Hikes

Camelback Mountain

This popular recreation destination — one of Phoenix's most iconic and popular spots — is named for its likeness to a kneeling camel. And for some of the best views in the city, you’ll need to clamber onto its 2,700-ft “hump.” Camelback’s two challenging trails end in an uninhibited 360° panorama of Greater Phoenix and beyond. If you’re planning a visit, know your limits as a hiker, bring plenty of water, and spare some time to sit back and enjoy the view from the top. Check out some safety tips here as you prepare for one of Phoenix's best hikes. 

Cholla Trailhead: 6131 E. Cholla Lane, Phoenix
Echo Canyon Trailhead: 5700 N. Echo Canyon Parkway, Phoenix

Hole-in-the-Rock in Papago Park

Wind and rain have eroded two holes in this unique red sandstone hill in Papago Park. The hole in the “ceiling” afforded the early Hohokam civilization a way to track the sunlight, and the larger chamber serves as a great viewing portal for the modern hiker. Climb inside to watch the sun set on the downtown skyline and beautiful desert landscape.

625 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix

Dobbins Lookout on South Mountain

At the highest accessible point of the South Mountain Preserve, you’ll find panoramic city views and a stone ramada perched on the edge of a 2,330-foot vantage point. Hike to Dobbins Lookout on the 2.5-mile Holbert Trail, or take the easy route by car.

10919 S. Central Ave., Phoenix

Piestewa Peak

Conquer the second highest peak in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve and you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of the entire Greater Phoenix region. The semi-intense 1.2 mile trail will leave you breathless (from the view) at the finish line.

2701 E. Squaw Peak Dr., Phoenix

Pinnacle Peak

Get your blood flowing on a smooth desert trail that allows you to get up close and personal with some of the desert plants and views of North Scottsdale and the surrounding area.

26802 N. 102nd Way, Scottsdale

Restaurants & Bars

Different Pointe of View

At this north Phoenix favorite, the cuisine is matched only by the views. Take in the surrounding mountain preserve, downtown skyline and South Mountain from both the patio and dining room of Different’s mountaintop locale.

11111 N. 7th St., Phoenix

Wrigley Mansion

Take a tour, go for brunch, or feast upon a steak dinner at the Wrigley Mansion, built by chewing gum magnate William Wrigley, Jr. Located in the Heights of Biltmore neighborhood, the estate looks out upon groups of other Biltmore homes as well as the Downtown and Central Phoenix skylines.

2501 E. Telawa Trail, Phoenix

Rustler’s Rooste

Once fabled to be a hideout for cattle rustlers, this mountaintop perch now serves up country Western grub and a spectacular scenic overlook. Enjoy dinner on the patio or indoors—the steakhouse’s interior north-facing wall is all glass windows, so no one misses out on dinner with a view.

8383 S. 48th St., Phoenix

The Compass

Get a 360-degree view of the city without leaving the dinner table at The Compass. There’s not a bad seat in the house at this rotating restaurant atop downtown’s Hyatt Regency Phoenix hotel.

Hyatt Regency Phoenix, 122 N. 2nd St., Phoenix

Kimpton's Hotel Palomar Phoenix/Eden Rooftop Bar

Enjoy the city views from Eden, a shady oasis on Hotel Palomar’s 3rd floor deck, while you sip on a cocktail or take a dip in the rooftop pool.

2 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix
 

From the Rooftop at Cambria Hotel Downtown Phoenix

Take in downtown Phoenix's skyline, and some craft cocktails, at this Roosevelt Row spot. Check out some of the local art and murals while you're there too. 

222 E. Portland St., Phoenix