Rode the 43 mile road on my dual sport motorcycle. Such a beautiful ride. First couple miles is pavement then all dirt. Reccomend 4wd or AWD on the dirt portion.

Love this place! We have camped up there and just love the peacefulness on the Rim. Such beautiful scenery! Great camping spots with her most glorious sunsets

I 100% recommend to any outdoor enthusiest! We dispersed camped off the FR300 Mogollon Rim Road, turned down FR169 and drove until we found a spot of I think Deer Lake fire road. It was late and dark so a bit hard to find for us first timers to the area, but as soon as the morning sun hit we knew we had found a great spot. Beautiful views all over, I really dont think there is a bad spot here on the rim to camp. On a whim we drove to Bear Canyon Lake and hiked down to the shore, secluded and beautiful. We will bring our paddle boards next time, as the lake was all but empty except a few fishing. Totally serene and beautiful. But there are no roads to the shoreline so it does require some fitness to hike down and back up. Our aim was Woods Canyon Lake so that was our next stop, glad we hit Bear Canyon first because woods canyon was packed on this busy camping period in the middle of September. We didnt stay, too busy for us but we did refresh our ice and beverage stock at the market! Instead we parked at the outlook along the rim and walked a bit along the trail before heading back for a mid day nap to recharge before playing games and cooking dinner around the camp fire. Can't wait to come back for some more rest, rewind, and exploration! Happy camping!!

Wow! This was quite a fabulous place. Highly used on weekends. Wild coyotes, wild horses, beautiful singing birds. I was so lucky to see so much. High up so always breezy. Absolutely loved it. A lot of spots for large rigs too. Road in great shape. 7,000 to 8,000 feet. The Rim is stunning.

Breath taking views! Very green

One of my favorite places with a great view. There are a few lakes nearby as well as plenty of places to camp. Very versatile location and if you forget something there are gas stations a few miles down the road.

The Rim Trail runs right along the edge of the Mogollon (say mugghee on) Rim. It is easily accessible from the Rim Road, which is also called FR 300. The best views are right before the turn to Woods Canyon Lake Road, as the Rim Road is nearest the rim's edge there.There are several turnoff parking areas, (none with facilities) and in my opinion, the best is Rim Lakes Vista Overlook. The rim edge is quite near the parking area. There are trails along here and several are paved and in good shape. It's not a tough walk. This view is south and west and during the day, the view provides vistas of several mountain tops, including the Four Peaks. The sunsets are great from the vantage points, and then when the stars come out on clear nights, it's like a window into heaven. It's cool here at just about 7,000 feet and there is often a gentle breeze blowing across the rim edge. There are no guardrails, and it is very inviting to scramble around on those huge boulders. The drop is steep, straight, and hard, landing on more rocks, so use caution. The are benches in various places to sit and admire what you see. If you bring snack food, please pack out the trash, and leave this place pristine for the next person.

Absolutely stunning park. Trails are perfect length for a nature-filled workout without being too strenuous. An utterly ridiculous amount of beauty, where a lovely green forest and water meets the desert. Note: hike to the very end of every trail and I would recommend going in order. We did - it’s just spectacular how the trails were designed.

Very cool. The park is super nice. Staff was very helpful at the beginning to explain the options. We liked the first little waterfall hike down, and then went to all the viewpoints. Then, we hiked down into the arches. It was midweek at the end of the day, and so we had the place mostly to ourselves. Just beautiful. All the formations on the ceiling are really cool. Very slippery down there, so we didn't go through. A little tough hiking back up, but not bad. Saw almost everything in a couple hours. Just a neat place...!

Wonderful state park with completely unique views unlike anything I’ve seen in Arizona. Worth the trip. The only reason I put at 4 out of 5 is that $10 per person (not per car) is a bit high of a price. It is a smaller park one could enjoy in a couple of hours or half a day. Highly recommend just be aware of pricing.

Beautiful area with various trails to explore. It costs $10 per person over 14. They provided us with a pamphlet that detailed how long the trails would take round trip and difficulty level.

This is a beautiful state park with several different day use areas, trails, and overlook points. The natural bridge is amazing and the trails are moderately challenging.

Mother Nature really shows off on what she can do at this stunning natural wonder. A short hike to the bottom is definitely worth the uphill climb back up once you see the spectacle that was naturally created. Rocks can be very slippery if you decide to go under the natural bridge so be careful. Worth the visit

The State Park near Payson was a pleasant surprise. I'm glad I came across it. Being a solo traveler, I would have preferred to go earlier in the morning, but I arrived in Town in the afternoon. Park hours are 9-5pm which gives you plenty of time to hike the unpaved, more challenging trails. Temps were in the high 90°s so plenty of water is a must. Parents with children and ALL others! People HIKING UP THE TRAILS HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY. Stop, move to the side, and allow hikers to continue hiking up hill, then you proceed hiking down trail.

Great place! There's Zane Grey's Cabin (You cannot take photos inside) and a self guided tour museum (You CAN take pictures there.) Also a really nice gift shop. We enjoyed seeing the fire truck that they are restoring, the school house, and learning about the devasting fire and 'hotshots' fighting it. Very interesting place, highly recommend.

This is one of the best small town museums I've had the pleasure of stepping into. Two tours are offered: one guided tour through a replica of Zane Gray's cabin that takes about 20-30 minutes, the other is a self-guided tour through the second story museum. A ticket for both tours together costs 10 dollars. Each by itself costs 5 dollars. There are senior citizen and first responder(?) discounts. The docent volunteers are friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate. The museum exhibits are easy to read and digest, the displays and artifacts themselves are fantastic, and there is more packed in here than you would expect at first glance. Even someone without a passion for history will walk out of this place satisfied. The gift shop has a great selection of gifts, apparal, and many local and regional books. I will definitely be back, and recommend this as a great place to stop in Payson.

I like history. This place was great. I enjoyed all the displays. All the employees were great.

If you like history, I would recommend checking out the Rim Country Museum! They had more then I was expecting, 2 different tours, exhibits dating back to 1300 AD! They people running the museum are down to earth and work off of a volunteer basis. Go support some history and check it out! 5 stars!

The Rim Country Museum maintains this replica of the Zane Grey cabin originally located some miles from this location. For whatever reason, no interior photos of the replica cabin are permitted. Unfortunate. I wouldn't make a special trip to see this one-room building, but if you're in the area it's worth your time (and the cost of admission - it's not free). The story here is about not only Zane Grey, famous American Dentist-from-Ohio & Western Novelist (1872-1939) but also a second story about the man who built this replica after he renovated the original only to have it burn to the ground in 1990 - William Goettl. The museum staff does a great job recounting the life and times of both Grey and Goettl, offering a fairly detailed story of Grey's personality, writings, life style and more. Especially noteworthy was the story about how Grey took a film crew to the cabin at great expense, wanted to go on a bear hunt, found out that the season had ended, requested a special bear hunting permit, was denied, then left Arizona very angry and feeling betrayed, never to return.

Beautiful and very informative. Loved my guide. It is a lovely area and a great drive.

A small museum that highlighted by the personnel, who were really great, knowledgeable and super friendly. Our guide to the Zane Grey single room cabin was very funny and had all sorts of stories keeping us interested. Many of Grey's Western books were written in this cabin. Nice stop, a lot of history and big dose of hospitality. If you have a chance this is a good place to stop and enjoy.

We use to like staying at this place but the last 3 times this place has gotten worse each time. Well we just had a experience that sealed the coffin for giving this place a single cent here on out. Rooms with a balcony was the only way to stay here. The wife and I would always get the soup and salad bar in their Cedar Ridge restaurant for $10. But the last 3 times staffing and quality of their food has dropped out of sight. This time the host put us at a table that was wet, dirty and never wiped down from the last people. We had to show him where it was dirty and wet in several places. He started wiping it off and it was dropping in my wife's lap. He was using a dry napkin. I had to ask if we could get a clean table. We sat there 20+ min and still no service. A waitress ending her shift apologized and asked if she could at least grab us a drink. I had a water and the wife wanted nothing. She lost her appetite from having someone else's scraps in her lap. Still nobody came by to take our order so I helped myself to the $10 soup and salad bar. After 2 trips, still no service. My wife walked over to the waiters table to grab the water pitcher to fill my glass for me. Still no service. After being there over an hour, the wife walked out pissed. I walked up to the front desk and told the host that we had no service. I told him that another couple sitting by us was complaining to the wife about not having any service as well. I asked so is it on the house? He agreed and said he was sorry and that he didn't see us and that we were good. Well apparently the dweeb working the tables down from us decided to write out a bill after we left and went swimming in the pool without us knowing. The punk never came to our table. He passed me once on the way to the salad bar and asked if I was fine. As if he was doing anything? We came back to the room on the 3rd floor and when getting off the elevator, 2 security guards met us at our room with a bill for $11 and asked why we didn't pay our bill. I explained that we never placed our order and never got any service while there and I told them what the host said. Never saw the dweeb that must have thought he did something for me in passing. The wife took the bill from security and went down and gave the host $11. She then went to reservations and canceled the next couple nights we planned on staying for our 36 anniversary trip. We will drive to California in the morning to give our business to the Sheraton and Disneyland for 3 days like we originally planned. So much for saving money and coming here. I think from now on if we plan to stay at a casino in Arizona, it will be at a much nicer one like Del Sol casino in Tucson that has much better food and service and its actually a very nice resort and $30 cheaper a night. You may want to avoid Mazatzal like the black plague. Horrible service and sad experience. Plus if you do play slots, the majority of their slot machines are 20+ yrs old and this place does not pay out from what I've always experienced and seen. They are still trying to recover their losses from covid it seems like. Just consider that if you do go here and experience what we have, you were warned.

My Husband And I stayed from Friday-Monday and it was amazing! Casino is great. The Cedar Ridge Restaurant was Delicious. We had lunch(wings and potato skins) and dinner( country fried steak, soup, and coconut shrimp) everything was delicious and very fair priced. The staff were extremely welcoming. Definitely will book again!

Tara, the bar “manager” tried her best to ruin our night. Me and my grandmother just arrived to the casino for the trace adkins concert. My grandma just had surgery so I had her sit down at the bar. After 10mins we were served, we understood, it was busy. She was not friendly and after we ordered our drink we wanted a shot of whiskey before we headed out to the stage, when she noticed there was no tip before we ordered the shot, she threw the change down and was VERY RUDE. Tara proceeded to ignore us for the remainder of the time, ignoring our request for the shot where we were going to leave a tip. We kept trying to get her attention, she avoided all eye contact. I finally got her attention by “excuse me miss” and she said “YEAH” with an attitude and proceeded to walk away avoiding eye contact. At this point we were confused and thought maybe she couldn’t hear us so my grandma continued to get her attention. At this point, she called security without even addressing us any further, or acknowledging that she even heard us. She could’ve aknowleged us and state she would get to us in a minute but instead she attempted to have us “removed” from the casino. I have been a restaurant manager for 7 years and never have been treated like this. I am EXTREMELY disappointed in this level of service and competence. I will be sure to let everyone I know how unprofessional and irrational the people whom work at this casino treat HIGH paying people.

Highly impressed with Cedar Ridge staff. Breakfasts and Dinners were awesome. Salad/soup bar was awesome and kept fresh and clean. Prime Rib on Sat night was really good. Slightly overcooked but super tasty and tender All staff throughout the hotel and casino are really friendly and great you at every opportunity

Mazatzal Casino sits just on the edge of town, a place where the energy shifts the moment you walk in. The casino floor hums with life, rows of machines lighting up as locals and visitors test their luck. There’s a good mix of slots, table games, and poker, so whether you’re there for a quick spin or a night of play, you’ll find your rhythm fast. It isn’t as overwhelming as the big city casinos, which actually makes it more inviting. The food options add to the draw. The Grille offers hearty plates that fit perfectly after a few hours on the floor, and there are quick-bite options if you just want to keep the game rolling. When the game on the screen matters more than the game on the table, the sports bar is the spot. Screens line the walls, the drinks flow easy, and the atmosphere feels like a mix of hometown spirit and casino buzz. What makes Mazatzal memorable is that it manages to feel lively without losing the small-town welcome. You get the excitement of gaming, the comfort of good food, and the camaraderie of cheering a team on, all in one stop. Grateful Traveler’s Note

We have recommended the Mazatzal Hotel, Casino, and Restaurants for many years to our family, friends, and coworkers. The cashiers, hostesses, and entire staff has been A++. For years, we have enjoyed delicious meals at Cedar Ridge Restaurant, and the George (night supervisor), Lance (server), Kayla (hostess), Samantha (server), and Tracey (server) provide excellent customer service delivering promptly our delicious meals!!! The quality and price of the buffet and meals is excellent. At The Grille, we have also enjoyed the most tasty homemade soups, and menu items specially prepared by amazing cooks!! Mazatzal has provided years of fun, special friends, and delicious meals!! Jim and Judy

Players club doesn't do hotel rooms. If you want to stay you gotta pay. Very friendly and niche. Fun stop on your way north or camping. Tables open i. The afternoon but are the best in AZ. Best bets and odds. The Apache Spirit is great and makes the casino one of a kind. Thank you for that. Plenty of new machines to get lost in. Hope you have a good one.

Beautiful over grown trail that offers incredible views of the lake on the Palo Verde Trail. Well worth the hike. Go early in the AM for cooler temps. Bring extra water. Start at Rattlesnake Cove picnic area.

Have gone 2x now n love it the first time we just took jet ski out n was able to get back down on the verde river till couldn't go any more and caught few bluegill then got caught in an afternoon thunderstorm. then went this weekend and wasn't able to go as far as the first time but found good lil school of catfish, bluegill, baby largemouth bass and turtles.. all where still babies so of course put them back.. we are gonna try n go camping this weekend.

Rattlesnake day use is really nice area. Lots of picnic tables. Nice area to swim and float around in.

I had a blast at the lake. Everybody was really cool and where you camped was very clean I enjoyed my weekend. I recommend this gem and plan on going back in the near future.

Had a blast at StandUpPaddle earlier in the day then we camped out on the beach of Bartlett lake at night. Bartlett lake is one of my favorite lakes in Arizona it is beautiful and they do a wonderful job of keeping the lake clean. This lake just has so much to offer. You can camp or just enjoy a day at the lake. You don't have to have a boat to have fun here, but you do have the ability to rent one at the marina. The marina is also home to StandUpPaddle which was a blast and they offer paddle board and kayak rentals.

Especially beautiful flowers in the Spring, nice scenic drive, non motorized boats only at the North end makes for good kayaking.

Amazing conceived my daughter here..place is pure serenity....

Roosevelt Lake/Dam Awesome views and scenic routes all around the lake! What's better than enjoying a nice lake in 109° AZ summer weather!

Best lake in az. Water is always perfect, lake is huge and deep, there are several usfs campgrounds along the lake. We like to stay at the schoolhouse campground usually not so many people there and they have a boat launch and large campsites. No power or water but bring a generator you’ll be fine.

The lake is beautiful! There were a lot of access points, and there were lots of people boating. The views were amazing, and there were a lot of spots to pull off and take photos. There are also a lot of saguaro on the hills.

Great place to camp, boat or spend the day. At only $8 A day to camp. Just remember that it's dry camping services are limited unless you go a campground. But do worth it to camp on the water. There are some local lodges available to.

The crappie are starting the bite so we camped a few nights at cholla campsites. The spots are $24 to $40 per night. Clean bathrooms. Close to loading ramp. Water pump available.

The campground we stayed at was Cholla. It was very clean and well maintained. The water level was really high while we were there, but we managed to find a little spot to ourselves for swimming. The sites are nice and level. The bathrooms are in great working condition and they were cleaned often. It was a rather busy weekend. Wish we could've gotten out on the water.

Beautiful lake but not much shade. If you're on the water in the summer I hope you have a bimny and drinking water.

Moderate hike about 4 miles. Loved the varying soil and landscape, interesting seeing water in a stream in such a dry area.

A wonderful variety of trails through a remarkably diverse terrain. There is something here for everyone. The trails also connect to trails in the adjacent national forest. I was surprised by the $3 cash only admission fee for 16 & over.

We were looking for a nice day hike that could accommodate our 11 family members ranging from an almost-4-old to an 85-year-old. This hike fit the bill perfectly. The stately saguaro cacti were everywhere, and the trail itself was well-maintained and easy to navigate. There were a few steep declines along the way, which became inclines on the return, but those who needed to do so just took it slowly and stopped to rest as needed. At the trailhead by the office, the ranger, Kevin, gave a fascinating presentation to the kids involving tarantulas and scorpions. He completely held their attention...not an easy feat 2 days post Christmas! As always, be sure to bring plenty of water. Bottled water is sold at the entrance for $1.

I really enjoyed hiking the trails in this park. Plenty of nature to see and the trails are easy. Well worth the 3 dollar entry fee. The little pond where the former ranch well used to be attracts all kinds of wildlife.

Nice trail. A little hilly. We went to Metate. Couple miles round trip.

Wow! I didn’t even know this trail existed until a friend took me here for a hike. The level of intensity was mild- hardly any incline. We did a 5 mile loop and it was invigorating. Yes- wear Trail shoes or hiking boots. Take plenty of water. And- this park also has horseback riding for a fee. It was $3 per person to enter the park! On a gorgeous Saturday- the trail wasn’t too busy! Awesome to take a break in nature. There are plenty of benches on the trail with magnificent views. 5 Stars.

This is a great hike! In the winter, Cave Creek actually has water in it. Hike is very easy going and there are a couple of loops to choose from. Pets are allowed, just pick up after them. The kids all had a great time. This is a terrific spot nearby that everyone in the family can enjoy. There's horse riding available. I didn't get the prices, but lots of people were doing it. I think they were using horses on the Elephant trail, which is one that goes into the mountains that is not maintained. I had a great time. It's a fun and relaxing walk with amazing sunsets. Right now in the winter time it's not too hot. It's a perfect time to take everyone in the family out for a nice walk. I would choose this over other trails because it's great for the novice hiker.

The rangers were very knowledgeable and friendly. The bathrooms are clean, and there's a nice little warning about scorpion sightings to remind you you're in Arizona :-) There is a baby changing table in the women's room, which I found extremely helpful. They have a water filling station too, with filtered water. The hike starts in the station with a couple of flights of stairs, and you go out the back to the steep, but paved trail. There are lots of benches and places to sit along the way! There are a few trash and recycling containers as well. Trash cans on the trail, and recycling at the station. We didn't know when we went, but the trail closes at noon, even though the rest of the park is open until 4.

Amazing views. It was neat to see the cliff dwellings and think about the people that lived in the area so long ago. Friendly and knowledgeable rangers and staff. Also clean bathrooms and ample parking. Be prepared for a vertical hike, though it is a completely paved path to the top with ccasional seating but no shade.

We did the guided hike up to the Upper Cliff Dwellings at Tonto National Monument, and it was incredible! The hike itself was beautiful — stunning views, fascinating history, and such a unique experience. Our guide was super knowledgeable and shared so much insight about the people who once lived there and the surrounding landscape. We booked our tour about 8 months in advance, and I’m so glad we did because spots are very limited and fill up fast! Definitely bring plenty of water and a snack as it gets warm and there isn’t much shade. I’m a bit out of shape, but the group was good to stop every so often to rest. Highly recommend this experience if you love nature, history, and hiking!

Hot, hot, HOT! Bring water and a hat! It's also a rather steep walk up, I had jelly-legs by the time I reached the dwellings. Absolutely worth it though, being able to walk through the ruins, get up close to some saguaro cacti. Beware the jumping cactus, some of it is very close to the edge of the path.

These cliff dwellings are a must-see with beautiful views and a solid workout on the way up. The trail is well maintained, the rangers know their stuff and there are plenty of spots to pause for photos. It’s cool to learn how many different cliff-dwelling communities existed across Arizona, some going back to the 1100s.

Warning to all visitors....Today is 10/21/25. While googlemaps says this is closed the NPS says all is open except foe the dwellings. We assumed the NPS website had the latest greatest info but in fact google maps does. The entire park.is locked up tight so if you read the NPS website that the park is open with the exception of the dwellings, don't believe it. Google Maps is correct with it being closed. Too bad rhe parks own website is less accurate than Google Maps about its hours.

It's beautiful and your allowed to enter and look around this site. Be aware it's a intermediate level hike but worth it 100% be sure to bring water and contribute any way you can

Neat little park in the middle of the desert. The gal at the front gate/check point was incredibly friendly and helpful. The ranger/host driving around in the golf cart, was NOT! He was contraindicting the gal that gave us specific directions. Then the day we left, he was circling our camper 20 minutes before check out. Which we were out on time. But we observed him doing this all week to the residents on the day of move out. We did make it up to the visitors center, a fun and interesting little walk through. The playground is pretty awesome!

Great campground. The sites are big and spread out. They have hot showers and flush toilets. Beautiful Views of the mountains and cactus all around. Very quiet and peaceful. We had wood fires every night. Very close to Cave Creek and Carefree, beautiful town. We will come back for sure.

I've stayed here in my RV (travel trailer) anywhere from 1 night to 2 weeks. The sites are large and easy to back into, well-maintained and level. The bathrooms are clean and shower water is hot, although annoying to have to hit the button every 30 seconds. Dog-friendly, which is great, please keep your dogs leashed. The hiking trails are nice, the area is lovely, and convenient to shopping and dining nearby as well. Good central location for all of the Northern Phoenix area. I only have two significant complaints/warnings: 1) there is a horse ranch / small stadium adjacent to the Park, which has a loud audio system. If you are in the family campground especially, this is literally adjacent to your campsite, and can be rather loud at times. 2) The dump station does not have a hose attachment to backflush your black tanks. There is water, but it is a small spray nozzle that does not come off, no hose attachments. I feel this is a major oversight to be able to adequately dump and clean black tanks.

I didn’t mind this park at all, it was easy to find & navigate. We camped at the campground which has large sites for our trailer and truck to park side by side. Sites were clean, spacious and spread out enough on our end so we weren’t constantly exposed to our neighbours. There wasn’t much shade coverage but the temperature this time of the year didn’t require it in the same way it would hotter months. There are plenty of hiking trails though we only completed the slate trail with the Michelin man saguaro. See my review of said trail if you’re interested. You pay a fee to enter or to use the campground. The washrooms and showers were clean, im just not a fan of the push button showers as they require constant button mashing to ensure the water doesn’t stop on you mid wash. The park rangers were kind and welcoming. It’s a very quiet park and we had no concerns. I only give less than five stars because I felt it was expensive compared to other state parks for what you get. We did have full water and electric. Sites are paved and pretty level. I would have stayed longer but it booked up so fast I didn’t have a chance to secure another site. Also love that it’s close to cave creek- a nice place to visit. Oh and though there’s a gate- you are given an access code so you can return after hours to your site without concern.

This is a Beautiful Park. The RV sites are spaced out far from each other. The bathrooms are clean. The landscape is very Beautiful! Great price for camping!

If you are from the valley or up north just wanting a quiet get away with amazing sunsets, clean bathrooms and just detachment, this is for you. Close to everything near Cave Creek 10 day stay and just kept asking myself "what do I have to do today? Nothing!"

We enjoyed our Clay Mine hike, but we were disappointed that the mine was blocked off/closed and we could not access it. but the trail itself was very nice. you cannot use the trailhead because it starts in the campground and there is no parking. first, go to the nature center and access it from there. Tonight was at the gate entrance and was very helpful and knowledgeable about the park.

Great hike for easy to moderate hike with 360⁰ views. While there is a fair amount of elevation change, the 2 mile trail is very well maintained with steps, benches, and signage. It's a 4 mile out and back or can be through-hiked. The park facility is very good. I'm not a super fast hiker but did the out and back in about 2 hours.

Great 3.2km (2 miles) one-way trail with beautiful views. Gets a bit challenging by the end but easy-moderate to hike

We had an amazing hiking experience here today. Along our way a volunteer, Gary, told us some impressive facts about the plants, trail, and tips to see the best views. He then proceeded to continue the hike as our guide. He made our whole experience better than we could have imagined. Lots of laughs and plenty of sweat was had haha

What a fantastic hike. Absolutely beautiful views. The visitor Center has a place to fill your water bottles as well as clean bathrooms. There is no fee for the parking or for the hike. Bring sunscreen and plenty of water. Like most of the desert There is almost no shade.

Open at 5:45 am Has lot of parking Has restroom Scenic points Shady Can go with family and friends 2 miles one way Moderate and easy Carry liter water

Beautiful views of homes I wish I could afford. Nice pleasant hike but there are some tough parts. Parking lot fills up early but spots start to open up around 9 am.

Fun hike, lots of good views of the surrounding neighborhoods and greater area. The parking is limited, but everything is super well maintained and the trail is well marked. I will say it was harder than I expected. A lot of significant inclines and declines. But a fun hike for sure.

Best hike ever... quite the ways to get to but that makes it desolate and I love it. So much nicer than cramped trails like PP.

Breathtaking views once you get there. I am 60 and out of shape but made it. I almost quit at the halfway point heading up. With some encouragement from the people with me, I made it. It is 2.05 miles out and the same back. They say the first mile or so is the toughest. I would agree. It did take me 1 hr 20 mins out and 1 hr 05 mins back. We good shoes that don't slip because the path is well maintained but the small pebbles and sand can cause you to lose your footing. I saw people of all ages out there. Lots of beautiful spring flowers and cacti.

Nice easy hike. Perfect 72 degree weather. Bring water. Restrooms are available.

One of the best hikes around Scottsdale and North Phoenix area.

This was an easy, relaxing morning hike. I enjoyed all about it. It still a workout so please dress and prepare accordingly but it was nice. Beautiful. My suggestion, google items to take to a hike. Be ready to take risks. Take wipes, lotion and extra water with you. Take gloves if you care to Climb rocks. Take firm/solid shoes. Take clothes that don’t show your sweat. What an amazing trail, I do recommend. Know that GOOGLE OR MAPS HAVE NOT updated the GPS route to get there, my advice to you is to get there by asking questions to the people that is from there or to local businesses!!!

Very good 2.2 mile hike. I would say that it's a moderate difficulty, but to some people it could be on the challenging side. Only one or two small boulders. Took me just over two hours to go out and back. Very good signage.

Great hike, I wouldn’t call it easy though. Took us almost 2 hours to get to the top and back to our car.

Love this lake! Great views and love to visit tortilla flats!

Beautiful lake. The windy road to get there isn't pleasant, but that probably adds to the charm and not as many crowds.

Stunning views, clear water and a great place to do a variety of water activities or just enjoy a leisurely walk. Route 88 is also a breathtaking road with views to die for! I will definitely be back!

Might be my favorite Lake in Arizona Canyon Lake has it all Rent a boat Fishing is great Sights are amazing Get ready to see Mountain Goats, Deer, and more There are so many types of fish too Easy to get to, lots of parking options We bring our own boats often too

We take our jet skis to Canyon Lake all the time. It is beautiful and we enjoy all the beaches to hang out at.

This place is my favorite, I dont go on weekends I like to go during week spend all day return home late night is amazing color with blue green terracota and musical birds, great to spend days here. The beauty is undescribable. My family always enjoyed, you will need a national forest permit if you are 65 years old go for your discount at the national forest office.

Always a wonderful time at the Boulder Site at Canyon Lake! Great views, clean beach & wonderful memories. The drive up is gorgeous too! Get your parking pass before you get there so you can snag a parking spot quicker!

Beautiful place to go with your family! The scenery is top notch and the weather is nice and sunny. This is also like a museum considering the fact that there are old parts of the scenery from thousands of years old. The wildlife is vast and there is a couple of birds of prey here. Totally recommend all day! P.S: Keep an eye out on the rams in on the cliff side!

Very pleasant dinner cruise. Staff friendly and helpful. Great scenery, good music. Dinner was better than average (bbq ribs AND chicken - large portions. The 16 mile drive to and from Hwy 60 in the dark was a little hairy. Allow lots of time to go slow.

This cruise had unbelievably gorgeous views with great narration by the captain. We saw the Canyon Lake area including much desert scenery and stupendous mountain views! We even lucked out and saw a bald eagle on her nest and a group of Bighorn sheep! 10 out of 10 stars. A must see!

April 5th 2025 Being an Az native, I’m sad to say I didn’t know this entertainment existed. I learned about the “sunset dinner cruise”from my mom who is actually friends with “Dolly” the original owner. The new owners kept the name and Dolly is still representing the company with enthusiasm. My wife and I did the sunset dinner cruise and boy did it not disappoint! Captain Ron was fun, knowledgeable about the lake and its history, the staff on board were attentive and hustled in our meal distribution. The food was excellent! The sites were amazing and stunning. We saw a lot of big horn sheep on the cliff face and witnessed up close 3 blue herons flying low across the water. For the price this was a fantastic way to spend the evening with my wife.

We had been staying in Apache Junction for the winter and decided to take the Dolly Steamboat cruise on Canyon Lake. The regular cruise is 90 minutes long and takes you around the lake and back. The canyons are impressive and beautiful. I understand you sometimes get to see sheep, but we had no luck on this outing.

I had a great time on this short afternoon cruise. You get to see beautiful views along the way as you listen to the history of the place.

This experience was amazing. The only reason I’m not giving it 5 stars is because my friend and I almost got stranded with no ride back to the city and didn’t receive any help from the staff. They said it happens often that a ride share will drop people off only to leave them with no cell service to arrange for a ride back. We were refused access to WiFi at the ticket booth and had to find a shop that would offer WiFi to customers only. If you journey out it’s a great experience just make sure you have a ride back because you won’t get help finding one!!

Really nice, very clean paved walking path around the lake. It is a reclaimed water lake so a little smelly at times. There is a really cool splash pad. A very nice playground. A musical instrument play area. Multiple covered areas to sit at. Such a nice little community surrounding it. Multiple bathrooms and drinking fountains. Parking was pretty easy.

Absolutely beautiful! The fountain is breathtaking to watch, especially when it shoots high into the sky — it’s the perfect centerpiece of the town. The park itself is very clean, peaceful, and well-maintained, with plenty of walking paths, green spaces, and spots to relax by the lake. It’s a great place for families, couples, or even just to enjoy some quiet time outdoors. Whether you come for a picnic, a walk, or just to see the fountain, it never disappoints. Highly recommend visiting if you’re in the area! 🌿💧✨

Very nice and peaceful park with a nice walking trail and a Frisbee golf course. It's a well maintained park with nice bathrooms and plenty of benches. Come right before the top of an hour and watch the magnificent fountain for 15 minutes. I've visited twice now and I enjoy this park.

I was heading out of town but wanted to see th famous fountain. Found out it only goes off every hour on the hour for 15 mins. When I drove up it had already been going off for 8 mins. It is beautiful. Neat to see. They cut it off and water comes cascading down. I found that they normally only run 2 pumps so it shoots up about 300'. Only on special occasions do they use 3 pumps to get it 500 or so feet. Which I'm sure would be awesome. If you are in the area check it out. Parking was easy off a side street. Looked like the surrounding grounds were home to disk golf. And FYI the grass was sopping wet in certain areas so be mindful of that when waking to the waters edge.

The park was super relaxing and peaceful. It had a wide variety of birds, which made the experience even more enjoyable. I especially loved watching the Red-winged Blackbirds and the vibrant red patches on their wings. The park was clean, and thanks to the fountain, there was a refreshing breeze that felt amazing—especially in the Arizona heat.

Beautiful and excellently maintained park and lake and mile plus trail around it. Although I live 20 minutes away, I'll drive there often for a walk with wife and dog. People (and dogs) are always friendly and courteous. Get there on the hour in the evening so you can watch the fountain for 15 minutes.

Visited Fountain Hills, Arizona around noon in early October. The weather was pleasant, and the place was calm and scenic. Plenty of open spaces and activities for kids — a great spot for a relaxing family outing.

Excellent museum! It is a huge place. You wear a headset which plays music as you approach the various exhibits. Exhibits are well labeled and so many interesting details. I loved hearing and seeing people playing the instruments on display via the headset and videos. There is a room where kids and adults can play a variety of instruments. Highly recommend!

Very amazing and educational museum. Would definitely recommend to anyone to go! 2 stories of history and cultures! Plan for it to take a good portion of your day. They have a cafeteria on site that has amazing food as well! Also an interactive instrument room where you can try out some of the different instruments you saw in the exhibits!

This museum is now firmly within my top 5 favorite museums in the world. I was pleasantly surprised at how large the museum is after deciding to visit last-minute. The exhibits are thoughtfully curated and include not only visuals but optional audio for everything you are viewing. With interesting facts about instruments, artists, and music styles from around the world. I only had the chance to see about 1/4 of all they have in my quick 2 hour visit so I’d recommend planing a few hours to come here and experience it all. There is a gallery where you can play a variety of instruments which as a musician was a dream. I’ve always wanted to play a harp and got the chance to do so here! The gift shop had such a fun variety of unique items, I came away with jewelry made from piano strings that I love! And on top of it all, this museum was truly inclusive for folks who need special accessibility accommodations. I recently injured my foot putting me on crutches. The staff kindly offered my choice of a wheelchair or electric scooter at no charge to use while in the museum. I can’t wait for the day I can come back to experience more!!

It is the best museum I ever seen! I am not a fan of music, but I am deeply touched by all kinds of music and instruments from all over the world, hundreds of countries and hundreds cultures. Staff in this museum are super nice, they are ready to answer your questions and provide useful information you need. This museum is not only good for adults, but also great place for kids! If you want your kid to learn instruments, bring kids to this museum and kids will start to fall in love with music. I will definitely come back to this museum again with my kid. Overall, I strongly recommend this museum. It is the No.1 best museum among the hundreds of museums I have seen.

An incredible collection of instruments spanning the globe. Our visit was particularly auspicious as it coincided with the "Stradivarius and the Golden Age of Violins and Guitars" exhibit. The violins and bows were exquisite. Plan to spend the day wandering through the various rooms to learn about cultural context and history.

MIM is worth the drive, no matter where you're staying in Phoenix. It's not just for music lovers, but also about history and engineering. We drove up from Tempe with our ASU student - we already plan to go back! The mechanical music room was fascinating and the artists room had so much variety - do not say no to the headphones. The experience of floating in and out of the sounds of the instruments on display really was magic. We finished with watching the short introduction film they offered. After experiencing the museum, it really brought home the universality of music through out all of human history... and it seems all to be represented right there in MIM. Really well organized and displayed: unique instruments, how instruments are made, antidotes from artists, instruments and musical styles from every corner of the world. Love!

A very fun place to visit! I thought a museum about musical instruments may not be very large or interesting, yet MIM changed my mind completely. It not only shows music from different countries, but also demonstrates the deeper cultures behind the music. As the picture shows, “Music is the language of the soul.” I think everyone who love music should visit this place, and you will see a much bigger world!

Spectacular golf course and customer service. Would highly recommend if you are ever in Arizona. The food, range, golf course, views, staff are all top notch. The pro shop has tons of awesome things inside and quality brands to choose from. The course design is so much fun and the course is tournament quality. Definitely exceeded my expectations and is my go to recommendation for anyone traveling to Arizona. I will definitely be back. Don’t forget to check out “the most photographed wolf” on the driving range. He is so cool.

This course consistently came highly recommended after searching around the internet for top-end desert golf in the Scottsdale area, and it absolutely did not disappoint. I played Cholla, and the course overall was in excellent shape, with nicely maintained tee boxes and beautiful greens. The course represents what I’d consider to be true desert golf, and with that comes an excellent challenge. The views of the surrounding mountains are basically panoramic, and a joy to take in. Rental clubs were very nice as well. The facilities are above what I anticipated; the clubhouse is beautiful, clean, and perfectly maintained, as was the range and halfway house. Frankly, there’s little to complain about. And compared to other courses of the same caliber in the region, the price point is incredibly reasonable. If you are considering this course, just book it now!

Best Golf club I've ever been. Beautiful in every sense of the word. I played Saguaro, it was stunning. My tee time was at 3:00 pm, and I had almost all the course for myself. I believe there was only another group playing. Way cheaper than other clubs I checked in the Phoenix area and I am not sure they can surpass this one. Really a fantastic experience. Tee time came with a Golf Cart, tees, and several bottles of water. So you don't dehydrate. Great attention from Todd. Kudos to you. Saw lots of wildlife, it was magical. In this environment, you won't mind any of your not-so-good shots. I'm already planning to come back.

Fantastic Day at We-Ko-Pa! I recently played We-Ko-Pa Golf Club with my grandson during our annual golf trip, and it was absolutely incredible. The course was in pristine condition, with breathtaking desert views on every hole. The staff were welcoming and made us feel right at home from the moment we arrived. We especially enjoyed the pace of play relaxed, yet efficient allowing us to savor every shot. This was more than just a round of golf; it was a wonderful shared memory. Can’t wait to come back next year!

One of the nicest course I've ever played at. For Arizona it definitely lives up to its name as being a top 5 course. The service was fantastic too. The cart girl was very kind and present, the cart boys were extremely tending to clubs and bags, and the overall service of the staff was extremely friendly. Despite my score being below-average, We-Ko-Pa Golf Club is the opposite!

This is a really nice, gorgeous course outside of the Phoenix area. If you like desert golf, this needs to be on your list to play. The course was in great shape (mid-July) and the greens rolled very well.

Amazing, amazing, amazing!! It's all I can say. Excellent customer service, the course was in fantastic condition and very challenging. My brother and I played the Cholla course and loved every hole. Great layout, great elevation changes, perfect tee boxes, fairways, and greens. We will DEFINITELY be back!!!

Offered a free room for Friday night. Called and booked and got a room with two queen beds which is fine. Room was clean and well appointed with coffee, tea and water. Nice linens, pillows, towels and toiletries. Room was quiet and had wonderful blackout curtains. We slept awesome. Casino has a nice variety of slot machines, table games, poker, etc. bars are scattered around the casino and had long lines for the most part. Later in the evening. Drinks are expensive. Some good some mediocre. We ate at ember steakhouse and were so impressed by the service, food and cocktails. Nice little mini vacation. Highly recommend.

I'm here for a work conference, not for the casino but just wanted to write to say how nice the rooms are. The bed has these amazing silky sheets and comfy pillows that feel amazing. Also, the outdoor pool and hot tub area feels like a nice vacation resort. Definitely a nice place for a weekend getaway. Also, the bathroom with tub is super nice.

Feels like a nice getaway. Halloween was extremely fun. We had dinner in the sports bar. We left to go change our clothes and when we came back to listen to the live music they told us we had to eat. We had just finished eating. So we had yo pay. Wasn't happy about that. We opted out and went to play the machines.

Seems like this place is losing its appeal. Used to be one of my favorite staycation alot but since they made all the changes to the casino, its not as fun. Check in is lengthy, staff is not that accommodating or courteous, and there is alot of turn over. I dont ever see the same employee twice except in the restaurant. Its a lovely property with lots of amazing artistic features and the pool area is nice.

It's been years since I've gone to WE-KO-PA Casino.They have some real unlikeable employees dealing cards here. It will be another 20 more before I ever return. They apparently all still work there. I encountered an extremely rude Black Jack dealer today that had nothing but passive aggressive insults to deal out. I heard every insult spoken under his breath clearly yet I remained polite, saying nothing to him. I was seething, but I stayed silent. This is not the place to come to relax, laugh and have fun. The employee dealing cards seemed to really hate me and yet I never saw this guy before until today. I contemplated calling over his Pit Boss to let him know about what this Human Speed Bump working for him was saying. I doubt the Pit Boss could hear his insults under his breath. Even the lady next to us commented to me. Too bad I didn't record the whole conversation. I was there only for my Father's Birthday and I wanted him to have fun so I said nothing until now. I will inform everyone I know at work, in my neighborhood, online and at church who and where to avoid. This guy & this place.

Didn't stay at the resort, just played golf. What a beautiful course. Definitely one of the nicest courses I've ever played in my life! We loved it!

I love this place! Wekopa treats everyone equally. The rooms are great the front office is awesome 👌 Just to get away. The food is really good The servers are really out to make there customers happy! Thank you wekopa for being 💯 percent customer service

Tourist trap. The staff was friendly. The building didn't feel authentic. I bought the combo tickets - mine tour, mystery shack and train ride. Mine tour was informative, interesting but short. The mystery shack does not allow you to carry babies in and when I bought combo tickets at mining tour booth they failed to tell me that even though I made sure to ask questions about having a baby. Train was was neat ride and the conductor had great stories! I'm a sucker for gift shops but didn't buy anything because it felt too over priced. Bathrooms were clean. Overall worth checking out at least once.

It was a very cute town. They have fun people on the train ride and mine tours with lots of interesting facts. We ate at the Saloon and they had live music. Lots of gift shops! Free to get into Ghost town and wander but $10.00 and up for everything else. We had a great time. Beautiful view of the Superstition Mtn.

After watching this mining town on ghost adventures and tfil overnight Elton it was awesome to check it out in person. The tour guides were awesome in listening to people and their experiences. Actually using an EMF detector and letting us have moments in silence to interact with any entity. *Only issue is there should maybe be a age limit for the night tour because there were a few children that would keep interrupting silence moments or just talking and didn't want to be in the dark which was a little disruptive. The town looks like it would be fun to check out in the day time

This place was so cool. Had a blast with my family. Handmade crafts. Stories and fun shoot outs in the street. Lots to do.

This place is pretty special to me, a place we visit to just relax and enjoy our desert beauty and embrace the Wild West feel. Don’t let the touristy vibes deter you. The shops are fun and the food is simple but tasty at both the quick service and the Mammoth Saloon. I usually go to the snack bar and save room for scooped ice cream and FRESH (you can smell them as you walk up) waffle cones. Make sure to bring some sun screen and ability to take some time to take the train or mine tour. Also, parking lot is dirt and unmarked, just to give a heads up. To my experience, people are usually really cool with lining up and leaving room. Have a great time!

We had a fun day at Goldfield Ghost Town and Mine. We toured the mine to see how gold was mined by hand. We saw a wild west shootout. We rode the train around town. And we walked through a mystery house. We really enjoyed it.

The town is well worth stopping at even tho its a tourist trap. It has some great food, russlers, cowboys and "Ladies". Just alot of fun. $$

I am a stickler for random things and history is my love language. While the museum itself is quite small the lot itself has some great items. I came specifically to see the Elvis Presley Memorial Chapel that was donated years ago and moved from its original location at the movie lot it was at. My mom was the biggest Elvis fan and this chapel was part of his only film ever made where he did not sing. If you’re an Elvis fan you know that’s a big deal. They now hold weddings and other events here. It looks great outside. Inside it holds some movie memorabilia etc. fun stop and my mom would’ve loved it.

Small and quaint museum. We enjoyed the story about the lost duchman. There are some interesting and historical exhibits to look at outside as well. Nice array of items in the gift shop. There are a few sit down spots to watch a video.

15 acres site with several different attractions. The Elvis chapel from the movie Charroland the Apacheland barn which were both moved from the original movie set from there original location off Kings Ranch Rd in Gold Canyon. There is a small museum and gift shop. The museum covers the local history of the superstition mountain and Lost Dutchman mine folklore. On certain days during the mostly the fall /winter season they have local historians talk about the history of the area. The visit should take about a hour or two at the most.

Enjoyable and a fair deal on Groupon. The inside museum was very well designed and has great descriptions. The grounds were also nice, with a very touching memorial at the back to those lost on the mountain. Sadly, the train exhibit was closed, my primary reason for visiting, so that left me frustrated.

This visit is about going to the Superstition Mountain Museum. The museum was a treat and well worth the time we spent there. There is much more to see than the few photos. The one thing I wish I would have taken a picture of is the Spaniards' Conquistador chest plate, helmet, and sword.

Nice little museum with a little bit of 'everything,' and the grounds have some fun little things too.

I love this place! Such an iconic western vibe. The Elvis chapel with the Superstitions nestled in the back really bring out a random mix and twist of beauty. The museum is actually very well done and articulates the early western films that were created near the Superstitions. It was surprising to see actor boot prints in concrete on display. My kids were able to pan for fools gold and we watched a cowboy shootout; what a fun family place!

I've been to a few dinner shows, and this was probably one of the best ever! Let's start with the food. I was expecting "cafeteria style" average food. Nope! It was a very delicious pot roast with mashed potatoes, cooked carrots, salad, and a dinner roll. Oh, and did I mention they also had BBQ pork ribs and BBQ chicken? I've never been known to shy away from food and your homeboy had the meat sweats! Oh man, was dinner good!!! They also had THE BEST root beer I've ever had and I consider myself a root beer connoisseur! My wife had the most amazing root beer float. Then, the show was absolutely fantastic. I play in a band so I know how difficult it is to play with that many musicians and all the different genres of music. These musicians were incredible! I was amazed at their technical skills from the steel drum, to the slide guitar, to the brass instruments, to the violin/fiddle players... I could not believe the talent level. I am hooked and am planning on taking family and friends to future shows!

Oh my!! Never in my wildest dreams did I think this would be as good as it was. From the quality of the food, the attentiveness of the wait staff to the awesome show, I was flabbergasted! I couldn’t get over how talented these music professionals were. Mind blown! I would love to come back during the holidays and experience this once again. Definitely recommend!

The food was okay, the show was okay. My hold out is the price and that they ask you to be there quite early compared to when food is served or the show starts. So hopefully you go with people you want to talk to for over an hour while you sit and wait. I think the music/show was a little more geared to the baby boomer generation. As a millennial I didn't mind the music, but I kept going back to the cost versus taking my wife to a steakhouse and a movie. I had to go back to my google timeline to see how long we were there. 4 hours (11:30 - 3:30)

If you are looking for dinner and a family oriented dinner show, please attend. This location is supported by the Barleen family providing an amazing meal with live entertainment. Five stars.

Variety show was amazing, such talented vocal and instrumental! Toward the end they sang version of Amazing Grace. It was so well done and the audience obviously loved it! Should have been the Finale!

Absolutely a wonderful experience! We took family that where in town. They loved it. The food is like home cooking. Roast beef, mashed potatoes, carrots, roll,salad, cake. Plenty of coffee, teas, lemonades. You can purchase alcohol separately if you'd like a drink. Plenty of choices in alcohol. The entertainment spectacular!

This place is amazing!! Saw their Christmas show tonight and oh wow, do they ever put on one heck of a show. They had the whole place jumping. The staff and performers are so friendly and sweet. The Barleen family and friends are so talented.

Best use of a Tuff Shed ever! Great look back at Americana of the last 100 years and some Superior AZ history as well. Drop $5 in the donation box - it's worth it!

This was a fun spontaneous stop! It's free and it's interesting.

For the novelty of World's Smallest Museum it's a good place to visit. The items they had were interesting.

Cute little place. Lots of random artifacts for such a small place. Everything from rocks, to local history, to old computers. We got a good laugh and added a picture to our adventure. I recommend stopping just for the sake of taking a peek. You then can say you have been to the World's Smallest Museum!!!

A waiter poured water on me

It was closed when we came. There are no times posted anywhere and we looked around outside only to have someone hiding inside yell at us to get away. Lol.

We had burgers and Fry's, both very good. The Fry's were nice and crisp with great flavor. The burgers were also tasty. Our servers were friendly. The exterior area could be neatened up a bit, but I wouldn't let that prevent us from stopping in again.

This was such a beautiful hike, it is pretty difficult but so worth it. You hike most of your elevation in the beginning and so perfect. It’s super busy on the weekends, I recommend early in the morning on a weekday.

It was one of the most amazing experience I’ve ever had. Even though I’m an athlete, it was very difficult probably because I went at 12pm midday in the month of May. It was difficult but the view at the summit was worth it. Parking was free and access was also free. Stay safe, follow safety rules and stay hydrated.

The hike was hard but rewarding!! Anyone can do it if you put your mind to it! I did it 15 weeks pregnant and made it to the top and down! Take a water bottle back pack !!! Hydration and multiple stops helps make it bearable. Took us about 3 hours up and down

A hard hike. If you don't usually exercise, I recommend training before going. But it's nice; the trail is well marked, and handrails are installed in difficult areas to prevent falls.

Very crowded on the weekends with limited parking. I would go early, like 5am early! 😌Beautiful scenery. Bring your hiking boots, hiking gloves and plenty of water!! No dogs allowed and nice clean restrooms.

Was in PHX for a conference and could see this place from my hotel room. So got up a 4:30 am and took a scheduled Uber (15-20 minute ride from the Sheraton/downtown) to hike during sunrise. - I hike a lot, but this is pretty rugged. Took me an hour to get to the top at a moderate pace. - about halfway up, there are several spots that require all four limbs. A non-technical climb of sorts. No climbing gear needed though. It’s doable but you’ve got to be adventurous. - I took the Cholla trail, which I understand to be the easier of the two trails (but not “easy”) - look for blue hash marks mark the trail all the way up — especially around the climbing parts - coming down is slow too. Plan for time. Less physical effort but got to be careful about foot placement. Some rocks are slippery. I suggest keeping three points of contact at all time. - a dozen or so people on the trail too when I went; so very public; everyone was friendly and polite. - I was worried about sticking my hand in a rock and getting a snake bite, but it’s so highly used, I’d bet they stay away. Wasn’t an issue. - it was cool and windy mid-May. Maybe 60 degrees; but the day before a colleague of mine did it at the same time of day and it was hot. So plan for both. Best to have a sweatshirt in a back pack. - bring ample water; I drank 60 ounces of fluid on this trek; bananas are a good idea too. My colleague said someone put a box of them out for hikers when she went; none when I was there. - the moon was out too on my hike (see photo) Gorgeous. I’m so glad I didn’t this. Great way to start the day — before sitting in a conference room all day!

This hike is tough but rewarding! Some sections are a full body workout! I avoid the railings for extra challenge. Once in June, I nearly got heat exhaustion, so bring plenty of water! Spotted big lizards, but watch for bees everywhere, even at the fountain. Parking is limited. The mountain will close for rescues or extreme heat index.

I’ve lived in Arizona for almost 20 years and this was my first visit. It’s a beautiful park and I can’t believe I waited so long. Many areas to see, so many that you probably won’t be able to see them all in a single visit. I definitely recommend walking the large loop trail through the canyon as that’s the most scenic area. The trails are all very well maintained and pretty easy to walk. If the weather is cool enough, just about anyone can handle them. I would plan on spending about three hours to see all of the best areas. If it were closer I would certainly consider getting an annual pass.

This is one of those must see places. It’s more like a nature hike than a straight botanical garden so bring good walking or hiking shoes and some water. Well behaved dogs are welcome too. Great views and some AZ history along the way. If you are lucky you might see some Coati’s who live on property.

My favorite botanical garden in the state! Its always such a pleasant experience and the grounds are immaculate. Become a member to save $$. There's a lot to see. Ive been many times and always find something new. Easy trails to hike and follow, nice facilities and gift shop. The park employees are always gracious and very helpful. Definitely worth the drive.

This was my first time here and I was so impressed I will be purchasing a yearly membership the next time I go, which hopefully will be soon. It's great for a half day hike, we only did a part of it and found so many interesting things. I posted pictures on Google earlier. Had an amazing day with my friends and I highly recommend visiting this place. They also have plants for sale and a reasonably priced gift shop!

We went to Boyce Thompson Arboretum over the weekend. It is located in Superior, Arizona which is about an hour away from us. We live in the East Valley. You can bring your dogs to explore with you. Reminder to bring your own poop bags, water and a secure leash. We enjoyed the hiking trails along with the gardens with different region themes such as South America, and a garden with plants that attract butterflies and humming birds. They offer shaded areas and seating through out which helped us take breaks and enjoy the views. It is truly an experience that provides many opportunities to stop and take in beautiful landscape and photos. We plan on coming back since there is more left to explore. The admission to enter is $24.95 for adults and youth (13-17) $10 for children (5-12), and free for members and children under 5 yrs old.

Highly recommend a visit. The drive is lovely and parking is easy. We intend to visit often so the dual membership made sense. Check in with or purchase tickets @ front desk/ cashier. If you have membership then use telephone number. Collect/photo a map. We arrived at 4:30pm and went to Ayers Lake to catch the golden hour and take photos. Gorgeous gardens and reflections from the small lake. This trail closes for the night exhibit. We loved to chase the almost full moon photo shoots in this visit. The night flight exhibit was delightful with sculptures lit from beneath. The trail is lit and easy to follow. Assorted healthy plants are available to purchase as you walk in and its well priced. Nice gift store and friendly staff. Bring bug spray for sure, hat if its a day hike. Hot chocolate in a flask and something to snack on at night if desired. Comfy shoes. It started to get cold as the evening progressed. Enjoy!

I am amazed that this arboretum has every facility and exhibit to connect with nature and fully enjoy the environment. It has beautiful views from the Ayer lake and the suspension bridge is beautifully designed. This was my second time and my children ages 5 and 8 were able to do the entire arboretum loop (given many rest stops and snack breaks) Make sure to pack snacks and a big water bottle. There are refilling stations along the way. We saw some adorable coatimundi hanging around Scavenger House this trip and were amazed how long they hung around! Highly recommend this place as a day trip from Phoenix. About 80 min drive from Scottsdale to the arboretum. There is also a great children’s garden activity area best for toddlers age.

I really enjoy this semi open air swap meet! Lots of vendors are returning for the season but it’s not crowded yet. My favorites are the jewelry, hats, purses, clothing, foods, metal art, and gadgets. Still a bit warm but they open very early when it’s still cool. Snack bar prices are reasonable for the 2 Egg Omelette with either ham or sausage. Nice ambience in the dining area with live music. Restrooms are well stocked and very clean. Parking is plentiful if you don’t mind walking.

Booth B18/B22 was really impressive with handmade tiled tables and gliders. Other artwork there was equally as impressive. Prices for larger, well made items were $450-750, which my Mom and I thought were very fair for the excellent workmanship.

Mesa Market Place Swap Meet is a huge spot with a wide variety of shops, but it feels more geared toward retirees, RV travelers, or folks on vacation rather than bargain hunters. I was also surprised that I didn’t find many shops offering authentic Mexican items or locally unique goods, which I was hoping for. On the plus side, it’s pet-friendly and even has misters throughout, which makes walking around much more comfortable in the heat.

They have to many to describe. Buy t shirts, rocks tree, hat, eat meals and dessert and Mexican tile. We enjoyed so much. I come back again before get back Home. The place is nice, friendly and clean. Good parking lot.

Allot of unique items for sale. They have food,drinks and beer. Scooters for rent too! Nice and helpful people all though the Swap Meet. If you haven't been there it's a good place to wander around, it's very large area so have your walking shoes on.

This is an amazing crafty swap meet. Loved all the creative items and there's a vendor with super cute princess dresses for toddlers perfect for halloween. The breakfast was really good and priced well. We had burritos, pancakes, bacon and and sausage. All tasty.

More fun than a barrel of monkeys! Air-conditioned, food court, picknick tables, rest rooms, plenty of parking. Free admission! Takes about 2 hours to see everything! No dogs allowed! Closes at noon!

I’d give this place 10 stars if I could! The Desert Botanical Garden is absolutely beautiful and so well maintained. Every trail and exhibit is thoughtfully designed, and you can really see the care that goes into keeping everything in top shape. The staff were attentive, friendly, and incredibly knowledgeable; they were happy to answer questions and share insights about the plants and desert landscape. It’s such a peaceful and inspiring place to explore, whether you’re a local or just visiting. There’s also a restaurant on site that feels like fine dining without being stuffy. The food was excellent, the atmosphere was relaxing, and they cater to a wide range of dietary needs. Overall, it’s a must-visit spot in Phoenix.

The botanical garden is a must visit. The trails are no lesser than any state park/national park. The gathering tours were really informative. The staff is friendly. Gift store is so beautiful. There are water stations every now and there. Hydration is not all a problem. Loved watching butterflies and hummingbirds in the butterflies trail. Saguaros are unique.

Must experience. Absolutely beautiful. We were fortunate to arrive after the monsoonal rains. Everything was green and blooming. We arrived a little before sunset, so we're able to see the gardens during the day, at sunset with a beautiful Arizona sky, and the gardens lit at night. The Botanical garden is open till 9:00 pm. If you have a layover at Phoenix Airport, the gardens aren't very far away. I would encourage anyone younger old to take time to visit.

I was not sure if I would like this, but I ended up loving it. It can be a bit of a walk, but I went in Nov and it was not overwhelmingly hot, but still warm. I enjoyed the cactus and plants so much, they bloom beautifully. Of course they have a lovely butterfly exhibit so worth going to. The shop and restaurant was not to bad, slightly pricey, still nice though. I had a refreshing margarita. I would recommending giving this place a visit, was most enjoyable.

The Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix is absolutely incredible! I was blown away by the breathtaking views—towering saguaros and colorful cacti create this surreal, almost magical desert landscape. There are so many cool cactuses, from spiky barrels to funky agaves, and I loved wandering the shaded trails snapping photos. It’s super peaceful, like a total escape from the city, with hummingbirds zipping around adding to the calm. The paths are easy to navigate, and the sunset glow on the red buttes was unreal. It’s about $40 to enter, but worth every penny for the curated beauty. I’d recommend it to anyone who loves nature or just wants a chill, inspiring outing. Bring water if it’s warm, and go early for fewer crowds. I’m already excited to come back!

I love this place! It makes me happy. It gives me time to reflect and regain focus on life. We all have a happy place we go to recharge. This is one of many places I go to feel a sense of peace. I love nature, so this is a great place to visit. It’s also a learning experience as well. Many different types of plants and cactuses. They also have special events. A lot of fun stuff. I enjoy going when it’s cooler out. I make it a me day. Enjoy! 😊

Desert Botanical Garden is a fantastic place to visit. There are so many varieties of desert plants, and the massive cactuses are especially impressive. The butterfly garden is also great, with lots of different species to see. If you’re visiting on a hot day, make sure to stay hydrated—thankfully, there are water stations throughout the grounds. The staff are friendly and there’s tons of helpful information about Arizona’s incredible cacti. The entry fee is a bit pricey, but for a one-time visit, it’s worth it.

The Phoenix Zoo is such a fun place to visit! Definitely bring good walking shoes — there’s plenty to see and explore. We went in December, and the weather was perfect, though we did need light jackets. We especially loved seeing the lion, and the ZooLights experience was an absolute blast. A great place for families or anyone who loves animals!

It is a good size and very accessible with adult scooters, kid and adult animal themed scooters, and stroller rentals. The zoo membership was worth it since it pays for itself in about 2 visits. The cafe is decent and if you come on less busy days or less peak hours, it is really peaceful and serene with lots of areas to sit. The animal variety is pretty good for being in the desert and it even has a Siberian Amur tiger, one of the most expensive zoo animals and endangered big cats, that not even the San Diego Zoo has.

Had a great time at the Phoenix Zoo! The animals seem well taken care of. Enclosures are fairly large and well kept. There are animal ambassadors at most of the areas that are very informative and knowledgeable. They were able to answer all our questions and some were quite funny. They have the only open walk through attraction with squirrel monkeys in the United States, which is in my opinion a must see for any visitor to the zoo. Also you can feed giraffes, ride a camel or play in the water park. Their is something for everyone. Overall my experience was enjoyable and I recommend if your are in Phoenix to add a stop at the zoo!

We recently went here for zoo lights as part of an event from work, and it was beautiful. We have never been here for this, but now that we have, we enjoyed it very much. All of the lights and the details that they did to make all of it happen was worth it. I didn't take many pictures as I was enjoying my self that I forgot.. but it is beautiful and a really great experience. The animals are sleeping so you dont really see them. The trails are closed to some areas, but they make the animals come to life with, all the lights! There was only a few things open for snacks and drinks, and they had long lines so I guess bring yoir drinks and snacks with you? Otherwise is a really great experience for everyone!

We had a wonderful time at the Phoenix Zoo! The grounds were clean, well-maintained, and thoughtfully designed. For being in the desert, there was plenty of shade, which made walking around very comfortable even on a warm day. There were lots of drink stations and food options throughout the zoo, so it was easy to grab a refreshment or snack without having to go far. The layout was easy to follow with maps and signs everywhere, which made exploring stress-free and enjoyable. The giraffe area was absolutely huge, and we loved the elevated platform walkway that connects exhibits that gives a unique view of the animals below. Overall, the Phoenix Zoo is a fun, family-friendly place that clearly takes pride in both guest experience and animal care.

There really were marshmallows for roasting! Amazing seeing all of the fun cars inside the zoo! There were 6, or maybe even 7 of them! Thank you for your very kind support of HopeKids everyone! #HopeKids 🌞 #ShareHope 🌻 #SuperFastRacing 🚙

We had an absolutely phenomenal day at the Phoenix Zoo, and I can't recommend it enough as a perfect way for kids to spend a couple of hours walking around and getting up close with wildlife. Our visit today was exceptional because the animals were incredibly active! Sometimes you walk past exhibits and the animals are sleeping, but not today. We saw so much lively action: • Monkey Business: The monkeys were putting on quite a show, swinging and playing all over their habitat. It was non-stop entertainment! • A Spiky Surprise: one porcupine was wide awake and busy, which was a real treat to see. Hehe did a little of dance for us, and it will be a memorable porcupine dance experience for us to keep in our family. Beyond the great animal viewing, we loved that there were a couple of animal encounters happening, which added an extra layer of engagement for the little ones. We also took the carousel ride, camel ride and stingray feeding. It truly was an awesome day at the zoo. For families looking to make a whole outing of it, the Phoenix Zoo is great. We were smart and brought our lunch, which made the midday break easy and relaxing. And of course, on a warm day, the splash pad was the perfect grand finale to cool off and burn the last bit of energy before heading home. If you're looking for an engaging, manageable, and exciting outdoor activity for your kids, the Phoenix Zoo is a winner. Especially if you catch the animals on an active day like we did, it's a memorable experience!

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.

Me and my kids we love this place. We discovered it and will always make this a place to go back to for years to come! It is absolutely beautiful. I’ve seen so much wild wildlife here so many beautiful families here just enjoying the nature and just being with Family and friends and taking family pictures and having picnics and trail hiking I just loved the vibe the feeling the experience was everything. I’m so happy I discovered this place.♥️

I came to visit during the weekday mid afternoon. There were several people, dogs bikers but you are able to have the space you need without feeling crowed. The Riparian Preserve offers different trails that are paved and non-paved so it can be enjoyed by everyone. Great location for professional or non-professional photos, spending time alone, spending time with people, and/or enjoying the beauty of it all. The trails are all labeled with orange signs or you can find small maps. They offer educational signage about wildlife, plants and the solar system. The preserve is well taken care of and has plenty of areas to be explored.

This is a really great spot for walking, running, and walking the dog, especially in the summer since there is lots of shade. The scenery and wildlife is spectacular: birds, squirrels, bunnies, etc. There is a mix between paved trails and dirt trails, so can be a good spot for those who have mobility issues. Lots of ponds/lakes for fishing. There are a few restrooms around the perimeter. The preserve connects to several trails that can take you to other great parks in Gilbert. Parking can be difficult as the lot is very small.

Great park for walking. Unfortunately a lot of the ponds are currently dry. The paths are well maintained and clean. There are a few homeless that made me a bit uncomfortable but generally I felt safe. There are so many ducks and birds it is amazing. The community around the park is very nice. I go here to walk or run the trails and very much enjoy it.

Large nature preserve Park in Gilbert. Native vegetation and also non-native ones grace the Park. Cotton tails rabbits sightings delights visitors throughout the Park. Several ponds, some dry, are scattered through the parks perimeter along with expansive pic-nic areas situated by the ponds or on tree enclosed coves (which require Pryor reservation). It takes at least a couple of hours to explore the Park's entire vast acreage. It is definitely an enjoyable, free and refreshing way to commune with mother nature on a weekend (very busy) or a weekday, if possible.

Brilliant idea from the Gilbert civil engineering urban planning departments. Free, safe, and well maintained park. Perfect desert oasis with much wildlife in the city! Highly recommended for homeschool moms searching for a life science field trip.

Arrived at 6:00 AM and birds were very loud and active. This place is amazing, and it's free. If you live close by you need to take the time and visit. Bring your binoculars.