Two Spectacular Attractions in Phoenix

I recently made my first visit to Phoenix on a business trip, and with very limited time, managed to enjoy two spectacular attractions right within easy reach of my downtown hotel.

South Mountain Park Scenic Drive

South Mountain ParkI did some planning ahead and arranged for a Car Rental right at the airport so I could take the South Mountain Park Scenic Drive. I didn't get started until late afternoon, but thanks to the long, late-spring season, the timing was actually perfect.

One of the best things about the South Mountain Park Scenic Drive is the views. If you are the driver on this twisty, steep drive, you will quickly realize you cannot take your eyes off the road for even a second, although you'll want to. Not only are there are other gawking drivers to contend with, but there are cyclists and hikers, as well.

Fortunately, the road is very clearly labeled, and you will not have any trouble navigating your way if you go slow and use caution. I took full advantage of the pull-offs as they came along so I could appreciate the views along the way.

As you climb higher along the drive, you will be more and more impressed with the increasingly dramatic and spectacular views. The Summit Lookout of course is the highlight of the 5-mile drive. I found myself stunned by how vast the Sun Valley actually is, and how large Phoenix is when viewed from more than 2,000 feet above.

Summit Lookout at Sunset

Summit LookoutI arrived shortly before sunset began, and it was so exciting to be there, I felt as if I was attending a major concert or sporting event. As gorgeous as the photographs I took of the sunset are, they simply can't compare with the real experience. I stayed for approximately 2 hours, just watching the sun go down and the nighttime view develop. There are no lights at the Summit Lookout parking area to detract from the view, and Phoenix lit up at night was mesmerizing.

The only possible drawback I can imagine to taking the South Mountain Park Scenic Drive in the evening is the drive down in the dark. If you are a nervous driver or have trouble seeing at night, leave before dark to avoid stressing yourself out.

There are many ways to enjoy South Mountain Park, but if you are on a tight schedule or you feel it's too hot to hike during your visit, the Scenic Drive is ideal. I hope to visit the petroglyphs on my next trip.

I stayed at the Clarion Tech Center Hotel in Phoenix located right near South Mountain Park. I chose this hotel because the price fit my business travel budget and it had good travel reviews. I also wanted a hotel with a swimming pool, and this one was fine for the price.

I booked my room at the Clarion Tech Center Hotel through HotelsCombined.com, and for the rate I paid, I was very impressed. It was clean, comfortable, and featured high-speed Internet access, too. There is no restaurant on site, but there are plenty of places to dine and drink close by and many delivery options if that's what you prefer.

Desert Botanical Gardens

Botanical GardenOne other reason I chose this hotel is it was nearby the second attraction I planned to visit the next day, the Desert Botanical Gardens. After an early morning swim, I was at the Desert Botanical Gardens by 9:00 am. I only had a few hours to spend here before it was time to leave to catch my flight out, but I enjoyed every minute of my visit.

Prior to my trip to Phoenix, I had never been anywhere near a desert. Deserts in my mind consisted of cactus, vultures, and rattlesnakes, but the Desert Botanical Gardens completely shattered my narrow view. I was surprised to learn there are actually several different desert regions, and I was stunned by the huge variety of cactuses, succulents and other plants and wildlife that thrive in the desert.

As I strolled along the five trails at the Desert Botanical Gardens, I felt like I was constantly discovering fun surprises. The flowering cactuses were gorgeous, and the friendly volunteers were eager to point out interesting features of plants and even took a photograph of me beside my favorite cactus, the Saguaro. This is the type of place that gets you so excited about desert plants, you find yourself picking out a favorite cactus.

You can also see some wildlife at the Desert Botanical Gardens. I saw cactus wrens, woodpeckers, squirrels, and desert spiny lizards. There are plenty of benches throughout the trails where you can sit and relax (and sip water), and look for wildlife. There is also an excellent gift shop. I wished I had more time to spend here, but it was a fantastic introduction to Sonoran desert plants and animals and an entertaining, eye-opening experience.