You would possibly affiliate Scottsdale, Arizona with issues like upscale golf programs, baseball spring coaching, and (more and more as of late) bachelorette events. And you’ll certainly discover all of these issues in Scottsdale. However Scottsdale additionally has an awesome 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 instances, and each single go to I am shocked by one other cool outside journey to strive. From mountain biking to climbing to horseback driving to even paddling sports activities, Scottsdale affords somewhat little bit of all the things.
Listed below are the perfect outside adventures to take pleasure in in Scottsdale, whether or not it is your first go to or your fiftieth!
Word: This publish is delivered to you as a part of a paid partnership with Expertise Scottsdale. However, as all the time, all opinions are 100% my very own and based mostly on my private experiences!
The very best issues to do outdoor in Scottsdale
1. Go for a hike
Scottsdale has some epic climbing choices to select from, whether or not you are on the lookout for a mild desert stroll or a difficult mountain path. A lot of the trails listed below are dotted with towering saguaro cacti, too, which is an added bonus!
Only a few of Scottsdale’s widespread climbing areas embrace:
- McDowell Sonoran Protect – This 35,500-acre protect is residence to five main trailheads that hook up with greater than 225 miles of desert trails. A lot of the trails listed below are lower than 5 miles lengthy, with the preferred being the Gateway Loop Path, the Tom’s Thumb Path, and Misplaced Canine Wash. And the Bajada Nature Path is a flat, half-mile loop that is nice for a simple desert stroll.
- Pinnacle Peak Park – The path as much as the summit of Pinnacle Peak is a good possibility in north Scottsdale. The overall path size is 4 miles, however my husband Elliot and I did a 2-mile out and again part of it and nonetheless bought improbable views.
- Camelback Mountain – Probably the most recognizable mountain within the space, Camelback Mountain is a well-liked climbing spot for locals and guests alike. You may hike both the Echo Canyon or Cholla path, each of which provide up some gorgeous views over Scottsdale and Sonoran Desert. (Simply observe that this can be a very strenuous hike!) Discover extra information about climbing Camelback Mountain right here.
Word: for those who’re visiting Scottsdale in summer time, I do not suggest happening any of those hikes (aside from perhaps the Bajada Nature Path) in the midst of the day. It’s going to simply be too sizzling and harmful. If you wish to hike in the course of the summer time months, select a shorter path and begin as near dawn as doable!
The native REI co-op affords some guided climbing excursions, too, if you wish to study extra in regards to the flora, fauna, and geology of the desert as you hike.
2. Strive mountain biking
In the event you’d somewhat hit the paths on two wheels as a substitute of two toes, Scottsdale has some nice mountain biking choices, too! Many space climbing trails are literally mixed-use trails appropriate for mountain bikes, together with trails within the Brown’s Ranch Path System, McDowell Mountain Regional Park, and McDowell Sonoran Protect.
You may lease a mountain bike from REI Co-op and hit the paths by yourself, or you possibly can be part of a guided mountain bike tour (which is appropriate for newcomers!). There’s even this e-bike desert tour if full-on mountain biking is not your jam.
Elliot tackled a part of the Gateway Path within the McDowell Sonoran Protect on our final go to, and stated it was difficult however enjoyable.
3. Dawn sizzling air balloon journey
The Scottsdale space is a good spot for a sizzling air balloon journey, particularly for those who’ve by no means tried one earlier than. Scorching air ballooning is quiet and peaceable and an effective way to expertise the desert. You may watch the solar come up as you float above the desert panorama, conserving your eyes peeled for wildlife beneath.
There are a pair firms 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. (Guide your personal tour right here.)
RELATED: High 10 Romantic Issues to Do in Scottsdale
4. Go horseback driving
This is likely to be stunning for those who 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 wish to really feel like a little bit of a cowboy (or lady) throughout your time in Scottsdale, you possibly can ebook a desert horseback driving tour. MacDonald’s Ranch is situated in north Scottsdale, and their all-levels horseback driving excursions are the proper strategy to expertise the Sonoran Desert.
You will 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 lady” cherished the possibility 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! Some of the widespread 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.
As a result of the Salt River is fed from up within the mountains, the water is all the time good and funky in the summertime – good for paddling or a fast dip!
I’ve finished this Decrease Salt River Kayaking Tour with REI Co-op Experiences, which was a gorgeous and enjoyable paddle. Or there is a relaxed rafting possibility, too, appropriate for the entire household.
In the event you’re fortunate, you would possibly see a few of the wild horses that reside throughout the close by Tonto Nationwide 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 time months.
RELATED: How one can Spend 3 Days in Scottsdale
6. Go on an ATV or UTV journey
Some of the thrilling outside 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 Nationwide Forest, the place you sort out off-road trails in beefy UTVs.
The corporate gives a information and all the security gear you want; you solely have to convey 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 pictures. Stellar Adventures affords each ATV excursions and UTV excursions, although I personally choose UTVs!
If driving by yourself off-road terrifies you, although (I get it; I’m that particular person), you can even ebook an off-road Jeep tour or Hummer tour the place another person does the driving!
7. Hit the golf programs
And, sure, you possibly can in fact 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 resorts for outside lovers
Truthfully, most resorts in Scottsdale provide desert views and outdoor-centric vibes; you possibly can’t actually go incorrect. However a pair I might particularly suggest for his or her outdoorsy really feel embrace:
- Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows – This vibe-y lodge with views of Camelback Mountain consists of low-slung bungalows that do job of mixing in to the desert panorama. It is one of many extra inexpensive choices in Scottsdale, and considered one of my favourite resorts there.
- 4 Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North – Together with lovely rooms that embrace nods to Adobe structure, this 4 Seasons resort additionally has two golf programs, a non-public climbing path resulting in Pinnacle Peak, and wellness applications that embrace issues like a “Desert Bathing expertise.”
- The Boulders Resort & Spa – Together with two award-winning golf programs, the 5-star Boulders Resort additionally affords mountain climbing courses and stargazing with an expert astronomer. It is the proper spot for any outdoor lover.
RELATED: The place to Keep in Scottsdale Primarily based on Your Journey Type
What kinds of outdoorsy issues do you take pleasure in doing if you journey?
