Best Free Things to Do in Phoenix

Our Local Expert Says:

The Four Peaks area offers fantastic views of the Northeast Valley and Saguaro Lake recreation areas. This is a great area for four-wheeling, too!

Description:

Four Peaks Wilderness was established in 1984, and contains approximately 60,740 acres with a major mountain rising up in it's center from the desert foothills. The Four Peaks themselves are visible for many miles, and are one of the most widely recognized landmarks in central Arizona. The rapid change in elevation produces interesting and unique plant and animal combinations. Elevations range from 1,900 feet near Apache Lake to 7,600 feet on Brown's Peak.

A large part of the wilderness was burned over by a human caused fire which was started on April 27, 1996. It Will take decades for the pine-covered mountains to recover

Hiking in this extreme area is a plus with the massive change in elevation that is unusual in most of Arizona over such a short area. The ruggedness is perfect for getting back in touch with nature or just spending some quiet time with the native animals populations.

Situated just north of Canyon and Apache lakes, the wilderness area is best accessed via Hwy. 87 and taking Forest Road 143 to the edge of the wilderness area.

Description:

Return to an earlier time when you visit this lovely historic park built in the 1890s. Seven original buildings set on 16 acres are home to rabbits, chickens and peacocks. Originally a citrus farm founded by William Henry Bartlett, the ranch is now a Glendale City Park. Tour the main house and view exhibits of years past. The park is open to visitors daily April through October 6a-noon and November through March 6a-10p. Daily historic tours of the area are available November 9 through April. Call for further information.

Description:

This no-fee inner-city park offers a grassy area for picnics, a playground area, restrooms, sand volleyball pits and a full lighting system. This facility is frequently used for a variety of activities and events such as the annual Arizona Book Festival and the Light the Night walk for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Plenty of free parking is available and while you're here, why not check out the Burton Barr Library? It's just north of the park and offers quiet spots for reading.