Experience Arizona's greatest hiking trails and outdoor adventures
HIKING
Camelback Mountain:
Being one of the highest peaks, Camelback Mountain offers moderate to challenging trails with scenery that takes your breath away. Echo Canyon, the most challenging trail, is 1.2 miles and incredibly steep. Don’t let this defeat the amazing views and all this mountain has to offer for you! Cholla Trailhead is the second trail which is slightly easier, running at 1.5 miles (one way). We challenge you to cross this off your Arizona bucket list while you’re here next. In the hotter season, please don’t forget to bring water and stay hydrated.
(top right image)
Papago Park:
Papago is a longtime favorite park with beginner climbing and hiking for everyone - including families! It sits in an area of other popular spots like the Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix Zoo and museum centers. This is why it has been designated as a Phoenix Point of Pride. And living up to its name, don’t forget the historic hole-in-the-rock, a cherished icon to experience in Arizona. What’s great is that there are trail options for hiking ranging from easy (0.2 miles) to moderate (3.1 miles). The longer distanced trails are accomplished at the Papago West Park, located less than two miles from Hole-in-the-Rock trail. It’s an amazing park to visit so we encourage you to stop by and see for yourself!
(bottom left image)
Gateway Loop Trail - McDowell Sonoran Preserve:
If you’re looking for a serene, gorgeous view for hiking then this the spot for you. It features colorful wildflowers and native animals inhabiting the Arizona desert at McDowell Sonoran Mountain. This is considered a moderate path that loops at a distance of 4.2 miles round-trip. Most visitors exclaim that it is a great workout for all to attempt - kid and dog friendly! When you visit here, grab your buddies for a power walk or hike this all the way around and you will be happy you did! And if this go-to hike wasn’t already a Scottsdale-native favorite, visit during sunrise or sunset for stunning views.
(bottom right image)
HORSEBACK RIDING
Witte Stables - A wonderful choice to learn how to ride horses while in Scottsdale. They provide riding lessons for all. Additionally, they have day camps for kids which includes: a barn tour, grooming horses, a riding lesson and more!
MacDonald’s Ranch - Offers a variety of options for their guests, including private, group and moonlight rides! We highly recommend creating a reservation with them asap as they are very popular in the area.
Cave Creek Outfitters - A Scottsdale favorite! They deliver horseback riding tours through the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and even Tonto National Forest. While you’re in town, this experience will show off more of Arizona’s natural beauty.
MORE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Desert Botanical Garden:
Arizona is proud to hold such a tranquil, yet lively spot like the Desert Botanical Garden. Plan your visit to this location and delve into 140 acres of desert succulents, cacti, wildflowers and lush trees. Even top off your experience with a nice lunch at Gertrude’s Restaurant or The Patio Cafe before hitting their awesome Garden Shop!
(top left image)
Aerogelic Ballooning - Scottsdale Hot Air Balloons:
What’s better than visiting Phoenix/Scottsdale and viewing it from 1,000-3,000 feet above ground? We recommend this for all of our thrill-seeking, adventurous friends who are wanting to embody the fresh views of what our city has to offer. Perhaps this is your chance to cross it off your bucket list! Don’t miss out on this while you’re here.
Wild West Jeep Tours:
An exciting way to boost your desert trip. Taken through a natural terrain that Arizona is wildly known for, a beautiful landscape tour is an adventure you never knew you needed!
Kayaking - Arizona Outcome Adventures:
AOA presents another element to experiencing Scottsdale at its finest. Besides ground and air, there are also water activities such as kayaking and paddle boarding for you to attempt at the gorgeous Saguaro Lake.
