Superstition Mountains
by RACCOON1
Just east of Phoenix are the Superstition Mountains. It is and interesting region to drive through and the home of the "Lost Dutchman Gold Mine". Apparenly a gold mine was developed in these mountains around 1840 . Its location was lost then rediscovered by a Dutchman ( really from Germany ), and then lost again . No one has found any mine since . I am not sure if there is any validity to this story but there are web sites dedicated to the legend of the "Lost Dutchman Gold Mine".
Climb Lookout Mountain
by dshinkle
In the winter, most "official" hiking mountains in Phoenix are packed, with long waits for parking and crowded trails (especially Camelback and Squaw Peak). But there is one official trail that is only used by locals and that has beautiful views... Lookout mountain, in North Phoenix.
The trail to the top is just under a mile, and it is a quick, strenuous trip up. At the top you will be rewarded by a beautiful 360 degree view of Moon Valley, Squaw Peak, downtown Phoenix, North Scottsdale, and North Phoenix.
There is water at the base of the hill, but no restroom facilities.
The mountain is on 16th St. just south of Greenway Road in North Phoenix.
Phoenix to Home (Los Angeles)
by LaceyAdkisson
The Airport I would say was nice. Other than the $15 dollar charge for baggage check I didn't mind it at all. Before you even go through security there were all sorts of restaurants and shops. From Mc Donalds to Chili's, and little Mexican food places. I ate at one of the small venues and had a GIANT platter of exploding nachos! By the way not a great idea when getting on the plane next to a stranger. lol
I flew US Airways, there was a slight delay but nothing serious. I was not impressed by the inside of the plane AT ALL. NO screens for movies, and bad service from flight attendance. They acted like it was a burden if you said yes for wanting a drink.
And the WORST part was the pilot, on the runway going fast for take off the plane started shaking! I grabbed the strange man next to me and he said, "don't grab me! I'm more scared than you are!" That didn't reassure me in anyway. The worst part about it was the pilot never announced why we started shaking and the attendance didn't check on us. I didn't like that at all.
On our descent there was VERY heavy turbulence. And again no word as to why or ask if we needed anything. Maybe I'm just a plane snob but I thought it was terrible and dont want to fly U.S. Airways for those reasons.
Fox's Sports Bar
by goingsolo about Fox's Sports Bar
Fox's is actually in Scottsdale, but the two cities are practically intertwined so I'm putting the tip here. This is the place to go if you want to watch a football game. The large bar has televisions aplenty and its satellite dish allows you to watch games you would not ordinarily see in the southwest, such as my beloved Hurricanes.
The 'Canes did not fare so well on the day of my visit, but you can't fault this place for that. I didn't eat here, but the typical bar food looked and smelled pretty good.
Fantastic Desert Gardens!
by kimod74
I absolutely loved the botanical gardens. I really enjoyed the wide variety of cacti, aloe plants, and every other imaginable desert plant that grow in this region. The park is quite large with many trails. The plants are signed so you can identify them. I would highly recommend a trip to the botanical gardens if you are visiting the Phoenix area. Way cool.
Phoenix rising form the ashes of smog
Saguaro populate the environment by Camelback Mtn
Amanda and the Star Wars characters
Going up the HOLE at Papago Park, Phoenix 2009
