I Took a Scenic Drive to Dobbins Lookout in Phoenix for Spectacular Scenery and Views

Did you know that South Mountain Park and Preserve in Phoenix, Arizona is one of the largest urban parks in the U.S.? Oddly enough, I have been living in Arizona for over 15 years and have barely explored this 16,000-acre city park. If I go hiking, I usually opt for the McDowell Mountains or the Phoenix Mountain Preserve as they are closer to where I live. When I discovered that there was a scenic drive through South Mountain Park, I decided to pack the kids and some snacks in the car one recent Saturday and take the drive to Dobbins Lookout.

It took almost an hour to drive from my home in North Phoenix to the entrance to the South Mountain Park entrance. As we were driving into the park, we passed Ponderosa Stables, a horseback stable that offers a variety of riding tours including one that takes you to a steakhouse on horseback. We decided we would stop on the way out of the park to say hello to the horses.

Before starting the scenic drive, we stopped at the South Mountain Visitor Center. Inside was a small museum with gems and minerals mined around Arizona and surrounding states as well as artifacts found in the park and an large interactive trail map that my daughter was fascinated by.

Once we left the Visitor Center, it was time for our drive along Summit Road to Dobbins Lookout. We started the nearly 6-mile trek on a two-lane road with a speed limit of 15 mph. At the start, there were many speed bumps to control how fast you can go. After all, this road is not just for cars but for bicycles, motorcycles, and hikers as well. When you take Summit Road, please exercise extreme caution.

The road wound up and around the mountains, gaining altitude as we drove. The views of the valley were spectacular the higher we climbed. Up ahead, we spotted the parking lot which we assumed was for Dobbins Lookout. We were right. It was a Saturday afternoon so the parking lot was packed but we found a spot.

The drive took approximately 20 minutes from our start at the South Mountain Visitor Center, and Dobbins Lookout sits at an elevation of 2,330n feet (or 710 meters for those of you who prefer the metric system). Of course, I had to have my son and daughter pose for a photo at the top!

What we were completely enamored with were the views from Dobbins Lookout. You can almost see the entire valley from this point of view!

Also at Dobbins Lookout is a large stone shelter that was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. This imposing structure not only provides shelter from the elements but is a great spot for photography.

Summit Road to Dobbins Lookout is open every day except the 4th Sunday of every month. This is referred to as Silent Sunday and the road is closed to all day to motorized vehicles. However, you are able to park at the Activity Center located by the Visitor Center and hike or bike up the road instead. On all other Sundays, Silent Sunday is only from 5 a.m. until 10 a.m. so plan your visit accordingly. The South Mountain Visitor Center is open from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.

I am so happy I finally took the scenic drive to Dobbins Lookout at South Mountain Park and Preserve in Phoenix. I am now inspired to explore more of the park this year. Have you taken this scenic drive yet?

If you prefer to hike, mountain bike, or horseback ride through South Mountain Park and Preserve, there are over 100 miles of trails. Download the AllTrails+ app to discover the best trail at the park for you!