Where can you go, in the city, to get away from the city? Why South Mountain, of course. Bring your bike and or suitable hiking attire and you're set. Or make a family day of it. Buy some desert plant and animal books and see how many can be identified. Look for the accessible petroglyphs and try to interpret what the symbols may have represented. Then head over to the library and follow up on your hunches. Whatever you do, bring plenty of water and sunscreen and get back to nature.
Pros: Can hike or bike, easy access, can take dogs
Cons: lack of dustbins, can be crowded
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