82 B EST P L AC E TO M O U N TA I N B I K E Dirt Road Trail, South Mountain Park Preserve 4500 E. Pima Canyon Road phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/south- mountain/trail-descriptions-and-map New mountain bikers of any age from toddlers to retirees can (and do) ride along this forgiving trail without fear. It gradually slopes 150 feet up a 1.2-mile path before it branches off to the National Trail and gets “technical” — meaning steep, rocky and spine-jangling. But it’s not boring. You’ll stay entertained with hills and valleys along the climb, and once you turn around at the bench, it’s a free-wheeling “wheeee” the whole way back. The scenery is another draw. Once you’re a few feet into the canyon, the city drops away and you’re enveloped within a serene desert oasis surrounded by all sorts of Sonoran flora and fauna. Yes, this is a busy trail used by hikers, dog walkers and equestrians, but it’s also wide, so as long as you stay alert and yield to them, you’re fine (although a handlebar bell is recommended to announce yourself). And if you’re inter- ested in trying a mountain e-bike, which makes the sport accessible for most fitness levels, Bike Masters of Ahwatukee offers free loaners on Friday mornings from fall through spring. B E ST WA L K I N G PAT H Murphy Bridle Path Central Avenue between Bethany Home Road and the Arizona Canal It’s our opinion that the stretch of Central Avenue between Northern Avenue and Bethany Home Road is one of the loveliest parts of Phoenix. Trees shade the quiet street, which is lined with luxurious and often historic homes. It’s a pleasant trip up the street in a car, but even more so when we’re walking on the Murphy Bridle Path. Mornings and evenings, and all through the weekend, the packed-dirt path on the east side of the street is populated with runners, couples with dogs, families and solo walkers. The path is named for William Murphy, who platted the neighborhood in 1895, and along the street, you can see signs commemorating its 100th anniversary in 1995. And yes, it was originally intended for people riding horses. But today, it remains an important piece of Phoenix history, as well as a nice place for a stroll. 22222 B E ST STA I RS Victory Steps at Verrado Verrado Way, Buckeye Hiking and bouldering are popular pastimes in the Valley, but the Victory Steps at Verrado provide a different kind of climbing chal- lenge. Technically known as Trail 340, the stairs are really 340 railroad ties that take you above the master-planned community of Verrado in the far southwest part of metro Phoenix. Though the steps aren’t too steep, you’ll soon start to feel the burn in your chest and legs as you ascend. Keep going, and your reward is a lovely view of the White Tank Mountains and the surrounding areas. Then, it’s time to steady your legs for the descent. There’s no official address for the trail; simply get off Interstate 10 at Verrado Way, head north and look for the small parking lot near the base of the stairs. And don’t forget to bring plenty of water. 22222 B E ST U R BA N PA R K Margaret T. Hance Park 67 W. Culver St. 602-534-2406 phoenix.gov/parks/parks/alphabetical/ h-parks/hance Smack dab in the center of Phoenix, Margaret T. Hance Park is undoubtedly the top spot to spend a day off. With plenty of well-manicured grass, a playground for the kids, green enclosures for small and large dogs, ramada space and a garden space, there’s something for everyone at the park named after Phoenix’s mayor from 1976 to 1984. At the edge of the park is the beautiful Japanese Friendship Garden, created in tandem with Phoenix Sister City Himeji, Japan. Hance Park is also a short walk from restaurants and bars on Roosevelt Row, making it an oasis on the edge of downtown. It’s one of the few places in central Phoenix where foot traffic is given the upper hand
