Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Interesting Phoenix Natural Landmarks to Visit

By Helena Richese


In contrast to what many are convinced, the city of Phoenix is located in one of the most geographically diverse areas in the US. Actually, there is a ton of desert and cactus all over the area. However , Phoenix and areas within an hour or two driving distance from the city, are full of a massive topography that includes lakes, desert, and mountain ranges. Though the the city and its swift environment can be extremely hot during most of the time, there are a good deal of Phoenix natural landmarks that offer recreational prospects. Such places as Piestewa Peak, located in Phoenix Mountains Park, and Gatlin Site (situated near Phoenix) are great Phoenix natural landmarks.

Piestewa Peak

In the vast Phoenix urban area with a population of 1 million folk is a mountain range referred to as the Phoenix Mountains. It's one of the highest points in Arizona where you can hike to the top and enjoy monumental panoramic views of the Phoenix area and beyond. You would never believe being in the middle of one of the biggest urbanized areas in the United States and yet you can visit here for a couple of hours feeling like you are miles away from any Phoenix. There exists a surplus of plant life to enjoy, like wildwood and mesquite trees. Wildlife is also bounteous on the top and the surrounding Phoenix Mountains Park which include gila monsters, coyotes and jackrabbits. Though hiking is the main activity here, the trek averages from very easy to slightly tricky. It's simple enough for a family to enjoy on an outing.

Gatlin Site

This is another one of the natural landmarks in Phoenix that is both resplendent with natural beauty and history. Much of it is geared towards those with an abiding interest in archeology though there exists a sense of wonder for anyone who has never seen it. There are old ruins like mounds and canals that once served a much earlier civilization here. Nature has reclaimed much of it. Walkers are able to bring shovels to dig through the ruins. Lots of the exploration is done on the interpretive trail where visitors can find many of the old ruins.

Camelback Mountain

Like Pietswa Peak, much of this mountain is within Phoenix. It got its name from the peak's semblance to the form of a camel which encompasses the head and the hump. As amongst the natural landmarks in Phoenix, there's plenty of foliage and wildlife to see. The most important activity is hiking. However , unlike Piestewa Peak, the hiking here is for the sturdier hiker or walker. The terrain is very steep and it can take almost 3 hours solely to hike a trail that is hardly more than a mile long. It's completely critical that anyone hiking anyone of the two trails here carry enough water water in the hike and not risk dehydration or major illness.




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