You may affiliate Scottsdale, Arizona with issues like upscale golf programs, baseball spring coaching, and (more and more today) bachelorette events. And you’ll certainly discover all of these issues in Scottsdale. But Scottsdale additionally has an amazing arts scene, unbelievable meals and wine choices, AND all kinds of outside actions to take pleasure in.
I’ve now been to Scottsdale a number of occasions, and each single go to I’m stunned by one other cool out of doors journey to attempt. From mountain biking to mountain climbing to horseback driving to even paddling sports activities, Scottsdale gives slightly little bit of all the pieces.
Here are the perfect out of doors adventures to take pleasure in in Scottsdale, whether or not it is your first go to or your fiftieth!
Note: This put up is dropped at you as a part of a paid partnership with Experience Scottsdale. But, as at all times, all opinions are 100% my very own and primarily based on my private experiences!
The finest issues to do outside in Scottsdale
1. Go for a hike
Scottsdale has some epic mountain climbing choices to select from, whether or not you are in search of a mild desert stroll or a difficult mountain path. Most of the paths listed below are dotted with towering saguaro cacti, too, which is an added bonus!
Just a number of of Scottsdale’s well-liked mountain climbing areas embrace:
- McDonicely Sonoran Preserve – This 35,500-acre protect is house to five main trailheads that connect with greater than 225 miles of desert trails. Most of the paths listed below are lower than 5 miles lengthy, with the most well-liked being the Gateway Loop Trail, the Tom’s Thumb Trail, and Lost Dog Wash. And the Bajada Nature Trail is a flat, half-mile loop that is nice for a straightforward desert stroll.
- Pinnacle Peak Park – The path as much as the summit of Pinnacle Peak is a superb choice in north Scottsdale. The complete path size is 4 miles, however my husband Elliot and I did a 2-mile out and again part of it and nonetheless obtained implausible views.
- Camelback Mountain – The most recognizable mountain within the space, Camelback Mountain is a well-liked mountain climbing spot for locals and guests alike. You can hike both the Echo Canyon or Cholla path, each of which provide up some gorgeous views over Scottsdale and Sonoran Desert. (Just be aware that this can be a very strenuous hike!) Find extra information about climbing Camelback Mountain right here.
Note: when you’re visiting Scottsdale in summer season, I do not advocate occurring any of those hikes (apart from perhaps the Bajada Nature Trail) in the course of the day. It will simply be too sizzling and harmful. If you need to hike in the course of the summer season months, select a shorter path and begin as near dawn as potential!
The native REI co-op gives some guided mountain climbing excursions, too, if you wish to be taught extra in regards to the flora, fauna, and geology of the desert as you hike.
2. Try mountain biking
If you’d slightly hit the paths on two wheels as a substitute of two toes, Scottsdale has some nice mountain biking choices, too! Many space mountain climbing trails are literally mixed-use trails appropriate for mountain bikes, together with trails within the Brown’s Ranch Trail System, McDonicely Mountain Regional Park, and McDonicely Sonoran Preserve.
You can lease a mountain bike from REI Co-op and hit the paths by yourself, or you’ll be able to be a part of a guided mountain bike tour (which is appropriate for novices!). There’s even this e-bike desert tour if full-on mountain biking is not your jam.
Elliot tackled a part of the Gateway Trail within the McDonicely Sonoran Preserve on our final go to, and stated it was difficult however enjoyable.
3. Sunrise sizzling air balloon journey
The Scottsdale space is a superb spot for a sizzling air balloon journey, particularly when you’ve by no means tried one earlier than. Hot air ballooning is quiet and peaceable and an effective way to expertise the desert. You can watch the solar come up as you float above the desert panorama, holding your eyes peeled for wildlife beneath.
There are a pair corporations within the Scottsdale/Phoenix space that provide sizzling air balloon rides over the Sonoran Desert, with all of the dawn choices ending with a champagne breakfast. (Book your individual tour right here.)
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4. Go horseback driving
This is likely to be shocking when you solely affiliate Scottsdale with luxurious golf resorts, however north of Scottsdale you will discover a thriving ranch tradition! There are a number of ranches on this a part of Arizona – and even a bar (the Buffalo Chip Saloon) in Cave Creek that hosts beginner bull driving twice every week!
If you need to really feel like a little bit of a cowboy (or lady) throughout your time in Scottsdale, you’ll be able to ebook a desert horseback driving tour. MacDonald’s Ranch is situated in north Scottsdale, and their all-levels horseback driving excursions are the proper solution to expertise the Sonoran Desert.
You’ll really feel worlds away from downtown Scottsdale as you are driving between towering Saguaro cacti with mountains within the distance. (And no driving expertise is required!)
This self-professed “horse girl” cherished the prospect to do one thing like this in Scottsdale!
5. Paddle the Salt River
When the climate will get sizzling in Scottsdale, you will need to head for the water – as a result of sure, there’s water close by! One of the most well-liked spots to chill down on a sizzling day is the Salt River. This 200-mile-long river is a brief drive from Scottsdale, and you’ll take pleasure in it on a tube, raft, or kayak.
Because the Salt River is fed from up within the mountains, the water is at all times good and funky in the summertime – excellent for paddling or a fast dip!
I’ve accomplished this Lower Salt River Kayaking Tour with REI Co-op Experiences, which was a good looking and stress-free paddle. Or there’s a relaxed rafting choice, too, appropriate for the entire household.
If you are fortunate, you may see a few of the wild horses that dwell throughout the close by Tonto National Forest throughout your paddle. The horses come to the Salt River to drink and funky off (particularly within the mornings) in the course of the summer season months.
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6. Go on an ATV or UTV journey
One of probably the most thrilling out of doors adventures I’ve had within the Scottsdale space was the UTV tour Elliot and I did with Stellar Adventures. These excursions take you far out into the Sonoran Desert within the Tonto National Forest, the place you deal with off-road trails in beefy UTVs.
The firm supplies a information and all the security gear you want; you solely have to carry a way of journey – and a willingness to get actually, actually dusty.
Our 2-hour tour included a full 2 hours out on the paths, with a handful of stops for water and images. Stellar Adventures gives each ATV excursions and UTV excursions, although I personally favor UTVs!
If driving by yourself off-road terrifies you, although (I get it; I’m that individual), you too can ebook an off-road Jeep tour or Hummer tour the place another person does the driving!
7. Hit the golf programs
And, sure, you’ll be able to after all golf to your coronary heart’s content material in Scottsdale, too! There are greater than 50 golf programs IN Scottsdale and 200 (TWO HUNDRED) golf programs within the surrounding space, so you actually do have your decide.
Scottsdale accommodations for out of doors lovers
Honestly, most accommodations in Scottsdale supply desert views and outdoor-centric vibes; you’ll be able to’t actually go improper. But a pair I’d particularly advocate for his or her outdoorsy really feel embrace:
- Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows – This vibe-y resort with views of Camelback Mountain consists of low-slung bungalows that do a very good job of mixing in to the desert panorama. It’s one of many extra inexpensive choices in Scottsdale, and one among my favourite accommodations there.
- Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North – Along with lovely rooms that embrace nods to Adobe structure, this Four Seasons resort additionally has two golf programs, a personal mountain climbing path resulting in Pinnacle Peak, and wellness packages that embrace issues like a “Desert Bathing experience.”
- The Boulders Resort & Spa – Along with two award-winning golf programs, the 5-star Boulders Resort additionally gives mountain climbing courses and stargazing with knowledgeable astronomer. It’s the proper spot for any outside lover.
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What kinds of outdoorsy issues do you take pleasure in doing while you journey?