment for a local spring training fan like myself, but could ask better! Not enough shade for a small stadium, seats are not really comfortable and is a tight squeeze, and the food was disappointing! Overall, I think this stadium should go under a renovation to draw more attention for fans, especially since Surprise Stadium is far out west!

Great experience and a well kept stadium! The field is very nice. There was lots of staff and cops directing traffic for parking and leaving which helps with the crowd control. The line moved quickly getting into the stadium. We sat behind home plate which was really nice. The food prices are a little outrageous for a spring training game. $11 for a corn dog? You need to bring a clear purse or bag if it’s larger than a clutch.

Large concourse nice good stands. Prices are a little high for certain things. The teams stores lack big time. Not near as big as they should be. Great views on your seats. If you want to see your favorite players I suggest spending the extra money and getting a little closer to home plate. The out grass areas are wonderful and plenty of room if you have little ones to run around.

Always a pleasant venue to watch spring training baseball. The staff is friendly and helpful and parking is free. Easy to get in and out of the stadium too. Watched the Angels-Royals game and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Came to watch the Rangers and the Cubs in Surprise for the 1st time. Great time and for any good spring training game get here an hour or more before 1st pitch to avoid traffic. It was a blast a recommend for any baseball fan to come check out a spring training game.

Went for dog night. My pup enjoyed his time there, staff was friendly we got a lot of compliments on his behavior. The concession lines were long and it’s a bummer that they don’t sell chicken and hot dogs in the same line. Wish they had more dog nights.

Be sure to ask for Autographs Been promising my son that we’d come out for Spring Training for nearly ten years. We finally made it and have been pleasantly surprised. If you arrive a little early, there’s no traffic and free parking just across the street. Security with their metal detectors and bag checks (clear-bag rule in effect) were quick and efficient, and the electronic ticket-takers were all working smoothly, so entering the stadium took only moments. There is plenty of staff, who all seemed friendly and frequently asked how they could help. Surprise Stadium is small and intimate (like a minor league park), but is in tip-top shape, with everything bright, clean and in working-order. It has an excellent design to maximize the whole ball-park experience. The seats are all close to the action so don’t worry if you can’t get a seat in the front rows. It is small enough to get in close to the players for a chance at a photo or autograph. My son and I were able to persuade several “big-name” starters to sign our caps / gloves. We were lucky enough to get tickets close to the dugout and felt right in the middle of the action. We were right up close to all the starters and quite a few AAA hopefuls. Great ball park food - brats, dogs, fries, beer (cans and draught), fries, nachos, all at (typical) ball-park prices. Food and drink vendors are located in the shaded area just behind the seats. There are plenty of vendors so I was frequently first in line, and never waited more than 2-3 people. The cashless payment system was quick and easy. The bathrooms are conveniently placed with plenty of stalls / sinks for easy in and out. The new MLB rules sped up the pace of play, so the action never lagged. The final out was only 2-1/2 hours after first pitch. A great experience overall. It is in the bright Arizona sun, so bring sunscreen and a hat. Like a minor league game with major league players. We will be back!

Lovely zoo with aquarium, restaurants and animal encounters. It also has a few rides and tours. We went today, 9/8/2025, and it absolutely as dead as could be. The heat was oppressive (but we knew it would be) and most of the attractions were for the summer. We pretty much had the place to ourselves and we really enjoyed our visit. We will be back in the Fall and in the Winter. We watched the Sea Lion show and we're lucky enough to see every big cat in action. The tram ride was wonderful and provided a great little break from walking. Our guide was great! The knowledgeable staff was friendly and available. The only thing that keeps this review from being a 5 is the lack of seating throughout the park and the aquarium. But, truly an absolutely awesome experience!

We had a nice morning here at the zoo. It's larger than we thought...you can walk for quite a while. We went to the sea lion show and it was a hoot. Penguin feeding was ok...not great. The aquarium part of the tour is good. There are 2 or 3 buildings with aquariums I believe. The hands on stingray tank is cool. They actually love to be touched. We learned they call this type of stingray "Puppies of the Sea" lol. There are some food places on site. We had some brisket at the BBQ place which was just ok. We purchased tickets on Groupon...I think we saved $6 per ticket.

We have been wanting to visit this park since we've moved to Arizona 3 years ago. Since it's located in the West Valley that's a big plus for us because we live in the West Valley and most of the fun attractions for kids are in the East Valley I require a long drive. I had a lot of observations about this venue which I will summarize with pros and cons PROS ~Lots to explore- Over 200 acres! ~Unique venue- zoo, aquarium, amusement park rides all in one ~ No crowds- This was our 1st visit. We went on a Sunday w/ beautiful weather. One person in our group said she had never experienced crowds in any of her many visits through the years ~ Sea Lion Show was very well done and included in admission ~ Lots of shade- which ia so nive on warmer days ~ Large variety of animals ~ Free Parking ~ Several restaurants CONS ~ Admission Price is on the high side ~ No family memberships ~ Walking pathways are dirt, so wear good walking shoes ~ No outside food allowed A Family membership plan for locals would be a great incentive to visit. Memberships that include rides would also be great. I would like to acknowledge EMPLOYEE TROY. He talked to us near the Kangaroo area, and told us all about the baby kangaroos. He was very professional, knowledgeable & friendly. Food was very good at the restaurant that we ate at called SLICE. Overall this was a 3.5 to 4.0 experience for me, but I am rounding up to 4.0, because there were a lot of positive things about our visit. Ultimately for local families I think that the high price is an obstacle. We are an extended family with four grandchildren and we are always looking for Great Value memberships locally that we can bring our grandkids to and enjoy throughout the year. It would be such a benefit to so many to create a family type of membership that would allow us to return on a regular basis at an affordable price. The ability to bring food in would also be great because a lot of families do like to pack food to save money. There are a lot of areas where picnic tables could be added. ~ Thank you for a memorable day!

If you are in or near Phoenix AZ I highly recommend stopping here. Although a lot of the enclosures were empty, there was still plenty to see. A lot of the animals were interactive. I like how they have an outdoor section on the right, then an aquarium section on the left. That way you can go back and forth to cool down. I’ve also been to zoos with snack stands but this one has actual restaurants. I believe only the pizza place was open. Which was good but not great for the price and size. I do wish they put more effort into the enclosures for the animals to cool down. Some just had a puddle of water and no shade. I was on the verge of a heat stroke so I can only imagine how hot some of these animals are in the summer. Overall it was a cool experience. You can feed giraffes, go up in the air over a bunch of enclosures, food and gift shops.

We had a really great time here today. Went on a Thursday in November and the weather was great, had a minimal crowd and virtually all the animals were out to see. We started on the right side of the park, walked back to have lunch at Dillons Bbq, which was delicious, and really enjoyed the huge fish tank in the restaurant. We then ventured around the aquarium park and finished up in Adventure Land where we took the tram tour, which I highly recommend. Spent about 5 hours in total at the zoo.

What a great zoo and aquarium. It seems to be slow but it was amazing to see the animals so up close. Monkeys are on little islands, peacocks are rooming freely. They have giraffe you can feed and various animal encounters too.

Great place to see wonderful animals and make memories with family and friends. You don't want to miss the opportunity to feed the giraffes, birds, fish, and goats - what a blast for my 4 year old granddaughter! If you really like going several times a year, be sure to get the membership. The membership pays for itself after 2 visits. There are refill cup options and reasonable food prices. There is also a nice restaurant attached to the zoo.

White Tanks park is only seven dollars to get in and they have some good trails for the family to enjoy. My wife and I took or two boys there and they have kid friendly and wheel chair accessible trails. Overall a great park. Will be returning soon.

Attended a group campout here. (We reserved a group site. ) Hadn't been out here since they paved the roads. Guessing that was 40 years ago since my last visit. Park is clean and well maintained. Bathroom and showers were clean which was great because I visited during the government shutdown and wasn't sure if the funding issues were affecting state and county parks. Lots of places to picnic and camp. Camping is 22.00 a night (dry camping. No hookups). Now that the weather is cooler, I'll definitively be back.

Beautiful scenery. And if you go the day after it rains, you can hike the waterfall trail and see a little arizona waterfall. Great place, plethora of public restrooms, well-kept and maintained roads, nice staff, and definitely a place to visit to hike, camp, and bike.

Beautiful 😍 natural resources, public for everyone to enjoy! Good facilities, well maintained and with family activity areas like playgrounds 😁👍🌵

I love coming to the White Tanks when I'm in town visiting family. I'm an archaeologist and an avid birdwatcher. This park is great for both of those interests. The petroglyphs are beautiful and well preserved. The wildlife pond is great for birdwatching. It's only a 0.2 mile walk there and back. The trail is well maintained and very flat. There is one bench about halfway down the trail, and a few benches once you reach the pond. I saw six new species of birds today, which aren't found in my local area!

The White Tanks have always been a family favorite to hike, have a picnic, and clear your head etc. The trails are varied and can go from easy to very rustic. It doesn't matter whether you go on a sunny day or cloudy day, it's always worth it to get out into nature. Always bring more water than you think you'll need, as it's better to be prepared. Dog friendly, you see many along the trails, with people of all ages. The restrooms are always clean, and the picnic areas ready to be enjoyed as well. Grab a map if you have been here from the entry where you pay, and explore our beautiful state. Wildlife abounds, so be mindful and respectful as you might encounter critters and snakes. No need to be afraid, just be cautious of your surroundings. Stunning views, will not disappoint!

Right now is the best time of year to go hiking! I went on the waterfall trail today. It is so well maintained and the views are amazing!!

Gorgeous weather for hiking. Shady, breezy, quiet, peaceful, great exercise, mostly safe paths but be careful hiking up to the lookout. I had a walking stick. I saw a pair of mallards swimming along searching for food, hummingbirds, dragonflies, small butterflies, geckos, cottonwood seeds floating by like snow, and rippling streams. Much less water than I’ve seen in the past but still a thriving ecosystem.

It's an easy walking trail, great for seniors! Pointless trail keep crossing itself and goes nowhere, feels like time loop with all the dead trees, half eaten by termite infestation! 10 bucks entrance, an hour drive each way and bit of a disappointment is what you need to expect!

Today we found ourselves out in Wickenburg again to Check out Hassayampa River Preserve. There are seven trails located here. Most a little under a mile, but if you do as we did and do all of them you’re definitely getting your workout in. There are benches throughout and plenty of shade. Definitely bring your water though because it’s already over 90. Hassayampa is home to over 280 species of birds living, nesting or migrating through the area. I wish we would’ve seen one of the many hawks who frequent there, but unfortunately didn’t today. The height of some of the trees and such were crazy. The Cottonwood Trees made it look like it was snowing on some parts of the trails with their cotton like seed/fluff and the Willows were awesome too. We spent hours here. There are spots to sit, listen and enjoy the scenery of the Hassayampa River. Fun fact the 100 or so miles the river flows are mostly underground and can only be seen here where it flows freely. One other thing I really enjoyed was the old payphone strategically placed near one of the trails closer to the water. They called it a wind phone. If you don’t know what that is it’s a disconnected phone often placed in a nature setting where you can “call” a deceased loved one offering a way to help with grief and remembrance. A concept that originated in Japan. What a great way to maybe let out things that were left unsaid. Anyhow this 770 acre preserve is definitely worth checking out. If you have a maricopa county park pass it gets you in with no fee.

Great quick family morning trip. You will enjoy short walks "hikes" that will range in challenge levels. About 4 or 5 short trails. Children 13 and above would best be able to enjoy the idea of staying on the path and only visually admiring the beauty of the untouched preserve. Detailed nature lovers will go wild when they visit here.

Great place to visit, cooler weather under the trees with easy trails to explore.

Great experience for all ages. Alot of educational materials in the visitor center. The kids had a great time finding all the items on the scavenger hunt. We also saw many birds. We were able to use the stroller easily on the different trails but not on the short trail up the mountain. I also purchased my annual Regional Park Pass while there.

I came here on a Sunday morning. I had a great time. The trails have lots of shade. I saw many birds and wildlife. The ranger was super friendly. There are many benches along all of the trails to take a break and to look for birds.

Decent while driving through from Sedona to Joshua Tree. I would've done a day pass as it's really affordable but I unfortunately came on a very windy day and the front desk didn't have temperatures checked for the tubs. They were nice to let me tour the area to see if I wanted to try it. The decorations, art and tubs were all organized very well. However, even though the front desk said temps were over 100 degrees, it didn't feel like it was at all. The goats, peacocks, birds were really cute and/or pretty. Noisy a bit but that's better than noisy people. Part of the reason I didn't want to stay was because I heard someone coughing a lot in the private tub and I didn't really want to get sick from them. The outside toilets are some of the cleanest outside toilets I've seen. I love that this is a clothing optional hot springs as well.

After 20+ miles of hiking in Sedona and Preston, combined with some gnarly off-roading, my body desperately needed a good soak. The hot springs relieved a lot of the tension and pain in my body, and it made my hair extra soft. I was fortunate to get a last minute walk-in for a private pool, the corral, which was gorgeous. The water wasn't extremely hot, but with the sun beaming down in the late morning, it was very relaxing, and again the mineral water was very therapeutic. $20 an hour, credit card machine wasn't working, so be prepared to have cash on hand just in case. Recommend calling ahead of time to make a reservation, however I was lucky and was able to get a private bath site on scene. Great bathrooms, good energy and vibe. I would come back if I was out this way again.

This place was amazing. The bathrooms were clean and so was private are we got, the sunset. There are animals walking around the premises so there is a smell . The owners there are really nice. I definitely recommend going. You can call and they will explain to the pricing and whether you want a private area or to be in the communal space.

I LOVED this place. Peaceful, serene, beautiful. Matt, the owner, is so wonderful. The cost is $20 for a private soaking experience or $15 for the community, clothing optional experience. Please note, he only takes CASH! This is an absolute must if you are driving west out of Phoenix.

Very fun place to visit and relax. Lots of cool animals, a bit of an oasis so plenty of bird watching too. Nice sunbathing spots in semi private area. Never had a problem using semi private while showing up randomly; have only ever seen 3-5 people at any time I’m there. Recommend staying overnight in a private tub if possible. Recommend to call ahead by a few weeks if doing private also.

Any negative review is just someone trying to keep this place a secret and private for themselves. Don’t go expecting a fancy resort, expect a quaint peaceful location that’s ran by mellow people with goats, chickens and peacocks milling about. Location was very clean and tidy and had a restroom services for guests. Shared public baths ($15 per hour per person) are closed May 1st-October, so call ahead to their phone number for private bath reservation ($20 per hour per person) as I got lucky there was one available due to my set of the moment visit. “Duck Pond” bath was quiet, peaceful and felt quite secluded. Yes as other reviews mentioned there was a light hum of interested 10, but it’s a natural spring that used to be Teddy Roosevelt’s hideaway and you can’t stop encroaching city progress. I 100% will return and should have made a visit many years before., thanks for hosting El Dorado, see you again

I hate that I can only give this a 3 star review... But unfortunately on my last visit.... Not one of the hot springs tubs in the entire place could even be considered warm.... Now I'm pretty baffled how that might be possible. The dozen times I've been there before it was always above 100°f. This wasn't even 85°f The entire place had lukewarm to cold pools/tubs. We went to camp and soak some of the day to day life pains the springs were always so good at relieving, but they did not satisfy... The facilities were great as far as the rest of the park goes. Clean restrooms, great camping experience, nice staff, it is a bit noisy from the truck stop and the highway but that didn't deter us from enjoying the time. The temperature of the tubs was the main disappointment... It's a hot springs, right?

Short drive off the highway on paved/graded road to one of the most concentrated collections of petroglyphs I've seen. Shaded areas, camp sites and clean bathrooms are available. A side trip diversion worth your time!

This is an incredíble pile of rocks with petroglyphs from various times and groups on them. It was apparently a popular meeting place for centuries, for ancient indigenous groups, armied, and explorers. It's especially beautiful with the rising or setting of the sun, and the play of light and shadows make many drawings stand out. There are several recognizable symbols, and even some names and dates in more recent etchings. Definitely worth seeing.

It is one stop that is very worth the drive off Hwy 8. Very great information boards and some amazing history Petroglyphs. We also camped here in our Motorhome. Great sites and easy in and out with our 43' coach pulling our 28' enclosed trailer. All dry camping.

**🏞️ Painted Rock Petroglyph Park – A Stunning Window into Ancient History!** If you love history, art, or just the thrill of standing where ancient people once stood, **Painted Rock Petroglyph Park is an absolute must-see!** This incredible site is **packed with centuries-old petroglyphs**—carvings etched into stone by Native American cultures—all concentrated in a surprisingly small area. The sheer density of these ancient artworks makes it feel like an **open-air museum of the past**, where every rock tells a story. ### **✨ What Makes It Special:** - **A Treasure Trove of Petroglyphs:** Spirals, animals, human figures, and mysterious symbols cover the rocks, offering a **fascinating glimpse into the beliefs and lives of the people who created them**. - **Easy Accessibility:** Unlike some remote archaeological sites, this one is **easy to visit and explore**, with well-marked trails and interpretive signs (where available). - **Sacred & Historical Significance:** These carvings aren’t just art—they’re **cultural heritage**, a sacred connection to the indigenous peoples of this land. ### **😔 The Sad Reality: Modern Vandalism** It’s **heartbreaking** to see that some visitors have **defaced these ancient treasures with modern graffiti**. This isn’t just disrespectful—it’s **destructive and irreversible**. Thankfully, awareness is growing, and hopefully, future visitors will **leave only footprints and take only photos**. ### **Final Thoughts: Protect & Preserve!** Painted Rock is a **true hidden gem**, a place where history feels alive. If you visit, **tread lightly, respect the site, and help spread the word**—these petroglyphs deserve to endure for generations to come. **⭐ 5/5 Stars – An unforgettable experience (if we all do our part to keep it that way).** *"Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but awe."* 🌄

Lots to look at and contemplate on these two connected volcanic cones. Petroglyphs mostly on the south and east sides. However, the other cone has a tree that seems significant. Campground: Hassel to check in. Lots of sites. Close to petroglyphs. Bathrooms were clean.

First time coming here to camp and it wasn’t very busy thankfully as the spots are first come first serve. Was easy to pay and there are no hook ups. Most spots are large enough we brought the rv and a trailer. They even have a few spots for handicap. There was no host but it’s super clean even the pit toilets. Will definitely be coming back again.

Highly recommend I've never seen so many petroglyphs in one spot. Great information on the marquee to learn and understand meaning and timeline.

Great piece of history they don't teach in school. Easy to find worth stopping by. There are lots of other graves in the cemetery to see. If you ever get to vicksberg, check out the grave of old duglas . If you happen to be a history buff, take time to read the last camel charge for the full story.

A little interesting bit of history here. Hi Jolly was a camel expert from Syria who was basically brought in to help test camels for use in the army because of the arid conditions in the American Southwest. He is honored here with his burial site along with others in this cemetery.

An interesting place to stop, learn the history of Hadji Ali, a camel herder born in Syria. Hi Jolly's final resting place.

There are not many attractions in Quartzsite but this is one. I give it five starts based on the effort that has been put forth to tell and preserve the story. There are a few things to read and a monument to see. It will not take you all day.

Came to see Hi Jollys Tomb, ended up walking thru most the cemetery. It's bigger than the photos make it look. Lots of interesting, old Graves. The story of Hi Jolly is on his tomb. It nice stop - give yourself about 15 mins there at least

I was on a day-long Geocaching adventure in the desert when we stopped by this town for some food. We looked up caches in town while we were eating and ended up finding this awesome cemetery and monument. The scenary was serene, the graveyard was quiet and I learned a lot about the history of the area by visiting this monument. I have to hope that there still might be feral camels wandering the hills out here. Somewhere.

God's creation is very beautiful what a excellent job our father has done for us Hi jollys tomb was just a small reminder of what unique people has done in the past times of this world great fuel for knowledge a must visit if your here

These are the old mud pots and a nearby ruin along Davis road including a shot of one of the geothermal power plants showing its relative proximity. The steam is from the power plant, not the mud pots. Unfortunately the road leading to the new mud pots and the Salton Butte Volcano is inaccessible as the tiny lane leading out to the salt flats is marked private property/no trespassing(apparently owned by Imperial Water District).

Both New and Old Mud Pots are very interesting to see for all ages. I prefer the old ones, but there are signs there now that say it is private property. Based on tracks, it is very popular also!

I have been here a few times. The last time was in 2016. Fascinating place to see and experience in person. You will need 4WD as it can get muddy in spots. Can be a challenge to find though. Just follow the steam, lol..

This was totally amazing! It is no longer open to the public.

Couldn't get there.. got really stuck in the mud on the road out and ended up having to turn back around. It looks like from other reviews the Pots are inaccessible anyways these days - so it was a lot of trouble for nothing.

Quite a relief to see New Mud Pots being placed here. So many old sites have been ravaged by the vagaries of time. To have new ones in earth tones is a natural wonder. I remember back in 1983 when it was said that the Davis pots would corner the market, and we all know what happened to Davis. For one thing, he said non stick would never catch on. Taught me at least you have to be willing to change.

The directions led to a dead end as far as I could tell. Had a 4WD but couldnt figure out where to take it from here :)

We enjoyed the musuem..its a little out of the way unless you are driving past on the way to Phoenix. Lots of amazing history and very well curated info. My kids loved playing inside the tanks and other vehicles.

Had the privilege to go to the General Patton museum today. Man what a cool little place. Memorabilia from WW1, 2 , Korea, and vietnam. Really cool uniforms, helmets, biographies (even one about Willie the generals dog) and of course the military equipment. If you like war history and have 18 bucks you have to check it out. 5 stars.

Super nice staff, asked them if I could take pictures of the helmets in the cabinets from the side. They unlocked and I took as many pictures as I wanted. The museum itself is not that well maintained, lots of items are not labeled or explained. Some of the tanks are broken down with labels missing.

General Patton Memorial Museum is dedicated to the Desert Training Center with history of General George S. Patton, Jr and World War II. Located at Chiriaco Summit, CA More than one million men trained at the Desert Training Center - California / Arizona Maneuver Area during World War II. Preserving the Peace through the Lessons of the Past

We've been wanting to visit this for a while. It's a great little museum about Patton's life, and especially about the desert training center that housed a million soldiers east of here in CA, AZ, ,and NV during WWII. Patton chose the location of the camp. There isn't much else here, but if you are a WWII history fan, this place is a gem.

Without question, it's worth the drive from Palm Springs to visit. Lots of historical information and the static display will not disappoint!

You have to pay to get inside and see things up close and personal, but there are also plenty of tanks and vehicles that aren't restricted by fence.

Joshua tree and all it has to offer is amazing. In this week's visit, we were planning for the new moon and astro photography. We parked in the lot and walked in to set up the tripod for some long exposure shots. Clear skies, perfect weather in July, summer breeze, and only one other photographer so no light noise! I couldn't have asked for a better set up!

This was our group's FAVORITE stop in all of Joshua Tree! We had an entire sunset photoshoot, met some Europeans flying a drone, built a rock tower, and loved walking around the cacti. Watch your feet so that you don't step on any of them! Come here during golden hour, you won't regret it! There is a nice 1/4 mile walking trail around the garden, with many chances to walk off the trail and approach cacti. Nice parking lot with no water for the public.

It was cool to visit there. There were bees that super bothered us, but other than that, it was cool to see the cacti and panoramic view. Even in 7 AM, the sun was unforgivingly hot.

Absolutely stunning spot! The Cholla Cactus Garden in Joshua Tree offers incredible nature and breathtaking views. The layout is perfect, you can easily capture beautiful photos without other tourists constantly in the frame. It wasn’t crowded at all during my visit (a Sunday afternoon in mid-May), which made it even more enjoyable. Definitely a must-see if you’re anywhere near Joshua Tree!

Beautiful garden especially at sunset. Be careful with the small cacti on the ground.

One of the most magical places on this planet. You see nature's magnificent work at its best. Hundreds and thousands of cholla cactus standing proudly in the windy air of Joshua Tree National Park. The best time to visit is during sunset or sunrise when the entire place is cast with the golden light of the desert sun. Now, be careful to keep a safe distance from these 'teddy bear' cacti and don't try to wander off the trail.

My favorite place in Joshua Tree NP. A beautiful garden where you can really spend some time. It's a bit tricky to find the walking paths in between the cacti, as the paths are not very clear/visible. After some time you just get that it's up to you to decide where you want to walk and how far inside of the garden do you want to get. No toilet around.

Did this as my first hike at JT NP. Overall it was okay. Went at the end of April, it was a hot day but not too hot (80s). The hike was not too difficult you do have to do quite a bit of elevation though and in direct sun. The Oasis was a little underwhelming from what I was expecting. Not a bad hike I just wouldn’t do it again and I wish I would have used that time for other stops in the park. We didn’t go very fast and we did rest at the oasis, took us under 2 hours to hike.

Beautiful Evening Hike at 29 Palms Oasis Trail! We started our hike around 3:30 PM, and the timing was perfect. The day was hot, so I wore shorts, thinking it would stay warm, but as we got to the trail, the temperature started dropping. Luckily, with all the hiking and movement, I worked up a little sweat, so it stayed comfortable—neither too hot nor too cold. The higher we climbed, the more breathtaking the views became, revealing more of the surrounding desert landscape. Unfortunately, we didn’t make it all the way to the palms since we were with a large group and didn’t want to be up there at sundown. However, I definitely want to go back and complete the full hike. As for difficulty, I’d say it’s moderate—some rock steps, but very manageable. Compared to Red Rocks, this one was a bit easier. If you’re looking for a scenic and rewarding hike, I highly recommend it!

This was our favorite hike from our recent first time visit to Joshua Tree NP. The hike down to the oasis is enjoyable with changes in elevation and great views along the way. The highlight is most certainly reaching the end Oasis and relaxing in the area. We setup and had a snack among the palm trees. It’s a cool experience to go from the quiet dry desert and then reach the oasis and hear birds chirping and wildlife throughout. We went about 10am on a weekday and there were about 15 parking spots remaining of the maybe 40 or so. We saw plenty of hikers but it was not over crowded at all. The entrance is outside the official park entrance but ideally you have your park pass handy if needed. We started our visit to the park with this hike and then head to the north park entrance for avoid the traffic at the more popular west entrance.

One of the best HARD hiking trails in JT national park/forest. This hidden gem is worth the hike that takes you winding up, down, side-to-side into the rocky terrain and desert wilderness. This trail offers no shade and yet so much warmth on cool winter morning in December. Recommend starting the trail walk around 9am to get the max. out of mood, atmosphere, temperate weather and scarceness of other hikers around. One of the best hikes I have been on.

My favorite hike we did in our 2 days in the park. Great views, great workout, great opportunities to explore at the oasis. All around just great!

Good hike but not recommended during a hot day. Bring water and expect to negotiate some rocky inclines on your way up to the Oasis. The Oasis is nice with a cool breeze coming off the trees but it can also be a letdown when there are a lot of other hikes because the tranquility of the spot is ruined by loud voices having conversations in a fairly small and crowded space.

This was a beautiful hike. Bring plenty of water, the temperature was in the low 90s, but the sun is harsh. I had three children, ages 8-14, so it took a little longer to do. Be aware and respectful of wildlife. There is a restroom at the beginning of the hike, it is very smelly. 🤢

It’s an interesting area of the park - the most fertile in terms of vegetation and someone used to support grazing at one point! The trail here is very poorly marked - only a mile loop that takes maybe 20-30 minutes. It’s pretty easy to walk through and there’s minimal elevation changes but there’s so many curves and turns that are not noted or lack signs.

Hidden Valley Trail is a 1-mile loop with about 100 feet of elevation gain. The path is clear and easy to follow. Super good way to knock out amazing views of the park in a shorter amount of time. You pass massive boulders, Joshua trees, and desert plants. Short side trails lead to rock formations. Signs share the history of cattle rustlers hiding herds here.

It is beautiful and easy to walk. We saw some people hiking up the hills. There are restrooms and also a camping ground. We had a great time and I would recommend stopping by, although it is not outstanding compared to the rest. Hope you will enjoy it! Lots of parking space available:)

This review is about stargazing at night at Hidden Valley. My go-to first stop for stargazing. Could have driven to Arch Rock but the rock and surrounding Joshua trees formed great backdrop when taking Milky Way photos! Can be a little crowded at night, so be prepared to have your photos tinted red from folks exiting the parking lot or from distant traffic along the main route.

Such a nice enjoyable hike! Easy loop with beautiful views of the rock.

Really loved this loop! First time experiencing JTNP and this was a fantastic hike. It’s easy and you really get to experience what JTNP is all about. We went in the evening and it wasn’t too hot and wasn’t crowded.

This trail is Majestic. If your schedule only permits a short hike, this is the one to take. It is wonderful that Joshua Tree National Park allows all type of rock climbing from repelling to free form. Be safe and have fun.

This is a beautiful view! Who would have thought a faut line could make such scenery. The distance you can see from here is amazing, wish it was a clearer day when I went. I would recommend adding time to stop by the abandoned gold mine on lost horse trail on the way also If you can.

Driving to Keys View from the Hidden Valley picnic area was wonderful! The Joshua trees seemed very dense along this scenic road, making for a beautiful journey. Keys View is a truly beautiful elevation, offering great views of the mountains, the tectonic plate fault line, and the riverbed. Be prepared for it to be very windy up there! You could quickly visit all the main points in about 15 minutes of walking/viewing time, plus the drive time. This is a must-visit place inside Joshua Tree National Park.

Be sure to catch a sunrise view, its spectacular at Keys view!! Their is a toilet up there, cell service at the top of the loop lookout point. Great view of the Salton Sea, San Jacinto and beyond. Parking can be full on the weekends, do not recommend if your pulling a trailer.

I definitely recommend visiting this spot before sunset. Don’t forget to bring a windbreaker or jacket - it can get windy and chilly even during summer evenings. The spot has its own designated parking area, so no need to worry about finding a place to park. The views are absolutely beautiful, as you can see in the photos! We visited in June. 2025 and arrived at Joshua Tree after 5 PM. Surprisingly, we didn’t have to pay an entry fee - there was no one at the checkpoint selling tickets. I’m not sure why, but just a quick tip in case you’re visiting around the same time!

The only thing better than Key's View is to hike the use trail to the north for the big epic overlook higher up. Follow the arrows. Incredible views of the Palm Springs desert and Coachella Valley across to the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains.

A beautiful place to visit. I was impressed by the beauty of the place. I will definitely come back.

Absolutely beautiful at sunset. You will not have cell service, so if you feel like you need a map, have it downloaded, but the route within the park was best well marked. I visited in the off season in July, so it wasn’t overly crowded, but I’m sure parking is at a premium in the busy season.

I came to try their Dates milkshake, and buy some Dates. The 2Ib was for $25 so i passed. The milkshake was not make to order, I was supervised when he handed to me almost immediately, it was really frozen and hard to drink, it was for $9.95 and that was more than the average, and there was nothing special about it. They sell different made in house syrups and sauce and some cake. I did not try them I felt that they were overpriced. There was plenty of parking

The food is tasty (typical American food), and the shakes are a must. Too sweet for my taste, but I see the appeal.

Very good restaurant and the personnel are very friendly to everyone and the outside environment is perfect to people who visit palm dessert. One thing you MUST try is the date shake and everything is awesome. It’s not to big portions and not to small. Very good restaurant MUST TRY!!!

We went for breakfast and had a great experience. The Date Shakes were absolutely delicious—definitely a highlight. We also tried the green sauce chilaquiles with carne asada and really enjoyed them. There's a shop on-site where you can browse their merchandise, souvenirs, and a variety of date products. Inside the shop, there’s also a café if you’re just looking for a drink. I’d definitely return, even if it’s just for another date milkshake.

Beautiful spot nestled into the desert oasis. Outdoor seating for most. Service was amazing, and it was busy. The walk was nice and the shop has tons of goodies. The food was amazing. We started with the stuffed, bacon wrapped dates...delish! Chicken and waffles were outstanding. Highly recommended, enjoy!

We had a very yummy lunch. We sat on the patio which was lovely. The weather was perfect that day. I had the benedict with fruit on the side, it was delicious. The grounds were nice to walk around. The date shakes were also a must have!! Our young kids enjoyed it too.

Early morning breakfast, I came with friends at 8:30am and was only the 2nd people here...by the time I left it was completely full, no tables by 10:30am. They have plenty of parking with overflow parking on the east side of the parking lot under the palm trees. The service and our waiter were amazing, we were served fast, and our server was attentive to our needs, there was 8 of us, so we used 2 tables. Breakfast was good, nothing fancy, just good breakfast. The grounds are beautiful, and the weather was nice for an early morning breakfast with friends...side note....it is Fly season and they were out in abundance trying to catch a bite so be aware of the pesky things.

A very cool spot with great selection of restaurants and other delectable choices all around. RD RNNR was terrific and Nitroinfusion had some great selections in on-demand ice creams, made to order.

Fantastic shops, restaurants and even farmers market. Highly recommend to get there early parking is a bit of a premium but love the variety of restaurants and shops to peruse. You can get a mani pedi, rent a bike, quilt or find a vacation home and then grab a cool margarita and black and blue salad at Roadrunners.

Visit my personal favorite boutique, Mimi and Rae. This mother-daughter fashion shoppe gives you a first class shopping experience, no matter if it's your first visit, or your 100th...

Love the look of old town. Parking wasn't bad. Wish there was more variety of shops to keep us there longer.

Excellent dispensary, knowledgeable staff and very friendly. Wednesday and Sunday sales are a must if you want to save a few bucks and get some good deals on what you need. Go here! You will not be sorry...

Such lovely charming old town, wheelchair accessible, lots of restaurants and shopping, to spend an outings. Had happy hours at the La Quinta Brewery after the La Quinta Art Celebration (ranked #1 Fine Art & Craft Event in the Nation)

It’s a nice little downtown spot with plenty of parking and some great shops , eateries and bars too. They have a common lawn area which is great for enjoying the outdoors in the season….

A hot 90° but pleasant trip to the Living Desert zoo & Gardens. It was off season on a Tuesday afternoon, so it wasn't crowded at all. We were able to take our time. I really enjoyed their model trains and miniature city! Learn names of the plants & Cacti. The big cats are beautiful. Visited the nutrition center and vet hospital. We saw a bunch of baby tortoise, the 2 new super cute baby giraffe, 2 wallaby with joeys in their pouches. And a new comer, a badger. There was a ton of construction happening, so I'll have to come back when that's finished to see the new lion exhibit and during the season when its bustling! Super friendly staff and feed the giraffe.

Visited here with my boyfriend, mom and toddler. We’re from out of town and were skeptical about spending $40 each to get in, but I’m so glad we did. We spent a couple hours there and easily could have spent some extra time there. They let you feed the giraffes which I thought was so cool and probably the highlight for me. They just had babies in September so that was also really cool. We were there at just the right time as they just added an exhibit for monkeys. I love me some monkeys. They also recently added a splash pad for kids to play at and that was a great little stop to cool down for my little one. I loved how open the exhibits were and how much extra space the animals had comparative to some of the other zoos I’ve been to. Highly recommend checking this zoo out.

This place is absolutely amazing. You can tell this is a sanctuary for animals and not a place where they are put on display. The staff care so much for these animals and it shows. My husband and I visit every year and we also love to come for the holiday light fest they have at night during late November through December. It’s such a gorgeous place to visit and walk through. Literally fun for all ages. I fed the giraffes this time too and it was so awesome to be so up close with them. You can also be up close with the wallaby’s in their enclosure and watch them hop around which was so fun.

We found this on our visit to Palm Springs and decided to take a couple hours out of our day and go. Ticketing was very easy and there was no line to speak of. Loved the way the grounds were laid out and the different fauna and flora, the towering palm trees, the agaves, aloes and the different types of desert plant life. We were surprised to see as many active animals as we did and the number of animals was impressive. The gentleman at the rhino exhibit took his time and gave us lots of info on the rhino’s. Fun and informative way to spend a coupe hours while in the Palm Springs area.

Excellent place for all ages! Great interactions with the animals and staff. Plenty of places to eat or bring your own food and drink. Handicap accessible for a majority of the park. There are several unpaved trails that take you through the botanical cactus deserts. There is also a beginner half mile hiking trail accessible inside the park. Plenty of trees for shade while walking around the park. plenty if chairs and benches throughout the park. You could stay there all day and relax watching the animals. Will definitely make the trip to visit again!

We were there for the first time this morning. What a great zoo! It is extremely clean and well organized. The animal enclosures and habitats were great. The volunteer man who was working at the bobcat exhibit was excellent! He was extremely friendly and knowledgeable. Those two bobcats we're adorable. We will definitely be back!

Absolutely stunning and super organized zoo! Way more fun than I expected for just $40 ticket price! The miniture area is so sick 🤯🤯also those animal live here looks so happy, and fat! Lmao

Awesome 3.0 mile (roundtrip) hike through the canyon to the Palm tree/Creek/Waterfall Oasis. This hike is in the wide open, so not much shade and you WILL NEED water, decent shoes, sunscreen and a snack - we saw way too many people not bringing the necessities! You are gaining elevation on this hike along with many rock steps and slight bouldering in sections. Be prepared! Awesome sites for a desert environment.

The waterfall isn't running, but don't let that distract you from the fact that despite this being a very easy hike, people were turning around halfway up. Bring water and a camera. You may see bighorn sheep, scenic vistas, and other interesting wildlife.

Cool little walk, easy to do at 66 years young. Not even really a hike. Take water even in March, it can be warm. Enjoy the walk. Took me 1 3/4 hours out and back with plenty of time for pictures.

My wife and I saw bighorn sheep on the return trip on the main trail. We also saw quail, lots of lizards, and hummingbirds. We went in early April at about 8:45 am and it was already 90° F degrees. By the time we left it was 103° F. Obviously bringing plenty of water is important. There is little in the way of shade. Despite the heat, I enjoyed the hike overall. My only complaint is that certain sections of the alternate trail are not clearly marked. Pay close attention to rocks lined up in unnatural ways on the ground to guide the way. The main trail is a bit more clearly marked.

This trail surprised me. I meandered for a while, finding the trail and then hearing water. Followed the water up. Lots of bouldering and looking down where you step with all the rocks. Many alternate paths, I went up a completely different path than I came down. It's about 1.4 miles to get to the Palm Oasis, took almost two hours roundtrip. In April after a wet winter, there was plenty of water coming down, very pretty. You could still cross the river though which was nice. $10 day pass to park.

I recently hiked the Palm Canyon dessert trail and had a wonderful experience. The trail is an in-and-out route, culminating in a stunning palm oasis that, while not accessible due to habitat preservation, offers a serene spot to rest and enjoy the surroundings. The best time to hike is in the morning when there are fewer people, allowing for a more peaceful experience. The trail is also very kid-friendly, with easy terrain that even young hikers can manage. Overall, it's a fantastic hike for nature lovers of all ages.

An awesome hike for families! Borrego Palm Canyon was beautiful this weekend. It can get really hot so time your adventure in the winter, spring or early in the morning. A sign said it was lambing season (February), but we only spied adult sheep. Bring water and snacks. Our trek was about 3 miles round trip, with some sections of the canyon still closed- due to a fire a few years back. With littles, anticipate about 30 minutes a mile. I was shocked at how much water was flowing down. A true desert oasis! Please note, dogs are not allowed on this trail.

Very Beautiful, Awesome Food, Lots of Shops & Fun!!! GO EARLY & BEAT THE HEAT.

This was Tommy Bahama's. Great food again. They were a bit to short staffed for about 45 minutes, but our server was still great and we didn't notice. I had the BEST drink. It's called Miss Sunshine. I could only have one because I wish I wasn't driving I would have had more...so yummy. My husband had the margarita which he really liked. For dinner, we started with the lobster bisque that we split-yummy. I had the spaghetti squash bowl, very good and my husband had the Cajun pasta and added shrimp. Both portions very big so we had leftovers.

This is a beautiful outside mall with shopping and eateries. Love even just walking around here and up and down El Paseo. Great scenery, food, and shopping businesses. It is also very pretty at night to walk around when everything is lit up. Would recommend checking this area out if you have not been. Great location!

El Paseo Shopping District,located in scenic and popular Palm Desert,California is a great day or night destination trip for great outdoor activities,shopping,dining,gallery visits and sightseeing! Located about 1-2 hours from Orange and LA Counties so you can definitely make this a nice day trip and you won't be disappointed! They have great places to grab breakfast,lunch and dinner as well drinks and coffee specialty shops. El Paseo Avenue is the main street that goes through the venue that features great pieces of traditional, lite hearted and whimsical art! The Paseo as locals refer to it is a great place for photo ops and great IG's! The Santa Rosa San Jacinto National Monument is nearby that features a great visitors center where you can grab some free maps and info about the local nature. Very safe,family,couples,friends and senior citizen oriented environment for a terrific visit! Plenty of free parking, lots of great places to visit and very picturesque So Cal desert scenery makes for a great outing! . . . . #elpaseo #elpaseoshoppingdistrict #desertlife #palmdesert #art #food #coffee #clothes #galleries #palmsprings #cathedralcity #deserthotsprings #ilovepalmdesert #orangecounty #losangelescounty #inlandempire #socaldesert #ilovethedesert #californiadreaming #californiadreamin #waynesalvatti #photografxworldwide #santarosasanjacintonationalmonument #jewelry #shopelpaseo #getoutthere #letsgoshopping #ig #igpalmdesert

Beautiful looking luxury shopping in the heart of Coachella Valley. LV, Tiffany's, and Gucci, just to name a few.

This is a very vague review. Google is asking about the El Paseo Shopping District. Feels very AI generated. I guess my issue is the fact that this area encompasses so many retail locations. Lots of shops and restaurants. Cool art as you go down the road lined with palm trees and color.

Really neat stores, but not cheap. Little over my budget lol.