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When it comes to the outdoors, Phoenix and surrounding areas offer some of the most beautiful, interesting hikes in the world. Be sure to load up on water, wear a hat, and slap on that sunblock before heading out into the intriguing landscape of Arizona's best hiking grounds.

Hiking in Phoenix

Enjoy stunning sunrises and sunsets across the peaks of the McDowell Mountains

When you reach the summit at Sunrise Peak, you'll have vantage points for several peaks and ranges including 4 Peaks Wilderness, Camelback, McDowell range, Fountain Hills, South Mountain, and Superstition Wilderness.

The views alone should be worth the hike, but in case they're not, you'll find the varying grade of the trails to be exhilarating and challenging all along the way. The trailhead pushes into the lower canyon, with switchbacks and a steady hike upward for a great cardio workout.

At 1.2 miles along the trail, you'll reach a well-marked vantage point. It's recommended you take a breather here because the climb intensifies as you head into the upper canyon. The view improves as you do this, entering into the mountainous interior.

The entire trail is 4+ miles long with an 1150-foot elevation gain. While this isn't the toughest trail in the world by a long shot, it's still going to be best for folks who've got some experience in hill country.

As always, pack plenty of water, a few snacks, and be prepared for emergencies with a flashlight, sunscreen, hat, and pocketknife.

Sunrise Peak

A quick, centrally located hike in the heart of Phoenix Valley

With an elevation of 2,704 feet, Camelback Mountain is a great hike for locals and tourists alike when in Phoenix Valley, Arizona. The stunning views of the mountain capture the hiker's attention to start, but the stunning views along the trail keep the outdoorsy interested all along the way.

Camelback has been a Phoenix city park since 1968, with hiking as its primary attraction. It's one of the top 10 things to do in Phoenix, according to Trip Advisor and others.

Along the trail, you'll see loads of flora like Saguaro Cactus, Ocotillo, Cholla, Palo Verde, Creosote Bush, and Barrel Cactus. You'll catch glimpses of birds and other wildlife, as well, if you're out there in their favorite roaming hours.

Echo Canyon and Cholla Trails are considered difficult hikes. Echo Canyon is the steeper (1.2 miles out and back), while Cholla is the longest at 1.5 miles out and back.

Be sure to prepare yourself for the hike. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and use sunscreen and a hat. And if you feel tired, please turn back. There have been frequent rescues since it's easy to overdo it here in the unfettered Arizona sun.

Camelback Mountain

Take a 7-mile hike through the brush-filled, rocky terrain of Scottsdale's stunning Granite Mountain

The Hotshots Trail, a 7-mile trek one way through the Weaver Mountains, includes a 1,200 ft. elevation gain with a 5–8 % grade. You'll find yourself on the trail for about 4+ hours for the full round-trip distance, so remember to pack food, water, and emergency gear appropriately. Be sure to take off before noon if you're planning to make the whole trip.

Along your climb, you’ll encounter 200+ stairs carved from surrounding rock, plus 19 memorial plaques, several benches, and many interpretive signs to educate you on your hike to the Observation Deck.

Starting from the parking lot and trailhead, you'll hike 2.85 miles up to the observation deck. Every 600 feet, you'll come across the 19 granite plaques commemorating the Granite Mountain Hotshots, fallen firefighters memorialized by the trail. The plaques share the stories and photos of these brave souls who gave their lives in the wildland firefighting.

From the observation deck, you'll have a clear view of the Fatality Site 400 feet below, along with the town of Yarnell. You'll find more interpretive signs detailing the events of the Yarnell Hill Fire, along with a Tribute Wall where you can leave stickers, patches, and other mementos to honor those sacrifices made by the Granite Mountain Hotshots.

From the observation deck, you'll take another 0.75-mile hike on the Journey Trail, which follows the last steps of the Hotshots to the Fatality Site. Surrounding this site, 19 gabion baskets represent the 19 fallen firefighters united by chains, representing their eternal team.

Please remain outside the gabion enclosure out of respect for the Hotshots and their families, but do take a moment to pay your respects before heading onward.

Granite Mountain

An award-winning trailhead with loads of parking and equestrian access

Lost Dog Wash is one of the main access points for the McDowell Mountain Preserve. You can access this easy trail from the north end of 124th street near Anasazi Elementary School.

You'll gain about 421 feet elevation on your 4+ mile hike, and if you head into the connecting trails, you'll have grand views of the rest of the mountain range. For those with extra time, connect with the Ringtail Trail and head to the Taliesin Overlook. Frank Lloyd Wright designed the observation deck, so the mountain views aren't the only ones worth seeing out there.

The award-winning trailhead offers easy, short trails that wander around and across the desert wash. This makes it perfect for beginner hikers, quick trail runs or hikes, or families with younger kids looking to expose them to the great outdoors.

The trail connects to Ringtail Trail Loop for a 4.4-mile hike if you're looking for something longer and heavily trafficked. The trail is rated moderate overall (Lost Dog Wash and Ringtail), and offers a range of activities with year-round accessibility. And you can bring Bowser along with you, as long he's kept on a leash.

Lost Dog Wash

A granite summit rising 600 feet above the desert floor

Pinnacle Peak Park offers 150 acres of hiking near Phoenix. Because of the spectacular, expansive views, it's one of the most popular spots in the area for locals and tourists alike. Free parking is an added bonus for anyone looking to enjoy inexpensive activities while in the area.

The trail is 1.75 miles long (3.5 miles round trip) and ranked as a moderate hike with an elevation gain of approximately 1,300 feet. The beautifully groomed, smooth trail slopes up and down over the course of the trail, which makes it moderately easy for those used to elevation hikes. At a comfortable pace, most folks finish the trail in about 2-3 hours total.

For experienced climbers, you'll find designated rock climbing areas, as well.

The park is home to many interesting creatures including Gila monsters, bobcats, desert tortoises, and diamondback rattlesnakes. Because of the potentially dangerous wildlife, it's important to make sure others know where you are, but it's unlikely you'll even run into any. If by chance you do, it will probably just be sunning itself on a rock, and you'll need to wait a few minutes for it to slip away.

Since the park is also a wildlife sanctuary, you'll likely run into other intriguing critters, including cactus wren, gamble quail, jackrabbits, antelope, ground squirrels, lizards, and, if you're lucky, a roadrunner. You may spot traces of mountain lions, coyotes, or javelinas, or notice mule deer nibbling on some greenery nearby.

Pinnacle Peak Park

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Plan your spring break family fun in Chicago! Check it out on the Choose Chicago channel on Vamonde.

Plan a family getaway the kids won't soon forget!

Spring Break Family Fun

Explore some of the locations of the Chicago blues scene of the 1960s with this VAMONDE adventure, based on the Chicago History Museum exhibition, "AMPLIFIED: Chicago Blues."

Chicago History Museum

Explore some of the locations of the Chicago blues scene of the 1960s with this VAMONDE adventure, based on the Chicago History Museum exhibition, "AMPLIFIED: Chicago Blues." Southern black migrants brought the blues to Chicago, where the music helped them forge connections and transform an unfamiliar, often inhospitable city into a new home. The music was also transformed—electrified and amplified to compete with urban noise. The photography of Raeburn Flerlage captures the streets, clubs, homes, and studios where a community of musicians defined the Chicago blues sound.

AMPLIFIED: Chicago Blues

From a 20th century resurgence that rivaled the Harlem Renaissance, to spectacular displays of Victorian Era architecture, this South Side neighborhood is responsible for tremendous cultural and social advances that are not to be missed.

The heart and soul of Chicago lies in its 77 vibrant neighborhoods, and going beyond the loop (Chicago’s downtown business district) will give you a much needed escape from the hustle and bustle of the skyscraper district. As part of the Beyond the Loop video series, The Second City and Goose Island Beer Company have teamed up with Choose Chicago to explore the local hotspots in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood. Discover why Bronzeville is more than just an artsy pocket on the South Side.

Bronzeville and Beyond

"How can I possibly be expected to handle school on a day like this?" We've all been there, even if we're not Ferris Bueller. After your mornings stretch, you look outside at the shining sun, soft breeze, and then wonder, "How can anyone expect me to handle work on a day like this?" So take the day off! While you're at it, follow in Ferris Bueller's footsteps too as Choose Chicago takes you through the film locations that made Ferris Bueller's Day Off such a wonderful adventure (but make sure Ed Rooney isn't on your tail).

It’s Ferris Bueller's Day Off! Take a day to explore the city, but don't get caught by the incredulous Principal Rooney! Kick it like a couple of wise-cracking high school kids at The Art Institute of Chicago and peer down from over 100 stories in the air with the Skydeck at Willis Tower. (Cover photo from @thiswashollywood via Instagram)

Ferris Bueller's Day Off

Chicago’s legendary Second City comedy troupe and Goose Island Beer Company have teamed up with Choose Chicago to create the quintessential Old Town experience. Join us as we explore the historic neighborhood and discover its many claims to fame.

As part of the Beyond the Loop video series, The Second City and Goose Island Beer Company have teamed up with Choose Chicago to create the quintessential Old Town experience. Discover why this neighborhood has been home to immigrant families, gays, hippies and young professionals alike over the years.

Quintessential Old Town

The Second City and Goose Island Beer Company team up with Choose Chicago to how you why even 120 years after the Columbian Exposition, Hyde Park is still a profound point of historical and social importance in Chicago.

The heart and soul of Chicago lies in its 77 vibrant neighborhoods, and going beyond the loop (Chicago’s downtown business district) will give you a much needed escape from the hustle and bustle of the skyscraper district. As part of the Beyond the Loop video series, The Second City and Goose Island Beer Company have teamed up with Choose Chicago to explore the local hotspots in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood. Join us as we show you why even 120 years after the Columbian Exposition, Hyde Park is still a profound point of historical and social importance in Chicago.

Hyde Park: Obama's Neighborhood

The Budget Savvy Travelers

Temperatures are rising and the days are getting longer. This is a sure sign that schools will soon be out for summer vacation. Families looking for fun, affordable ways to keep kids busy during hot days will appreciate this guide that shares some great ways to cool off around Chicago—most are even free.

Best Places to Cool Off in Chicago

Craving a getaway, but short on vacation time or extra travel funds? Why not consider embarking on a culinary adventure? Chicago is a great city to experience the world through food! There are over 100 different neighborhoods in the city, each with its own unique flavors and traditions to share. Chicago has always celebrated a diverse array of people, cultures, and cuisines. Therefore, it's not surprising that Chicago consistently ranks high in top foodie destinations in the United States. For those of us that can’t book a plane ticket to satisfy our travel “craving,” taking a culinary adventure is truly the next best thing. Chicago offers a great opportunity to be carried away to a dreamy, distant place–if only through our palates alone.

Traveling the World Through Food | Chicago

Haley Guidry

Only have a short time to visit Chicago? No problem! With this guide, you can fit it all in - in just a weekend!

Spending a Weekend in Chicago

Looking for some free activities to explore in Chicago? You'll be surprised to learn that there are many things to do around the city that are absolutely free of charge!

6 Chicago Hidden Gems to Explore For Free

Wrigley Field holds the very identity of the Chicago Cubs. But Wrigley isn’t the only spot that embodies the spirit of the Cubbies. Lakeview is home to so many rich businesses that are full of North side pride!

Lakeview Chamber of Commerce

Wrigleyville isn’t the only haven for fans of the Chicago Cubs. Take an adventure “Beyond Wrigley” into West Lakeview to explore some of the neighborhood icons and local businesses that are full of Cubbies pride!

Beyond Wrigley

Glessner House

Glessner House -

An architectural treasure in Chicago

Glessner House - An architectural treasure in Chicago

Welcome to the Chicago Cultural Center, a landmark home of the arts.

The People's Palace

Chicago Architecture Center

Chicago has long been a laboratory for architectural innovation and experimentation. Let the Chicago Architecture Center lead you through the stories behind some of the city’s most significant skyscrapers. Come on an adventure to unlock the secrets of ten iconic Chicago Buildings.

Cover photo courtesy of Jessica Cabe

10 Iconic Chicago Buildings

Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce

An Adventure through all the Best Spots in the City

Must Visit Attractions in Chicago

Chicago has one of the most iconic skylines in the world. This insider guide shows you the best vantage points to capture a memorable photo of the skyline of Chicago. Best of all? These are all places that you can visit that are all free of charge.

Where to Find Chicago's Best Skyline Views for Free

Start on Chicago's South Side and travel back in time as you explore visit the homes of some of the most influential LGBTQ+ people in the city's vibrant history. Make your way through Washington Park and Woodlawn moving north towards Rogers Park.

Learn about Chicago's vibrant LGBTQ+ history on this cultural excursion through various parts of the City. This tour covers the historic markers and residences of some of Chicago's top LGBTQ+ luminaries. Find out how they left their marks from Washington Park and Woodlawn all the way up north to Rogers Park.

Explore Gay Chicago History: LGBTQ+ Landmarks Tour

Around every corner of The Magnificent Mile lie surprising pieces that make up the rich history of downtown Chicago.

The Magnificent Mile

Around every corner of The Magnificent Mile lie surprising pieces that make up the rich history of downtown Chicago. Unexpected turn-of-the-century ballrooms, lavish chandeliers, stained glass fit for royalty, atlases of the Renaissance, former mansions of America's elite, eclectic bars, iconic burger joints, classic cocktails, and unbeatable views make up our guide to the top hidden gems around the district.

The Magnificent Mile's Hidden Gems

Chicago is a city built of neighborhoods and cultures and Chinatown is the prime example. Just south of Chicago's Loop, Chinatown is bustling with people, traditional cuisine, and of course culture.

Chicago is a city built of neighborhoods and cultures and Chinatown is the prime example. Just south of Chicago's Loop, Chinatown is bustling with people, traditional cuisine, and of course culture. Hop on the Red Line, a bus, or even a water taxi and discover one of Chicago's most unique neighborhoods.

Chicago's Chinatown

This adventure, based on the Chicago History Museum exhibition, "Remembering Dr. King: 1929–1968," invites you to explore some of the locations Dr. King frequented in Chicago.

A Baptist minister and champion of nonviolent activism, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was one of the most influential figures of the civil rights movement. He spent considerable time in Chicago protesting racial discrimination, particularly in housing and education.
This VAMONDE adventure is based on the Chicago History Museum exhibition, "Remembering Dr. King: 1929-1968," and invites you to explore in person some of the locations King frequented in the city and to consider how Dr. King’s work remains relevant today, fifty years after his assassination.

Martin Luther King Jr. in Chicago

Join Julia Bachrach, former Chicago Park District historian, on a journey through Humboldt Park to learn more about the role the 150-year-old park served as key experimental grounds for Jens Jensen's Prairie style of landscape architecture.

Julia Bachrach

Established 150 years ago, Humboldt Park can be thought of as a living landmark with layers of history that reflect contributions by important landscape designers, architects, and artists. The most noteworthy, Danish immigrant Jens Jensen (1860 – 1951), revered the indigenous scenery of the Midwest and created the Prairie style of landscape architecture. Humboldt Park provided important grounds for his process of experimentation. Jensen went on to design estates for prominent businessmen such as Julius Rosenwald, Harold Florsheim, and Henry Ford. Join Julia Bachrach, former Chicago Park District historian and author of "The City in a Garden: A History of Chicago’s Parks," on a journey to learn more about how Humboldt Park served as Jens Jensen’s Experimental Grounds.

Humboldt Park: Jens Jensen’s Experimental Grounds

The Art Institute of Chicago is no stranger to "best museums” list, but beyond Michigan Avenue there are many amazing galleries displaying works from heavy hitters like Keith Haring and Hebru Brantley. Get inspired by these galleries and their collections

Chicago Scene

Chicago is home to countless world renowned cultural institutions. The Art Institute of Chicago is no stranger to "best museums” list, but beyond Michigan Avenue there are many amazing galleries displaying works from heavy hitters like Keith Haring and Hebru Brantley. There’s something for everyone at these galleries, whether you’re simply an appreciator of art or a seasoned collector.

Art Galleries: Beyond The Museum Campus

Not your everyday Chicago adventure, these unique outings go inside, behind-the-scenes, and even underground to show off a different side of the city.

From the lair of a notorious Chicago gangster to the infectious groove of a legendary blues club, this adventure will have you socializing, singing, and exploring the city all day (and night!) long. Personally curated by the Vamonde team (a group of foodies, architecture buffs, music fanatics and bar-hopping explorers) this adventure will provide you with the incredible stories and secrets behind some of Chicago’s notorious and renowned spots. Did we mention gingerbread cookies at the Waldorf Astoria?

A Chicago Insider’s Adventure

Join the American Writers Museum on a journey through Chicago's neighborhoods to learn the fascinating stories of some of the city's literary landmarks.

American Writers Museum

Join the American Writers Museum on a journey through Chicago's neighborhoods to learn the fascinating stories of some of the city's literary landmarks. A special adventure created in honor of the 2017 American Library Association Annual Exhibition and Conference.

Chicago Literary Landmarks Hunt

Photojournalist Paul Natkin captures his love for music through the lens of his camera and has worked with the biggest names in music during his 40-year career. Paul speaks with blues experts to help you explore Chicago’s blues scene past and present.

Paul Natkin

Photojournalist Paul Natkin captures his love for music through the lens of his camera and has worked with the biggest names in music during his 40-year career. In this adventure,  Paul goes beyond the Chicago Blues Festival to speak with blues experts to help you explore Chicago’s blues scene past and present.

Beyond the Blues

The Gathering Spaces are a series of artist-designed community areas along the Burnham Wildlife Corridor, a 100-acre ribbon of urban wilderness spanning Lake Shore Drive. Travel along the corridor to discover how the artists linked nature and culture.

Chicago Park District

The Gathering Spaces are a series of five artist-designed community areas along the Burnham Wildlife Corridor (BWC), a 100-acre ribbon of urban wilderness spanning both sides of Lake Shore Drive. The five Gathering Spaces reflect the nature and culture of the area and serve as assembly grounds and rest areas for people exploring the Corridor. The spaces were designed and created by teams of local artists in partnership with community-based organizations in the Chinatown, Bronzeville, and Pilsen neighborhoods. On this adventure, we'll travel along the BWC to get the inside scoop on the creative process, community goals, and environmental context of each Gathering Space.

Lakefront Gathering Spaces

Broadway in Chicago

With more than 200 theaters, Chicago is home to a rich and varied theater community, well known for a diverse mix of original productions that began here and then went on to Broadway and the world. Broadway In Chicago currently own many of the anchor theatres in Theatre District, including the CIBC Theatre (home of Hamilton), the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, the Cadillac Palace Theatre, and the James M. Nederlander Theatre which broke records when it housed Wicked from 2005-2009. Let Broadway In Chicago take you through a tour of the theatres that make up the Chicago Theatre District.

Chicago Historic Theatre District

Jason Brammer is known for his distinctive mixed media assemblage based works, surreal paintings and drawings, murals and site-specific installations. Join us as we take you across the city and unearth how some of your favorite works came to be.

Jason Brammer

Portals, Pyramids, & Octopods: The Art of Jason Brammer

You might have already heard about a few of these destinations, consider this your local guide to the Wicker Park bars that are in some way (think hidden entrance) or another (think no address) -- secret.

Holiday Jones Hostel

Because we’re terrible at keeping secrets and because Wicker Park has too many cool off-the-beaten-track places to explore, Holiday Jones Hostel has created this adventure to give you the inside scoop on the best lounges, dive bars, and speakeasies to visit and pretend like you’re a regular.

Wicker Park's Best Kept Secrets

The story of public housing is the story of America. Explore the untold stories of people who created community across racial and economic divides and confronted social injustice.

National Public Housing Museum

​The story of public housing is the story of America. This tour, curated by the National Public Housing Museum, introduces you to the heart of Chicago’s Near West Side with its vibrant communities, diverse cultures, and history of activism and resistance. Explore fascinating sites where public housing residents built community across racial and economic divides, restaurants and bakeries that continue to create delectable food from various cultures and learn about overlooked and invisible stories about where people studied, organized, and confronted social injustice. We recognize this land as being indigenous, and we follow the lead of the first peoples who, despite massive genocidal violence, have never relinquished the struggle for land, water, culture, their people.

This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

The Near West Side and The Jane Addams Homes: Chicago's Ellis Island

The story of literary Chicago is one of overlapping communities; avant-garde, intellectuals, journalists, activists, artists, and migrants from places near and far.

​The story of literary Chicago is one of overlapping communities: ​avant-garde, intellectuals, journalists, activists, artists, and migrants from places near and far. The city's many newspapers, magazines, and literary journals have offered experience and exposure for aspiring writers. Programs at local libraries, bookstores, and cafes have connected writers with the reading public.

City of Writers

The American Writers Museum is the first national museum in the United States dedicated to engaging the public in celebrating American writers. Tap GO and check out 'Writers Hall' for a preview of the museum, but like any good page-turner, it‘ll only leave you wanting more. Plan a visit to unlock the exclusive, behind-the-scenes content for each exhibit.

Tucked away in the West Ridge community is a treasured place— Indian Boundary Park.  The 13-acre park was developed in two major phases—the first in 1916 and the second in the early 1920s. Plans for both phases were created by Richard Gloede, a landscape gardener and horticulturalist from Evanston.  Unlike other parks of the era that accommodated numerous athletic activities, Gloede and the Park Board sought to create a beautiful landscape for rest and relaxation.  The park has always had a seamless relationship with the adjacent neighborhood, and despite various changes over the years, Indian Boundary Park has always retained its special character.

Indian Boundary Park

Liz Garibay uses taverns, beer history, and drinking culture as familiar tools to teach about the city’s past to a diverse audience. Researching records, collecting oral histories and collaborating with experts she’s been able to provide factual historic information to anyone wanting to learn about history in a fun and social way.

Liz Garibay

Chicago Beer History takes you to pivotal  points in time in Chicago’s history where beer is often the common denominator. This adventure takes you through time and places in the city with touching on topics that range from infrastructure to politics. Curated by Liz Garibay, a self-proclaimed beer and tavern history; join as she takes you on a trip through time. Pull up a stool, grab a beer, and let’s talk history.

Chicago's Beer History

In Millennium Park, you’ll find a new kind of town square – a lively, spectacular gathering spot located in the heart of the city and a destination for Chicagoans and visitors alike.

Millennium Park

Botanical brews, pizza pairings and revolution in beer. Discover the craft brews of Milwaukee Avenue.

Clustered around Milwaukee Ave are a collection of Chicago craft breweries that are taking the world of Chicago brewing by storm. Take a wild journey through the unique and wondrous world of Chicago brewing.

Milwaukee Avenue Craft Brews

Choose Chicago® is the official destination marketing organization for Chicago, Illinois. When you’re in Chicago, you’re home. With the countless experiences there are to have here, you're absolutely welcome to do any and all of them.

Hiking in Phoenix

Sunrise Peak

Sunrise Peak

Camelback Mountain

Camelback Mountain

Granite Mountain

Granite Mountain

Lost Dog Wash

Lost Dog Wash

Pinnacle Peak Park

Pinnacle Peak Park

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