91 FUN & GAMES SEPTEMBER 25, 2025 | WWW.BESTOFPHOENIX2025.C0M | BEST OF PHOENIX 2025 there’s a fenced area dedicated to its needs. For pups that want to learn or practice tricks, there’s an agility area. Water stations are present, too, to keep dogs happy and hydrated, and ramadas abound to escape from the sun. e e e B E S T P A R K MARGARET T. HANCE PARK 67 W. CULVER ST. 602-534-2406 PHOENIX.GOV/PARKS Need to touch grass before diving back into a busy week? Grab a picnic blanket, that book you’ve been meaning to read and some snacks and head over to Margaret T. Hance Park in downtown Phoenix. On the west side of the park, near the Japanese Friendship Garden, lay down your blanket and enjoy a beautiful Sunday afternoon. You’ll be far from alone as the park transforms into a lively third space on the weekends. Parents kick around soccer balls with their children, artists paint with their medium of choice, dogs chase after tennis balls, groups of friends play card games and consume alcohol, and goose-hat-wearing DJ GAGL plays funky tunes. Stick around into the evening, as the sunset over Interstate 10 is a must-see. e e e B E S T H I K E PIESTEWA PEAK 2701 E. PIESTEWA PEAK DR. 602-262-6287 PHOENIX.GOV/PARKS Smack dab in the middle of the Phoenix metro, Piestewa Peak is the most geographi- cally central hike around. But that’s not all it has going for it. Climbing the mountain’s mile-long Summit Trail is a quick but chal- lenging exercise in ascension, especially near the peak, where things get particularly steep. Those who make it to the top are rewarded with a spectacular 360-degree view of the Valley. For the less vertically inclined hikers, there is another option. The Freedom Trail is a 3.7-mile loop around the mountain’s base that, while lengthier, is a breezier stroll. It’s also a better chance to check out plants and animals native to the area. The peak remains Phoenix’s best overall hike for its challenging but moderate difficulty, enjoyability and memorable summit. e e e B E S T I N T E N S E H I K E CAMELBACK MOUNTAIN 5700 N. ECHO CANYON DRIVE 602-262-6287 PHOENIX.GOV/PARKS Though popular, hiking Camelback Moun- tain is not for the faint of heart — especially when the Valley reaches its warmer temper- atures (just ask Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who did it in jeans in July). There are two ways to get to the top of the mountain; both are chal- lenging and offer little in the way of shade. That’s not to mention how hard it is to find parking near the trailheads. On the Cholla Trail, you’ll hike 3.8 miles out-and-back. About the last third is particularly strenuous as hikers need to climb straight up sharp and irregularly placed rocks. The Echo Canyon Trail is shorter, at 2.4 miles out-and-back, but requires more scrambling up the steep, rocky terrain, sometimes on hands and knees. At points, you’ll need to rely on hand- rails to remain steady while ascending. Without a doubt, the view from the top of the mountain is awesome, even if you’re already feeling worn out. Bring lots of water. e e e B E S T H I K E F O R A Q U I C K WO R K O U T PINNACLE PEAK TRAIL 26802 N. 102ND WAY, SCOTTSDALE 480-312-0990 SCOTTSDALEAZ.GOV/PARKS When you’re high on energy but short on time, Pinnacle Peak in north Scottsdale is a great spot for a quick hike. The trail is an out- and-back hike that measures 1.75 miles each way. Most of the trail falls in the easy-to- moderate category, especially if you’re a regular hiker. Stop at Owl’s Rest to take a breather and/or take in the scenic views, if you have a moment, then continue on. The most challenging part of the hike is the first
