Photo Courtesy of Phoenix New Times

Like the lore of those mysterious Phoenix lights, some things are just more amusing when left unexplained. The Dreamy Draw Dam is possibly one of those things. Located on the side of Piestewa Peak, Dreamy Draw is a recreational area in the city of Phoenix, providing the perfect location for laid-back hikes and family picnics. What makes Dreamy Draw just a little more interesting is its supposed background in an alien-associated account. Just weeks after the theoretical 1947 spaceship sighting in Roswell, New Mexico, a flying saucer reportedly crashed right in Phoenix’s backyard at the Dreamy Draw. Many believe the Dreamy Draw Dam was constructed to keep onlookers from discovering more about the believed extraterrestrials.

In the early 1900s, the area of the Dreamy Draw was found to have cinnabar, a type of mercury sulfide, and for years, served as a mining site. Because of the toxicity of the mercury, many of those miners experienced sickness, including hallucinations. Many others believe that the alien life forms just stemmed from the imaginations of those working near the site.

Several theories remain about the supposed UFO visit, but one fact remains true: Dreamy Draw offers plenty of recreational activities that are out of this world.

Photo Courtesy of City of Phoenix

Camelback Mountain

With an elevation of 2,704 feet, and a 360-degree view of the Valley at its highest point, Camelback Mountain is an excellent hike or climb in Arizona, especially when you do not want to venture too far, and want to do a much quicker hike – as opposed to all day. Camelback Mountain is located in the Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon Recreation Area between Phoenix, Scottsdale and Paradise Valley.

There are 2 hiking trails, Echo Canyon and Cholla, and while both trails are rather difficult, the exhilaration once you’ve completed and gone to that highest point with a view of the entire city, its worth it! For first-timers, you can schedule a guided hike up Camelback Mountain, read about other hikers’ experiences, as well as post your own.

Piestewa Peak 

What once was an old horse trail and trail for mining is now a varying, beautiful, and challenging trail. Start first thing in the morning and when you get to the top enjoy the array of colors illuminating the sky, or do this as a means to get your cardio-workout in. Whatever you decide, the trail is comparative to Camelback with its difficulty level, but just as equal with its luscious desert backdrop and view of the city from the north.

Its highest peak is at 1,208 feet, and approximately fifteen miles of interconnecting trails in the Preserve, ranging from easy to difficult, one can easily spend only 30 minutes to several hours hiking and taking in the sights.

Photo Courtesy of AZ Central

South Mountain 

With 70 miles-worth of trails to choose from, and ranging from easy to skilled, South Mountain is another great place to hike and stay close to the Phoenix area. Located at Central Avenue, south of Dobbins Road, the trails can very easily take you a short distance of mostly even-surface, to rugged, multi-leveled trails for the avid hiker or mountain biker. If you’re feeling a wild hair, hike to the top where you will get a gorgeous view of the city on one side and the other a serene view of the northernmost part of the Gila River Reservation where peaceful scape of the outstretched horizon can be seen for miles. While this can be an enjoyable hike for many, it is forewarned that these trails are underdeveloped and wildlife is very much a part of the area, so take caution!

Hiking in Phoenix: https://www.phoenix.gov/parks/trails/