United States Arizona Phoenix

South Mountain Park and Preserve

A vast urban desert park boasting expansive trails, panoramic city views, and rich indigenous history; one of the largest of its kind in the US.
  • 10919 South Central Avenue

Tips from the community

South Mountain Park and Preserve, located just to the southwest of Mesa, Arizona, is an ideal destination for bird watchers. Covering over 16,000 acres, it's one of the largest municipally managed parks in the nation and offers a diverse range of habitats from desert scrub to chaparral. Bird enthusiasts can visit the park's numerous trails, such as the Holbert Trail or the Desert Classic Trail, to spot native bird species including cactus wrens, Gambel's quails, and Harris's hawks, among others, set against the backdrop of striking desert landscapes.

visitmesa 6 months ago

South Mountain Park and Preserve Guides

  • I'm a bird watcher show me where to go in or around Mesa, Arizona

    visitmesa (Visit Mesa )
    So, you've got your binoculars at the ready and looking to spot some feathered friends in the heart of the desert? Mesa, Arizona, is a paradise for birdwatchers like yourself, offering a diverse range of habitats from riparian preserves to the cacti-studded landscapes typical of the Southwest. Whether you're an experienced birder hoping to add to your life list or a newbie eager to distinguish a sparrow from a finch, the areas around Mesa will not disappoint. Get ready to be enchanted by the colors and songs of the local avian population, because I'm about to unveil the best spots that will make your bird-watching heart soar.