Phoenix Interactive Map
Explore this detailed Phoenix map showing Camelback Mountain, Scottsdale, Desert Botanical Garden, and Valley Metro system. Phoenix anchors the sprawling 'Valley of the Sun,' with desert landscapes, mountain preserves, and master-planned communities.
This interactive map of Phoenix allows you to explore the city's geography, including the mile-grid arterial system punctuated by mountain preserves and canals. Click on markers to learn more about specific locations across the Valley of the Sun.
About Phoenix - Valley of the Sun
Phoenix anchors the sprawling 'Valley of the Sun,' with desert landscapes, mountain preserves, and master-planned communities. Founded in 1868, the city covers 518.0 sq mi with a population of 1,608,139 and serves as a major center for aerospace/defense, finance, real estate, healthcare, and tech manufacturing in the fast-growing Sun Belt economy.
Phoenix uses a mile-grid arterial system punctuated by mountain preserves and canals. Loop 101/202 freeways ring the metro; Valley Metro Rail runs east–west through Downtown and Tempe/Mesa.
Phoenix Quick Facts
- Nickname: Valley of the Sun
- State: Arizona
- Population: 1,608,139
- Area: 518.0 sq mi
- Founded: 1868
- Region: Southwest
- Time Zone: Mountain Time (MT) — no DST observance for most of the state
Phoenix Geography and Districts
Phoenix uses a mile-grid arterial system punctuated by mountain preserves and canals. Loop 101/202 freeways ring the metro; Valley Metro Rail runs east–west through Downtown and Tempe/Mesa.
Downtown Phoenix
Urban core with government buildings, sports venues, and growing residential and entertainment districts.
Scottsdale
Upscale resort community known for golf courses, spas, art galleries, and luxury shopping.
Tempe
College town home to Arizona State University with vibrant nightlife and Mill Avenue district.
Paradise Valley
Affluent residential area nestled between Camelback and Mummy Mountains.
Phoenix Transportation Networks
Valley Metro light rail & buses connect Phoenix with surrounding communities. The light rail system provides connections between major activity centers throughout the metro area.
Major Transportation Hubs
- Airports: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
- Highways: I-10, I-17, Loop 101, Loop 202
- Rail: Valley Metro Rail connecting Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa
- Transit: Valley Metro bus system serving the greater Phoenix area
Phoenix Landmarks and Attractions
The Phoenix map reveals numerous landmarks and attractions that showcase the city's desert beauty and cultural offerings.
Iconic Landmarks
- Camelback Mountain - Iconic mountain formation offering hiking and panoramic valley views
- Desert Botanical Garden - Showcase of desert plants and Southwest landscaping
- Heard Museum - Premier museum of American Indian art and culture
- Phoenix Zoo - Major zoo featuring desert and international wildlife
- Chase Field - Home of the Arizona Diamondbacks baseball team
Phoenix Economy and Industries
Aerospace/defense, finance, real estate, healthcare, and tech manufacturing; fast-growing Sun Belt economy. The city has attracted numerous corporate relocations and serves as a major business center for the Southwest.
Key Economic Centers
- Downtown Phoenix - Government offices and financial services
- Deer Valley - Aerospace and high-tech manufacturing
- Camelback Corridor - Corporate headquarters and professional services
- Scottsdale - Tourism, hospitality, and luxury services
Phoenix Climate and Geography
Hot desert climate with extremely hot summers and mild, dry winters. The city experiences over 300 days of sunshine annually, making it a popular destination for winter visitors and retirees.
Phoenix sits in the Sonoran Desert in a valley surrounded by mountain ranges. The desert landscape and irrigation canals are defining geographic features that have shaped the city's development and character.
How to Use This Phoenix Map
This interactive Phoenix map provides multiple ways to explore the Valley of the Sun. Use the zoom controls to focus on specific areas or the greater metro region, and click on landmarks to access information about attractions, transportation, and local areas.
Whether you're planning a visit to Phoenix, studying desert urban geography, or researching the city's growth patterns, this map serves as your comprehensive guide. The map includes major highways, Valley Metro Rail, and highlights both natural landmarks and urban attractions that define Phoenix's character.
For educational purposes, this Phoenix map helps students understand urban development in desert environments, showing how geography, climate, and transportation infrastructure have influenced the city's rapid growth and sprawling development pattern.