Contrary to what many believe, the city of Phoenix is located in one of the most geographically rich areas in the United States. Certainly, there is a ton of beautiful desert landscape throughout the area. Nonetheless Phoenix and areas around a couple of hours driving distance from the city of Phoenix are crammed with a massive topography that includes lakes, mountain range and desert. Though the the city of Phoenix and its instant location can be extremely hot during much of the time, there are plenty of Phoenix natural landmarks that offer recreational opportunities. Such places as Piestewa Peak, situated in Phoenix Mountains Park, and Gatlin Site (situated near Phoenix) are great Phoenix natural landmarks.
Piestewa Peak
In the vast Phoenix city area with a population of 1 million people is a mountain range referred to as the Phoenix Mountains. It is one of the highest points in Arizona where you can hike to the summit and enjoy breathtaking views of the Phoenix area and beyond. You'd never believe being in the middle of one of the most expansive urbanized areas in the United States and yet you are able visit here for several hours feeling as if you've gone miles and miles away from any the city of Phoenix. There exists a surplus of plant life to enjoy, which includes wildwood, mesquite and other trees. Fauna as well as flora is also bounteous on the mountain and the encircling Phoenix Mountains Park which include coyotes, jackrabbits, and gila monsters. Though hiking is the most important activity here, the trek averages from comparatively simple to a touch difficult. It's easy enough for a family to enjoy on a trip.
Gatlin Site
This is another one of the natural landmarks in Phoenix that is at once both resplendent with natural beauty and historic interest. Much of it is very much geared towards those with a healthy interest in archeology though there's a sense of wonder for anyone that has never seen it. There are old ruins such as mounds and canals that once served a much earlier civilization here. Nature has reclaimed much of it. Hikers are able to bring spades to dig through the ruins. Lots of the exploration is done on the interpretive trail where visitors can find lots of the old ruins.
Camelback Mountain
Like Pietswa Peak, much of this mountain is located in Phoenix. It got its name from the peak's resemblance to the form of a camel which includes the head and the hump. As amongst the natural landmarks in Phoenix, there is a lot of foliage and wildlife to see. The most important activity is hiking. However , unlike Piestewa Peak, the hiking here is for the sturdier hiker. The terrain is very steep and it can take nearly 3 hours simply to hike a trail that's hardly more than a mile long. It's extremely significant that anyone hiking anyone of the two trails here carry enough water water in the hike and not risk dehydration or serious illness.
Piestewa Peak
In the vast Phoenix city area with a population of 1 million people is a mountain range referred to as the Phoenix Mountains. It is one of the highest points in Arizona where you can hike to the summit and enjoy breathtaking views of the Phoenix area and beyond. You'd never believe being in the middle of one of the most expansive urbanized areas in the United States and yet you are able visit here for several hours feeling as if you've gone miles and miles away from any the city of Phoenix. There exists a surplus of plant life to enjoy, which includes wildwood, mesquite and other trees. Fauna as well as flora is also bounteous on the mountain and the encircling Phoenix Mountains Park which include coyotes, jackrabbits, and gila monsters. Though hiking is the most important activity here, the trek averages from comparatively simple to a touch difficult. It's easy enough for a family to enjoy on a trip.
Gatlin Site
This is another one of the natural landmarks in Phoenix that is at once both resplendent with natural beauty and historic interest. Much of it is very much geared towards those with a healthy interest in archeology though there's a sense of wonder for anyone that has never seen it. There are old ruins such as mounds and canals that once served a much earlier civilization here. Nature has reclaimed much of it. Hikers are able to bring spades to dig through the ruins. Lots of the exploration is done on the interpretive trail where visitors can find lots of the old ruins.
Camelback Mountain
Like Pietswa Peak, much of this mountain is located in Phoenix. It got its name from the peak's resemblance to the form of a camel which includes the head and the hump. As amongst the natural landmarks in Phoenix, there is a lot of foliage and wildlife to see. The most important activity is hiking. However , unlike Piestewa Peak, the hiking here is for the sturdier hiker. The terrain is very steep and it can take nearly 3 hours simply to hike a trail that's hardly more than a mile long. It's extremely significant that anyone hiking anyone of the two trails here carry enough water water in the hike and not risk dehydration or serious illness.
About the Author:
Helena Richese has had an interest in Phoenix natural landmarks for a few years. She has written op-eds and editorial pieces for many online publications, many of which can often be read here.
