Maricopa County, Arizona
Arizona's most populous county and the fourth largest in the United States, home to Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, and over 4.4 million residents.
Maricopa County is the heart of Arizona, both geographically and economically. Established in 1871, the county was named after the Maricopa Native American tribe and has grown from a largely agricultural region into a bustling metropolitan powerhouse. With a land area of 9,224 square miles, Maricopa is larger than seven U.S. states, yet most of its population is concentrated in the Phoenix metropolitan area.
Home to 27 cities and towns, including Phoenix (the state capital and fifth-largest city in the United States), Maricopa County has experienced explosive growth over the past several decades. The county's landscape is characterized by the Sonoran Desert, with its iconic saguaro cacti, punctuated by mountain ranges including the McDowell Mountains, White Tank Mountains, and the distinctive Camelback Mountain. The Salt and Gila Rivers flow through the county, though they are often dry due to upstream dams and diversions. Maricopa County enjoys abundant sunshine year-round, making it a popular destination for winter visitors and retirees, but also faces challenges including water resources management and extreme summer heat.
County Information
Demographics & Economy
Photos
Major Attractions
Phoenix Metropolitan Area
The sprawling Phoenix metropolitan area, also known as the Valley of the Sun, is the heart of Maricopa County. It includes Phoenix, the state capital and fifth-largest city in the United States, as well as major cities like Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, Glendale, Chandler, and many others. The metro area offers a wealth of cultural institutions, sports venues, shopping districts, dining options, and entertainment destinations.
Major Features: Downtown Phoenix, Old Town Scottsdale, Mill Avenue in Tempe, Westgate Entertainment District in Glendale, Chandler Fashion Center, Mesa Arts Center
Desert Botanical Garden
Located in Papago Park, the Desert Botanical Garden showcases the diversity and beauty of desert plants from around the world. Founded in 1939, the garden features more than 50,000 plants across 140 acres, with an emphasis on plants from the Sonoran Desert. Walking trails wind through thematic gardens, educational exhibits, and art installations. The garden regularly hosts special events, including the popular "Las Noches de las Luminarias" during the holiday season and seasonal art installations.
Location: Phoenix
Features: Desert plant collections, walking trails, educational exhibits, events, gift shop, restaurant
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Encompassing more than 30,500 acres of Sonoran Desert in the McDowell Mountains, this preserve is one of the largest urban preserves in the United States. It offers over 225 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding through pristine desert landscapes. The preserve protects a variety of ecosystems and wildlife habitats, and provides stunning views of the Valley from various elevations.
Location: Scottsdale
Features: Hiking and biking trails, mountain views, desert flora and fauna, rock formations, educational programs
Phoenix Professional Sports
Maricopa County is home to professional teams in all four major American sports leagues, making it a premier destination for sports enthusiasts. The Arizona Cardinals (NFL) play at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, which has hosted two Super Bowls. The Phoenix Suns (NBA) and Phoenix Mercury (WNBA) play at Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix. The Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB) play at Chase Field, also in downtown Phoenix. The Arizona Coyotes (NHL) have played in the county as well. Additionally, the county hosts Cactus League spring training for 15 Major League Baseball teams, attracting thousands of visitors each spring.
Major Venues: State Farm Stadium, Footprint Center, Chase Field, various spring training facilities
Musical Instrument Museum
The world's largest museum of musical instruments, the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) showcases instruments from nearly 200 countries and territories. Founded by former Target Corporation executive Robert Ulrich, the museum houses more than 8,000 instruments on display. Visitors can see, hear, and observe instruments being played through state-of-the-art audio and video technology. The museum also features a concert hall that hosts performers from around the world.
Location: Phoenix
Features: Global instrument collections, interactive exhibits, concert hall, special exhibitions, museum store, café
Frequently Asked Questions
Maricopa County is known for several distinctive features:
- Being Arizona's most populous county and the fourth most populous county in the United States
- The Phoenix metropolitan area (Valley of the Sun), which includes 27 cities and towns
- Hot desert climate with mild winters and extremely hot summers
- Rapid population growth, making it one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation
- The Sonoran Desert landscape with its iconic saguaro cacti
- Major sports teams including the Arizona Cardinals (NFL), Phoenix Suns (NBA), Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB), and spring training for 15 MLB teams
- Resort destinations and golf courses, particularly in Scottsdale
- Arizona State University, one of the largest public universities in the United States
- Economic growth in technology, healthcare, and aerospace industries
- Notable natural features including Camelback Mountain, South Mountain, and the Salt River
Maricopa County is easily accessible via several transportation routes:
- By Air: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is one of the busiest airports in the United States, offering hundreds of daily flights to destinations worldwide. Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport in Mesa provides additional service, primarily from low-cost carriers.
- By Car: Several major highways provide access to Maricopa County:
- Interstate 10 runs east-west through the county, connecting to Los Angeles to the west and Tucson and El Paso to the east
- Interstate 17 runs north-south, connecting Phoenix to Flagstaff and northern Arizona
- US Route 60 provides access from the east
- State Route 101 (Loop 101), State Route 202 (Loop 202), and State Route 303 (Loop 303) form a network of freeways throughout the metropolitan area
- By Train: Amtrak provides service to Maricopa (a small city about 30 miles south of Phoenix) on its Sunset Limited and Texas Eagle routes.
- By Bus: Greyhound and FlixBus offer intercity bus service to Phoenix from various cities.
Once in Maricopa County, visitors can use public transportation (Valley Metro light rail and buses), rideshare services, taxis, or rental cars to get around.
The best time to visit Maricopa County depends on your tolerance for heat and your interests:
- Fall (October-November): Many consider this the ideal time to visit, with warm but not excessive daytime temperatures typically ranging from 75°F to 90°F (24-32°C) and pleasant evenings. The monsoon season has typically ended, resulting in clear skies and low humidity.
- Winter (December-February): This is peak tourist season in Maricopa County. Daytime temperatures are typically in the 65-75°F (18-24°C) range, perfect for outdoor activities. This is also when MLB spring training takes place (late February-March), attracting baseball fans from around the country.
- Spring (March-April): Another excellent time to visit, with temperatures similar to fall. Desert wildflowers may bloom during this time, depending on winter rainfall patterns. This is also when many festivals and outdoor events are scheduled.
- Summer (May-September): Summers in Maricopa County are extremely hot, with daytime temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F (38°C) and often exceeding 110°F (43°C) in June and July. Outdoor activities should be limited to early mornings or evenings. However, this is also when accommodations are most affordable, and many resorts offer steep discounts and special packages. Pools, water parks, and indoor attractions provide respite from the heat.
For most visitors, the period from October through April offers the most comfortable weather for exploring Maricopa County's attractions. However, summer visits can still be enjoyable if you plan around the heat and take advantage of air-conditioned venues and water activities.
Despite its desert environment, Maricopa County offers a wide variety of outdoor activities:
- Hiking & Mountain Biking:
- South Mountain Park and Preserve (the largest municipal park in the United States)
- McDowell Sonoran Preserve
- Camelback Mountain
- Piestewa Peak and the Phoenix Mountains Preserve
- White Tank Mountain Regional Park
- Lake Pleasant Regional Park
- San Tan Mountain Regional Park
- Water Recreation:
- Tempe Town Lake (sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding)
- Salt River (tubing, kayaking)
- Lake Pleasant (boating, fishing, swimming)
- Verde River
- Numerous community pools and water parks
- Golf:
- Over 200 golf courses throughout the county, including championship courses like TPC Scottsdale (home of the Waste Management Phoenix Open), Troon North, and We-Ko-Pa
- Desert Exploration:
- Guided desert tours (Jeep tours, horseback riding, hot air balloon rides)
- Desert Botanical Garden
- Wildlife viewing at preserves and riparian areas
- Parks & Green Spaces:
- Papago Park
- Encanto Park
- Margaret T. Hance Park
- Numerous community parks with sports facilities
- Sports & Recreation:
- Tennis courts, pickleball courts, and sports complexes
- Skate parks
- Rock climbing (indoor and outdoor)
- Frisbee golf courses
- Scenic Drives:
- Apache Trail (partially in neighboring Pinal County)
- Desert foothills scenic drives
When planning outdoor activities in Maricopa County, always consider the temperature and weather conditions, particularly during summer months. Bring plenty of water, wear sun protection, and avoid strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day from May through September.
Major Communities
Phoenix
County seat and state capital, population ~1.6 million, 5th largest city in the US
Mesa
Population ~500,000, third-largest city in Arizona
Scottsdale
Population ~250,000, known for tourism, resorts, and shopping
Chandler
Population ~275,000, tech hub with Intel campus
Glendale
Population ~250,000, home to State Farm Stadium (NFL Cardinals)
Tempe
Population ~195,000, home to Arizona State University
Peoria
Population ~175,000, northwest Valley community
Gilbert
Population ~267,000, fast-growing east Valley community
Surprise
Population ~145,000, northwest growth area