Unless you know someone who graduated from Arizona State University, you may have never heard of Tempe pronounced Tem-pee , Arizona. Most of us on the East Coast just think of the Phoenix metro area as one sprawling city, but in reality, Tempe is a destination in its own right.
First, Tempe is more affordable. Second, there is such a variety of things to do. Whether your gal pals want to relax at a pool with a scenic view, or stay active or be like me and enjoy a bit of both , Tempe has something for everyone.
Lastly, Tempe is so easy to get to. And the walkable downtown also keeps costs down for a budget-conscious crowd. All opinions are my own. If you visit in late November, you might find some local ASU students camping out up there to protect their precious A from being repainted in the colors of rival University of Arizona Wildcats before the big football game.
It is easy to find the trail off Mill Avenue, especially if you are staying at the Tempe Mission Palms, which has trail access from the back parking lot. The first bit of the hike is on pavement, but towards the top, it switches to a rocky dirt trail and concrete steps leading to the summit.
You will want to wear a decent pair of sneakers, as the rocks can get a bit slippy on the way down and the trail is dusty. There are also warning signs to watch out for snakes and other critters, but the trail is so well-trafficked that I doubt it is a huge concern.
