Phoenix Off the Beaten Path Tips by dshinkle

In the winter, most "official" hiking mountains in Phoenix are packed, with long waits for parking and crowded trails (especially Camelback and Squaw Peak). But there is one official trail that is only used by locals and that has beautiful views... Lookout mountain, in North Phoenix.

The trail to the top is just under a mile, and it is a quick, strenuous trip up. At the top you will be rewarded by a beautiful 360 degree view of Moon Valley, Squaw Peak, downtown Phoenix, North Scottsdale, and North Phoenix.

There is water at the base of the hill, but no restroom facilities.

The mountain is on 16th St. just south of Greenway Road in North Phoenix.

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Website: http://www.azcentral.com/travel/hiking/trails/10lookout.html

Just off the very tip of the 101 freeway on the north Phoenix / north Scottsdale border lies a very unique shopping center... Desert Ridge Marketplace boast all the stores that teens love like Hot Topic, a great mix of restaurants like Rock Bottom, and fun things like Jillians and a giant AMC movie theatre.

But, the place really shines on Friday and Saturday night. They have two stages with bands playing, a rock climbing wall, a set of fountains that children can run through, a giant fireplace with chairs and tables next to it (an accoustic musican is usually playing here), and all the stores (and ice cream shops, starbucks, etc.) stay open late. There is great lighting, giant flaming torches, and lots of beautiful people to watch.

For adults there is Scotch Bar (see my review on here), Jillians, and lots of nice bars and restaurants.

Every out of town visitor I've taken there has marveled at the place and had a great time. Nearby is Cave Creek, north Scottsdale, and the beautiful new JW Marriot Resort.

Located at the 101 Freeway and Tatum road in Phoenix.

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Website: http://www.nextbigazthing.com/

The Mystery Castle is a Phoenix landmark, built by the semi-reclusive Boyce Luther Gulley, who, having contracted tuberculosis, abandoned his wife & daughter in Washington state, reappearing in Phoenix in the 1930s. He settled on the side of South Mountain, near the site of what was then the town dump. From there he salvaged building materials, to build the castle he had always promised his young daughter. He ended up living a lot longer than he thought he would, so, room by room, the castle got larger & larger. Upon his death, Gulley's wife and daughter finally found out what had become of him and came to Phoenix. They discovered what he'd been up to in the years since their parting, liked it, and moved in. Mary Lou Gulley still lives in the castle to this day, giving tours of "Daddy Gulley's" castle.

Closed from July through September.

800 E Mineral Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85040

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Phone: 602-268-1581
Website: http://phoenix.citysearch.com/profile/1656705?brand=msn