McDowell Mountain Park, in northeast Phoenix, is a great place for families interested in stretching their legs in the desert Southwest. Hike, mountain bike and horseback ride on more than 40 miles (65 km) of multi-use trails. Test your biking skills on the Park’s competitive track. Spot wildlife such as deer, javelina (collared peccary), coyotes and birds. Enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Follow the trail to the Dixie Mine, an abandoned gold and silver mine. Marvel at petroglyphs made by Hohokam Indians as much as 2000 years ago. Participate in one of the regularly scheduled programs and further explore the desert at this 21,099-acre Maricopa County Regional Park. And should the kids need a break from the activity, enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the Park’s designated picnic areas. You need not venture beyond the Valley of the Sun to enjoy the great outdoors!