Phoenix South Mountain Preserve

The preserve has more than 16,000 acres with 51 miles of primary trails and is the largest municipal park in the country and the largest desert mountain preserve in the world. South Mountain Park is home to more than 300 plant species, including several cactus varieties and more than 150 animal species.

To ensure that our fragile desert environment is protected for future generations, the Phoenix City Council approved the Trail Ordinance on June 30, 1993. The ordinance was created to stem the tide of damage and erosion caused by "trail blazers". It also sets a penalty of no less than $50.00 and eight hours of community service for entering park areas closed to public use.

Legal access is available at many points and parking is available at trail heads.

In addition, parking less than 10 feet from a paved road is a violation (Phoenix 24-51-B,E1).
and one can not park on the side of the road on unstabilzed land (Maricopa County Ordinance P-27),
and parking on non-dust-free surface is also subject to a fine (Phoenix 36-145-A),
and dogs not on a leash within Phoenix or on a leash greater than 6 feet is a violation (Phoenix 8-14-D-1).

Violaters

Following are violaters of the above ordinances as I've run across while living in the area. Maybe you recognize them from your neighborhood.
If you spot violators, you can call Crime Stop at 602-262-6151 and they may send a squad car out to investigate. The parking violation of less than 10 feet from a paved road is the easiest for the police to ticket them with, unless they catch them hiking red-handed.

2/14/2016
At 2:15 in the afternoon, I spotted this couple hiking up the North side of South Mountain, with 2 large un-leashed dogs. The preserve is home to many animals that will be terrorized by loose dogs.
When I saw them heading up the mountain, I yelled
"Do you realize you are trespassing on South Mountain Preserve and your dogs are not allowed to be off leash."
He responded with a confident "Yup".
I replied "I'm calling it in then".
He said "Go ahead".

Going over the top.
Hiking back down.
Illegal parking.