Discover The Phoenix Region Magazine #15-4 (July 2025 - August 2025)

Mid Summer Issue (Current Issue July-August) Subscribe Free at https://discovertheregion.com/subscribe/ to Gain Access to the Entire Book Now! On The Cover: Kevin Costner 108 Pages Dear Readers, As summer peaks in the Valley, the city hums with monsoon storms, laughter on shaded patios, and the quiet beauty of museum halls. On our cover, we celebrate Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, where Kevin Costner was honored with the Western Spirit Award—highlighting a decade of preserving Western heritage. This season isn’t just about staying cool, but living smartly. “Cool Home, Hot Savings” shares tips to keep homes comfortable and energy bills down, while “Splash Safely” and “Prevent Drowning” offer must-know pool safety advice. And for pet owners, “Fur-ever Friends” helps cats and dogs live together peacefully during lively summer days. Food lovers will find plenty to savor. “Sweet Escapes with a View” reveals Phoenix’s coolest indoor dessert spots, and “Summer Happy Hours” lists the best dining deals in Old Town Scottsdale. Adventurous readers can explore “Exotic Culinary Delights,” featuring goat stew with cassava and vegan lavender ice cream. Beyond dining, we spotlight movement and conservation: “Workout Cool” showcases the inclusive Ability360 Sports & Fitness Center, while “Saving Every Drop of Water!” highlights SRP’s innovative efforts to protect our desert’s most vital resource. When the city heat lingers, “High Country Treks” invites you to cooler trails in Northern Arizona. And indoors, our “Book Reviews” recommend titles like “The Wide Wide Sea,” “Original Sin,” “Never Flinch,” and “Nightshade”—perfect reads for summer afternoons. What truly makes Phoenix summers special isn’t just how we cool off, but how we come together as neighbors, families, and explorers. We hope this issue inspires you to discover, taste, and celebrate the best of our region. Warmly, Marie Taylor Editorial Director Discover The Phoenix Region Magazine

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Closer to home in the Phoenix Region we have the Salt

River, Lake Pleasant, Tempe Towne Reservoir and many

other ways to stay wet and cool while getting sunshine

🍂

Aspen Nature Loop:

Wildflowers and Open Skies

Trail rating: Moderate | Distance: 1.8 mi | Est. time:

50 minutes

Short but scenic, the Aspen Nature Loop is ideal

for hikers who want big views without a big

climb. The trail weaves through open meadows

and groves of quaking aspen. In midsummer,

the route bursts with colorful wildflowers. While

relatively uncrowded on weekdays, the trail can

be rocky, so wear sturdy shoes. Come winter,

this path becomes part of a snowy playground

near Arizona Snowbowl.

Source: Arizona Snowbowl & USDA Forest Service

Elden Lookout Trail:

Climb to the Fire Tower

Trail rating: Hard | Distance: 5.3 mi | Est. time:

4 hours

A challenging climb with a classic Flagstaff

reward: sweeping views from the historic fire

lookout tower atop Mount Elden. Starting in a

ponderosa pine forest, the trail ascends through

switchbacks, eventually opening to vistas of the

San Francisco Peaks, Dry Lake Hills, and Flagstaff

below. At the top, the lookout offers a striking

360-degree panorama, perfect for catching your

breath and snapping photos.

Note: Start early to avoid midday heat, and bring extra water.

Source: Coconino National Forest & Hiking Project

Photography by: Brent Coulter

An Early Summer Morning Launch on the Salt River.

The Launch Points for Summer Tubing or Kayaking

down the Salt River is about a 30 minute drive from

Phoenix, making it very accessible.