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Phoenix Winter Hiking at North Mountain Preserve for Snowbirds!

By
Real Estate Agent with HomeSmart Real Estate AZ Broker BR030809000

Phoenix Winter Hiking at North Mountain Preserve for Snowbirds!

 

Calling all winter visitors! Are you're looking for a fabulous mountain area to get outside and enjoy our gorgeous 'winter' weather in Phoenix?  The North Mountain Preserve which consists of miles and miles of hiking, walking and biking trails that go from easy to  somewhat difficult. The preserve is easy to find no matter what part of the valley you're coming from. Start your hike at the North Mountain Visitor Center and learn all about the local area. There are local artists showcased at the center as well as an in-depth history of the area and lots of interesting information about desert vegetation and animals. And if you're looking to pick up a few gifts to take back home be sure to visit the gift shop!
Hiking Shaw Butte Mountain in Phoenix


North Mountain Preserve Visitor Center

12950 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85029
602-343-5125
Maps and Trails Information

 

The North Mountain Preserve is where we like to take many of our winter visitors. And trust me, when you live in Phoenix, you have lots of winter visitors!  The mountain is very close to our home so we sometimes hike from the house which is fun. And if we're planning on going out to breakfast or lunch afterwards we drive up to the Visitors Center as there is plenty of parking.

This year we haven't had much rain so the wild flowers aren't as vibrant as they normally are most years. I personally look forward to seeing the hills covered with purple, yellow and red flowers. So I say - let's do a rain dance and bring on the wild flowers for our winter visitors! Aren't those purple flowers gorgeous!! This shot was taken two years ago and I keep hoping to see them every year but so far not luck so far this year.  So on your mark...Dance! Dance! Dance!

Colorful flowers at the North Mountain Preserve

This morning while out on our morning hike the trails were full of 'regulars' and winter visitors. Everybody was in a great mood saying Good Morning & have a great day! Note to winter visitors: If you're going to hike to the top of Shaw Butte Mountain (or any mountain) with or without kids be sure to have the proper shoes and bring plenty of water along. And if you've got little kids don't count on getting to the top! There are several 'smart' landing places to stop and be high enough up so the kids feel like they're really hiking in the desert and can see all around them. No matter where you end up at the North Mountain Preserve be sure to bring your camera. I can guarantee you there will be plenty of photo opportunities!

Happy Hiking at the North Mountain Preserve in Phoenix!

 

Phoenix Winter Hiking at North Mountain Preserve for Snowbirds!

 

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Comments(14)

Lisa Friedman
Great American Dream Realty - Essex, VT
35 Years of Real Estate Experience!

Ha Ha Ha - Anna, you'll have to go to my blog to compare them to the winter hiking pictures I took this morning - you will get a real laugh at the comparison! I did not run into anyone else on my hike :)

Your wildflower picture is beautiful - Enjoy!

Jan 26, 2014 07:22 AM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good evening Anna. Sounds great and the pictures are terrific too. I look forward to hiking with you. Have a nice evening.

Jan 26, 2014 07:23 AM
Margaret Goss
@Properties - Winnetka, IL
Chicago's North Shore & Winnetka Real Estate

Oh - you're killing me with those photos!  I was in Las Vegas last weekend and the first thing I did was go for a hike.  The desert in the winter is spectacular.

Jan 26, 2014 07:24 AM
Dick Greenberg
New Paradigm Partners LLC - Fort Collins, CO
Northern Colorado Residential Real Estate

Hi Anna - A storm is moving in, the outside temp is dropping fast, and the winds up to about 40 mph - The dogs and I could use a North Mountain Preserve hike about now.

Jan 26, 2014 07:40 AM
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Anna, you are expert when it comes to finding all of the great places to hike near Phoenix, and always finding great pics too.

Jan 26, 2014 08:49 AM
Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor®
Carmel by the Sea, CA
Rothwell Realty Inc. CA#01968433 Carmel-by-the-Sea

Anna: There is nothing like hiking in the desert in the spring when all the flowers come out. Usually it lasts for a short time, so go to the North Mountain Preserve right away near Phoenix. 

Jan 26, 2014 01:01 PM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Anna, no mountains to hike on in Southwest Florida. We do have a beautiful slough nearby for walking and observation! Enjoy your day. Looking towrds 80 later today with a sunny sky.

Jan 26, 2014 08:57 PM
Michael Delaware
North Sky Realty LLC - Battle Creek, MI
REALTOR®, CRS, GRI

I grew up in Phoenix.  It is nice to see they have these preserves now.  Winter hiking in the desert is so nice, especially around sunset and sunrise.

Jan 26, 2014 10:27 PM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

How can you have winter hiking with flowers and not any snow? It does look like heaven especially as the cold is coming back over night. I was thinking about taking up residency by your pool. 

Jan 26, 2014 11:55 PM
Rebecca Gaujot, Realtor®
Lewisburg, WV
Lewisburg WV, the go to agent for all real estate

Anna, beautiful photos and makes me wish I was there and hiking the North Mountain Reserve in Phoenix. The wildflowers are beautiful...oh how I am longing for Spring.

Jan 27, 2014 12:34 AM
Janice Ankrett
Burlington, ON
Staging Professional

After digging myself out 3 days in a row, I would gladly give up this snow for one of your walks LOL.

Jan 27, 2014 01:29 AM
Broker Patty Da Silva Da Silva
Green Realty Properties® - 954-667-7253 - Cooper City, FL
Top Listing Broker

Beautiful scenery! I could feel the breeze just by looking at the photo. Thanks for sharing Anna.

Jan 27, 2014 02:12 AM
Mike Sibbald
Elevations Real Estate, LLC - Fort Collins, CO
Broker/Owner Elevations Real Estate, LLC

What a great post to read today Anna!  The warmth and the color look great for January.  Today in Northern CO we have a high of 16 degrees, 5" of new snow and still falling.  Soon I will make it to Phoenix!!  Have a great day, Mike.

Jan 27, 2014 04:40 AM
Kristin Hamilton CA REALTOR
Berkshire Hathaway California Realty - Beaumont, CA
(909) 557-6966- Specialize 55+ Communties Banning

Hi Anna,

The colors are so striking. Love to be there and hike the trail. Thanks.

Jan 27, 2014 02:09 PM