A DAY IN THE
EAST VALLEY
Some of the biggest cities in the East Valley are Mesa, Gilbert and Chandler. Within brief driving distances between them, visitors can easily enjoy the best each town has to offer in a single, productive day.
7 a.m.: Hike the Superstition Mountains Formed by volcanic eruptions 30 million years ago, the Superstition Mountains are home to impressive rock walls, jagged hoodoos of rock, and narrow twisting canyons. Ranging in elevation from 2,000 to 6,265 feet, the Superstitions offer many miles of hiking on designated trails.
arizonahikingadventures.com
10 a.m.: See a gunfight at Rawhide Western Town and Steakhouse
5 p.m.: Rosa’s Mexican Grill
After a day of activity, head to Rosa’s Mexican Grill, an institution in Mesa for more than 20 years. Rosa’s is beloved for See the roughest, toughest stunt show serving the finest “Baja Style” Mexican food around. These boys are the reason the West in Arizona. Its trophy wall is covered with was wild. Witness gunfights, daring falls and all the antics of Rawhide’s Rough Riders. numerous awards received for its fine food and dining. Don’t miss the chimichanga. rawhide.com
osasgrill.com
1 p.m.: The Farm at Agritopia The Farm at Agritopia is a 15-acre USDA Certified Organic urban farm in the heart of the 166-acre Agritopia community. It hosts more than 100 crops, as well as sheep, chickens and honey bees. While here, visitors can walk the pathways to see the farm in production. The farm also offers tours and U-Picks throughout the growing seasons, information for which is available online.
thefarmatagritopia.com
8 p.m.: Walk through Heritage District While you’re visiting, take a walk through Gilbert’s Heritage District, where history meets entertainment and modern restaurants and breweries are a stone’s throw from any corner.
gilbertaz.gov/departments/economicdevelopment/heritage-district
BONUS: It’s a dog’s life at Cosmo Dog Park This paradise for pooches in Gilbert features a lake for dogs to launch themselves into and four fenced acres along with doggie drinking fountains, wash stations, an obstacle course, tables, benches and walkways.
gilbertaz.gov/cosmo-park
Gilbert’s Heritage District
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