From: Ian Andlewin

I am travelling to Phoenix for a few days, and after work is
done I will have about 6 hours on Sunday to drive somewhere scenic and
back. Not much time I know. Ideally I'd like to see some of the desert
(I've never been to that part of the States) and get out and hike around
or scramble up something for fun. Any ideas on what to visit will be
greatly appreciated

Try the Superstition Wilderness area, about an hour east of town on US 60.
Beautiful raw rugged mountain scenery with low desert vegetation.