South Mountain Park may not have the urban allure of Camelback Mountain or the challenge of Piestewa Peak but there are ten reasons to consider this rocky outcrop on the southern edge of Phoenix. 1) At nearly 17,000 acres, it is the largest municipal park in the United States. 2) It spans three mountain ranges, Ma Ha Tauk, Gila and Guadalupe. 3) It boasts nearly 60 miles of shared-use - hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding - trails of varying length and grade. 4) It has trail rides and scenic drives. 5) More than 300 species of plants and 9 species of cactus are found in this corner of the Sonoran Desert. 6) It is a great place to spot Southwest birdlife, such as the great horned owl, red-tailed hawk, cactus wren and roadrunner. 7) It is home to a variety of desert animals, including the javelina (collared peccary), Gila monster, chuckwalla, jackrabbit, cottontail rabbit, fit fox and coyote. 8) Petroglyphs and stone ruins offer a peek at times long past. 9) The displays at the Environmental Education Center detail the area's history from the Hohokam Indians to gold-seekers. 10) South Mountain Park is a Phoenix Point of Pride.