From Maricopa, the eastern side of the Sonoran Desert National Monument is accessible—a direct connection to the Sonoran Desert that opens up views of the wider region. Maricopa County also has regional parks, trails and protected areas, each with its own character. Between vast desert landscapes, riparian forests and archaeological sites, you can shape your trip around nature, outdoor activities or history.
Desert landscapes and trails in Maricopa County
The regional parks and nature preserves of Maricopa County cover more than 120,000 acres of the Sonoran Desert. The regional trail system includes more than 300 miles of existing trails that circle the county. The Maricopa Trail connects all of the county’s regional parks and passes through 15 distinct communities. It offers cyclists, walkers and horseback riders opportunities for non-motorized recreation off the road. Camping is also available in the regional park system: it is possible in almost all parks.
Each park has its own highlights. McDowell Mountain Regional Park offers more than 40 miles of mountain biking trails. Guided horseback rides are available at Cave Creek Regional Park. Usery Mountain Regional Park covers 3,648 acres and borders the Tonto National Forest. Water seeping from the ceiling of Wind Cave supports hanging colonies of Rock Daisy there. At just under 30,000 acres, White Tank Mountain Regional Park is the largest regional park in Maricopa County. Flash floods have carved depressions into the white granite of the White Tank Mountains; these are called tanks.
Water, riverbanks and birdlife
Lake Pleasant Regional Park is a major water destination: it covers 10,000 acres of water and has more than 100 miles of shoreline. Two boat ramps add to its appeal. The campgrounds have 148 RV and tent sites; primitive sites are not included in this number. The water, shoreline and camping represent different aspects of the park and can help you decide what to focus on during your stay.
The riparian landscapes also vary. At Hassayampa River Preserve, 280 bird species live, breed or migrate along the riparian corridor. Self-guided trails pass through river lowlands, the floodplain, and cottonwood-willow and mesquite forests. The Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area is restoring the natural wetland and riparian habitats of the historic Salt River. It has paved and natural trails, and the area is used to observe hundreds of bird species that follow it as a seasonal migration route. In this way, a riparian corridor with a variety of forest habitats and an area with seasonal migration activity offer distinct nature experiences.
Discover archaeology and culture
At Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area, archaeological sites are found alongside remnants of early mining and ranching. The village of S'ed̲av Va'aki was settled around 500 AD and was inhabited for more than 1,000 years. The S'edav Va'aki Museum is located at a 1,500-year-old archaeological site and is a National Historic Landmark. Its 2/3-mile Interpretive Platform Mound Trail is ADA-accessible. Interpretive signs, reconstructed houses, a ball court and a garden are part of the site. As trail conditions may change, check them before your visit.
The Musical Instrument Museum offers another way to experience culture: it showcases instruments from around the world and live music at the MIM Music Theater. Together with the archaeological sites, it offers a broad range of experiences—from traces of early settlement and work to instruments from different regions of the world and live music.
Discover more destinations: Fountain Hills, Tempe, Litchfield Park, Chandler, Goodyear, Mesa, Phoenix, Tolleson, Cave Creek, Glendale, Peoria, Sun City, Paradise Valley, Maricopa, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Avondale, Gila Bend, Youngtown, Wickenburg, Surprise, New River, Buckeye, Carefree, Rio Verde, Fort Mcdowell, Sun Lakes.
For the main travel overview: Arizona.
