Silent Sunday

Silent Sunday is South Mountain Park and Preserve's weekly car-free time on Summit Road, the park's main roadway. On the fourth Sunday of every month the road is closed to motor vehicles all day, from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m., and all cars park at the South Mountain Activity Complex. On the first, second, third and fifth Sundays there is a shorter Silent Sunday, 5 a.m. to 10 a.m., with the road closed at the 1.0-mile marker. During those hours the roads belong to walkers, runners, hikers and cyclists.

The Schedule

• Fourth Sunday of every month: all-day Silent Sunday, 5 a.m. to 7 p.m., the park's full operating hours. Summit Road is closed to motor vehicle traffic.
• First, second, third and fifth Sundays: short Silent Sunday, 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. Summit Road is closed at the 1.0-mile marker.
• After 10 a.m. on short Sundays: Summit Road reopens to cars.

The City designed the shorter closure so visitors can still reach trailheads and picnic areas in the lower part of the park that are cut off on the all-day fourth Sunday.

Where to Park

On the fourth Sunday, all vehicles turn into the South Mountain Activity Complex (10401 S. Central Ave.) and park there. From there you walk, run or ride the park roads.

On short Silent Sundays, the lower trailheads and picnic areas below the 1.0-mile marker are reachable by car (Parking & Trailheads).

What to Expect on the Road

• Non-motorized only: the City reserves the roadways for walking, cycling, jogging and hiking.
• Some vehicles still use the road: tower workers, City staff and emergency vehicles may be on the roads at any time. Stay alert on blind corners.
• Dobbins Lookout: on the fourth Sunday the only way to the top is under your own power (Dobbins Lookout).
• Hours: the park's gate hours (5 a.m. to 7 p.m.) still apply.

San Juan Road

San Juan Road follows its own schedule: open to cars from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the first Saturday of the month and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the first Sunday. On other days it is closed at the San Juan Road Gate, where the Alta Trail hike begins with a half-mile walk up the road.

Good For / Maybe Skip If

Good for: road cyclists and runners who want the climb without traffic; families walking the park road; anyone who prefers the mountain quiet.

Maybe skip if: you need to drive to Dobbins Lookout on the fourth Sunday, or to drive up Summit Road before 10 a.m. on another Sunday. Pick a weekday or Saturday instead.