We’re here to pump you up with our best ways to get in shape in 2025.
Best Gym for Everyone
Ability360
Looking for a super-clean gym with an indoor track and an outdoor pool? Ability 360 is priced lower than most gyms in town, and there’s none of that “bro culture” you find so often in fitness spaces. Designed for people with disabilities but open to everyone, Ability360 has it all. 5031 E. Washington St., Phoenix, 602-386-4566, ability360.org
Best New Marathon
50th Annual Phoenix 10K and Marathon
Would you believe that Phoenix, the fifth largest city in the U.S., has never had a home-grown marathon? Dr. Art Mollen couldn’t. So, the legendary Valley fitness advocate and creator of the venerable Phoenix 10K strapped on his Asics and got to work, lobbying the Phoenix and Paradise Valley city councils to collaborate on a 26.2-mile course that will coincide with the 50th running of the 10K on November 9. And that’s how the race is “the 50th annual” and “new” at the same time. phoenix10k.com
Best Wellness Collective
Buddha Bella Healing Center
No membership is required to take a yoga class, attend a sound bath or mediation circle, use the infrared sauna, participate in hyperbaric oxygen therapy or otherwise find your Zen at this holistic wellness center. This fall, Buddha Bella will also host a 200-hour vinyasa yoga teacher training program for those looking to take that inner peace to the next level. 7575 N. 16th St., Phoenix,
602-607-5126, buddha-bella.com
Best City Park
Papago Park
There’s not much grass and we’ve never seen a bench, but this park is our favorite. Home to the Phoenix Zoo, Desert Botanical Garden, Hole in the Rock and trails for all levels of experience, Papago Park is a breath of fresh desert air smack in the middle of the Valley. 625 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix, 602-495-5458, papago.com
Four Corners: Best City Nature Escape
North Valley
Jewel of the Creek Preserve
Managed by the Desert Foothills Land Trust, this 26-acre riparian refuge’s titular creek is one of the only perennial streams in Maricopa County. This year-round water supply supports flora and fauna including cottonwood trees, mesquite bosque and saguaro stands as well as canyon tree frogs, Sonoran mud turtles, javelina, and resident and migratory bird species – all just 30 minutes from Phoenix. 44029 N. Spur Cross Rd., Cave Creek, dflt.org
Phoenix
Dreamy Draw Recreation Area
Nestled within 242 acres of the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, this aptly named desert dreamscape recently reopened after extensive renovations, including expanded parking, upgraded restrooms and ADA-accessible paths. Miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails – dotted with jumping cholla, desert lavender and saguaros – make it easy to forget that the SR-51 lies just beyond its peaceful peaks. 2421 E. Northern Ave., Phoenix, phoenix.gov
East Valley
Tempe Butte
The hike up this 1,495-foot volcanic landform at the edge of Mill Avenue is especially stunning at night, when the lights of Tempe look like tiny stars blinking in the distance. Despite its urban setting, Tempe Butte supports a surprising variety of desert life – barrel and cholla cacti, blue palo verde trees and creosote bushes – plus seasonal wildflowers and the occasional jackrabbit sighting. 100 S. Mill Ave., Tempe
West Valley
White Tank Mountain Regional Park
Maricopa County’s largest regional park covers nearly 30,000 acres of rugged desert and mountain terrain on Metro Phoenix’s western edge. More than 30 miles of multi-use trails wind past cacti, palo verde and creosote, and boast seasonal waterfalls, wildflowers and birdwatching opportunities, including Gambel’s quail, cactus wren and several species of hawk, owl, dove and sparrow. 20304 W. White Tank Mountain Rd., Waddell, wtmconservancy.org
