Benjamin’s guidebook
Sightseeing
This AZ state park is just minutes away from our place, a couple miles down the 88. It sports some of the American West's most iconic views. A gentle slope meets abruptly with the dramatic rock faces of the Superstitions. Nestled at the top of this park is Flatiron, an intense but enjoyable hike that can take up to 5 hours depending on your pace. If you are not up for this, there are plenty of scenic walkable trails in the foothills that also offer rewarding views. Whether you are going for the summit or something more casual, pack water, water, water, some snacks, and your favorite camera (my preference is the Canon AE-1, the desert does well with film!)
It costs $7 currently for a day pass.
Keep in mind, the park charges $50 for you to do professional photos, if you are just taking pics for fun you'll be fine.
102 現地メンバーのおすすめ
ロストダッチマン州立公園
6109 N Apache TrailThis AZ state park is just minutes away from our place, a couple miles down the 88. It sports some of the American West's most iconic views. A gentle slope meets abruptly with the dramatic rock faces of the Superstitions. Nestled at the top of this park is Flatiron, an intense but enjoyable hike that can take up to 5 hours depending on your pace. If you are not up for this, there are plenty of scenic walkable trails in the foothills that also offer rewarding views. Whether you are going for the summit or something more casual, pack water, water, water, some snacks, and your favorite camera (my preference is the Canon AE-1, the desert does well with film!)
It costs $7 currently for a day pass.
Keep in mind, the park charges $50 for you to do professional photos, if you are just taking pics for fun you'll be fine.
Boyce Thompson arboretum is a hidden gem just 30 minutes away from us. It features a diverse array of plant life from all across the world. It captures the magic of a remote untouched oasis, while presenting a manicured grand display of botanical wonders. Walking around in the Arboretum gives one the impression they are walking from world to world. It is mostly walking, very little of it could actually pass as hiking so it is nice if you want something physically easy while still rewarding in regards to views. Bring water and a hat!
70 現地メンバーのおすすめ
ボイス・トンプソン植物園
37615 E Arboretum WayBoyce Thompson arboretum is a hidden gem just 30 minutes away from us. It features a diverse array of plant life from all across the world. It captures the magic of a remote untouched oasis, while presenting a manicured grand display of botanical wonders. Walking around in the Arboretum gives one the impression they are walking from world to world. It is mostly walking, very little of it could actually pass as hiking so it is nice if you want something physically easy while still rewarding in regards to views. Bring water and a hat!
Tonto Natural Bridge is just under 2 hours away. It is a great spring/summer activity as it will be a little further north and higher elevation so you can enjoy some cooler temperatures. It has hikes ranging from easy to hard according to AllTrails. Be advised that some areas can be slippery and require a little bit of hands-on scrambling. The trails are relatively short, ranging from 2-3 mile loops. Fun unique experience with stunning views, if you are lucky you will see some Javelina grazing in the orchard along the rim!
164 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Tonto Natural Bridge
Nf-583ATonto Natural Bridge is just under 2 hours away. It is a great spring/summer activity as it will be a little further north and higher elevation so you can enjoy some cooler temperatures. It has hikes ranging from easy to hard according to AllTrails. Be advised that some areas can be slippery and require a little bit of hands-on scrambling. The trails are relatively short, ranging from 2-3 mile loops. Fun unique experience with stunning views, if you are lucky you will see some Javelina grazing in the orchard along the rim!
A little under 30 minutes away, cool off with a relaxing float down the river! You can also just hang out on the banks if you want to enjoy the views without having to organize a shuttle back up the river. Wild horses are a common sight! If going down the river, I would recommend early morning or an hour before sunset to avoid the hotter hours of the day. Be advised that it gets really busy on holiday weekends, so if you are looking for a more serene, peaceful nature experience, try to avoid those days. Water shoes/sandals recommended. There are plenty of tube/kayak/paddleboard rental companies in the area as well as shuttle companies. Usually about a half day's experience depending on how far you want to go down.
28 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Salt River
A little under 30 minutes away, cool off with a relaxing float down the river! You can also just hang out on the banks if you want to enjoy the views without having to organize a shuttle back up the river. Wild horses are a common sight! If going down the river, I would recommend early morning or an hour before sunset to avoid the hotter hours of the day. Be advised that it gets really busy on holiday weekends, so if you are looking for a more serene, peaceful nature experience, try to avoid those days. Water shoes/sandals recommended. There are plenty of tube/kayak/paddleboard rental companies in the area as well as shuttle companies. Usually about a half day's experience depending on how far you want to go down.
Food scene
It's hilarious I'm even putting this since it is so wildly popular, but if you are from somewhere where you don't have a Dutch Bros, I would highly recommend stopping by and getting the beverage of your choice, whether it be coffee, a specialty flavored energy drink, or, my personal favorite, a nice tall cup of chocolate milk. At the very least, experience it for the cultural phenomenon it is. If you are looking for a coffee/drink and you like a little extra flavor then this is the place for you.
Dutch Bros Coffee
944 W Apache TrailIt's hilarious I'm even putting this since it is so wildly popular, but if you are from somewhere where you don't have a Dutch Bros, I would highly recommend stopping by and getting the beverage of your choice, whether it be coffee, a specialty flavored energy drink, or, my personal favorite, a nice tall cup of chocolate milk. At the very least, experience it for the cultural phenomenon it is. If you are looking for a coffee/drink and you like a little extra flavor then this is the place for you.
Boca Taqueria is just about a 15 minute drive into Mesa and is definitely a local favorite for many who are native to the Gilbert/Mesa area. Great Mexican food, they always deliver. If we have family coming in from out of town they always want to make sure to hit up Boca at least once.
10 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Boca Taqueria
1249 N Greenfield RdBoca Taqueria is just about a 15 minute drive into Mesa and is definitely a local favorite for many who are native to the Gilbert/Mesa area. Great Mexican food, they always deliver. If we have family coming in from out of town they always want to make sure to hit up Boca at least once.