Imagine yourself on a desert atop a 1000 feet mound like place and cast your eyes all around and you will see some remarkable scenes that include the skyline of Phoenix and the desert. You don't have to imagine, all you have to do is come to the South Mountain Park in Phoenix, just the way I did.
The place is huge and I understand this place is the largest park in the US and perhaps in the world. There is something for everyone here. I like hiking and hiked to my heart's content for a whole day covering all the important points. During my hike, I learnt and saw for myself quite a few things such as the fact there is really a carrot tailed chuckwalla.
I also saw an elephant tree that is characterized by its multiple trunk structure. There were a variety of cacti that look so wonderful. But two best memories of this park for me were the sunset in all its orange glory and the graceful takeoff and glides of the Para gliders.