With it’s signature red rock landscape, crystal blue skies and endless sunshine Phoenix is a city where life is best lived outside. Whether you’re traveling to Phoenix for a business trip or to Scottsdale for a girlfriend getaway, the proximity of several mountains, the Sonoran Desert and a handful of lakes and rivers means you’re never too far from some outdoor adventures. So if you want red mountain hikes, crave a bit of culture or desire nothing more than to lounge in a poolside cabana in Scottsdale; there is no shortage of outdoor activities in Phoenix. Pack your bags and check out some of the best things to do in Phoenix, Arizona.
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Hiking in Phoenix
There is no doubt Phoenix offers up some of the best urban hiking in the country. Where else can you hit the trails during the day with plenty of time for a poolside cocktail in the evening? Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale is perhaps the best known hike in Phoenix but the nearby Usery Mountains, Tonto National Forest and Superstition Mountains have miles of trails waiting to be explored. While beautiful the desert can also be brutal; make sure you stay on marked trails, watch out for wildlife (a snake bite is a sure way to ruin your day) and drink plenty of water (make sure to bring along an eco-friendly reusable water bottle). With countless trails ranging flat and wheelchair accessible to 2,000 foot climbs that require scrambling and boulder hopping, some of the best hiking in Phoenix is only minutes from downtown.
Laze by the Pool in Scottsdale
When the Arizona sun brings temperatures into the triple digit range the only thing you really want to do is lounge by the pool with a fruity drink in hand and naturally Phoenix has elevated lazing by the pool into an art form. Scottsdale is well known for it’s world class luxury resorts featuring over the top pools that are the perfect antidote to the blazing Sonoran sun. The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale features a 2.5 acre aquatic playground with 10 pools, 20 fountains and a three-story tall tall high speed waterslide (check out my review for the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale); while the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess features six pools including one that has a 9,000 square foot white sand beach.
Horseback Riding in the McDowell Mountains
For a true taste of the wild west, cowboy up with the folks at Fort McDowell Adventures. Atop your trusty steed explore the sun-baked hills dotted with saguaro cactus and mesquite while real-deal cowboys share the history of the Yavapai Indians and tell tales of long lost gold mines. We-Ko-Pa Resort, a family friendly resort operated by the Yavapai Nation that boasts a pool with views of the nearby Red Mountains as well as a cozy spa and an award winning casino, is the perfect place to rest your haunches after a day in the saddle.
Stand Up Paddle Board in Mesa
When you think of Arizona adventures stand up paddle boarding probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind but when the desert temperatures climb there is nothing like a day out on the water. With six lakes and a handful of rivers the Phoenix area offers ample opportunity to get out on the water. Pick up your rental board from the friendly folks at No Snow Stand Up Paddle in Mesa on your way out to Saguaro Lake. This two square mile lake, with views of the Four Peaks mountain range, towering sandstone cliffs and namesake saguaro cacti lining the shores is one of the most stunning places I’ve paddled. Lake Pleasant, a 10,000 acre lake popular for windsurfing and waterskiing, is just a 45 minute drive from downtown Phoenix.
Hot Air Balloon Ride in Phoenix
A hot air balloon ride tops many bucket lists and with over 300 days of sunshine per year and the beauty of the Sonoran Desert stretching out for miles Phoenix is one of the best places in the US to make your ballooning dream a reality. Watching the sun rise from behind red rock mountains while gliding up to 5,000 feet above the desert landscape is equal parts thrilling, magical and surreal and with a champagne brunch after you land this flight with Hot Air Expeditions is one experience you won’t mind getting up early for. If you’re a first timer be sure to check out my tips for your first hot air balloon ride.
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West
Including an architectural tour on a list of outdoor adventures may seem a bit odd, but hear me out. Taliesin West, the winter outpost of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright, is where the architect’s signature brand of organic architecture is on full display. The home is equal parts Flintsones and mid-century modern while the history of Frank Lloyd Wright, his family and students (Taleisin West continues to serve as an architectural school to this day) are fascinating. Time your visit to Taleisin West for the evening for magnificent sunset views over Scottsdale and the surrounding McDowell Mountains.
Spend a Day Out on the Farm in Queen Creek
The deserts around Phoenix hold many surprises and one of the biggest for me was discovering the rich agricultural heritage of the farming communities near Mesa, Arizona on the Fresh Foodie Trail. Queen Creek Olive Mill, Arizona’s only working olive grove, offers a true farm-to-table experience with it’s olive press and cafe. At their Olive 101 class you can learn about (and sample) the olive oil pressed on site then dine on casual Tuscan-inspired fare at the Mill’s onsite eatery. When it comes to peaches Georgia has nothing on Schnepf Farms, Arizona’s largest organic peach farm that has been run by the Schnepf family for over four generations. Over 250,000 visitors stop by Schnepf Farms for juicy peaches straight from the tree, fresh baked peach pies and peach cinnamon rolls from their bakery, as well as the many festivals the farm hosts throughout the year.
BonBon says
Beautiful!!! How long you suggest to stay in Phoenix? I planning to do Phoenix, Scottdale, and Sedona:) Thank you
Andi says
I’m back in Phoenix for awhile and you’ve highlighted some great spots. I’ve done them all except the hiking, so I better get that checked off my list!
Brianna says
I just love desert hiking.
Amanda says
I have always been fascinated by the thought of going to the desert and staying in a nice resort. I so often only do thisat the beach, but those surroundings look fabulous! Saving this for future plans.
Brianna says
Seriously, the desert is enchanting.
Danik says
Out of all these, I would love to do hiking in the cooler months or cycle from west coast to east coast via AZ but probably have to do this at night as its so bloody hot there I been told đ
Brianna says
Summer is ungodly hot but winters are splendid.
Julie says
I love Phoenix! But we’ve spent most of our time there for work in the past…would love to visit for pleasure and do some of these fun outdoor things! I know my kids would love horseback riding and we’d love the hiking!
Brianna says
The horseback riding would be perfect for kids.
Clare says
I haven’t been to Phoenix but I have been in the desert in that area. I too did a horseback ride at sunrise which was great fun. I would love to do the hot air balloon ride there though it looks amazing đ
Brianna says
The hot air balloon ride was a dream come true.
Pilar says
I’m in love with Phoenix now! To be honest I’ve never thought about visiting Phoenix before but there are so many cool things to do that it’s now on my bucket list! I really liked the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale, looks like the perfect place to stay for me, I’ll try to go there and then make the most of my time doing all the activities you recommend, especially the horse riding <3
xoxo,
Pilar
Brianna says
I hope you love the desert as much as I do.
Bharat & Supriya says
You had me at hot air balloons Brianna. Have been to Arizona but never to Phoenix. Wow, those cactus trees are so big. I assume it would be great to pair up a side trip to Phoenix with one of the national parks in Arizona!
Jenni says
Wow that pool looks very luxurious I would love to stay here. I really like the look of Arizona I have never visited anywhere that looks like this before so it would be a new experience for me.
Megan Jerrard says
Arizona is an incredible State for the outdoors – we were lucky enough to live in the suburbs of Phoenix for a year, and the hiking opportunites are incredible – there’s an annual balloon festival every year which is awesome to catch if you’re a fan of hot air balooning as well – I think it was called the Arizona Balloon Classic off the top of my head đ
Dorene says
Beautiful pics of Arizona! Funny how I don’t think of water in Arizona, but it looks like the perfect place to SUP! Bookmarked for my next travels there.
Brianna says
Saguaro Lake was an amazing place to SUP!
sherianne says
I haven’t been to Phoenix for awhile which is crazy because it is not that far away — thanks for the reminder and tips!
Brianna says
Time for a road trip!
Genie Patra says
wow those cactus are incredible! I can’t imagine what standing next to them feels like. Also love the hot air balloons! Didn’t know you could get a scene like that in arizona
Brianna says
I took a ridiculous amount of cactus pictures.
Mags says
I love the Southwest! I still have never been in a hot air balloon, but that’s certainly on the list for next time I’m in the area.
Brianna says
I can’t imagine a better place in the US to hot air balloon
sara | belly rumbles says
Arizona is such a gorgeous state. Such a wonderful list of things to get you in the big outdoors when visiting Phoenix. The hot air ballooning has my vote.
Claudia says
Looks like you enjoyed a great time in Phoenix! So many great things to see and do in the area. We loved our visit to Taleisin West. As my hubby is an architect, a visit there is like a pilgrimage. It’s a great to spot to visit even if you’re not an architect of course – I loved it!
Brianna says
I was surprised to learn that Taliesin West was still a practicing architecture school.
Saania Ali says
Looks fun place!! I am excited to go for hot air balloon ride & paddle boarding. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful place.
Suruchi says
Phoenix seems like a great place for the outdoor adventure activities. The trek, pools, stand up paddle boards all look awesome but hot air ballooning at 5000 feet above the desert land will be super cool for us. Would love to try all of these once in Phoenix.
Hunter says
This is awesome – who would have thought Phoenix had so much adventure in it!! If you could only do one of them, which of them would it be?
Plaid Shirt Yoga Pants says
Phoenix looks like so much fun! I’ve only ever been overnight after spending three nights at the grand canyon – I hope to visit soon because I want to also go to Saguaro National Park.
Zoe says
Brianna, that does look like a beautiful place to paddle board. Thanks for sharing such awesome photos!
Dan says
I love to be outside but that’s why I don’t like going to Phoenix. The article neglects any mention of the suffocating heat for more than half the year. Or the need to drive everywhere since Phoenix and suburbs take urban sprawl to a new level. See the recent article Grist.org on March 17 that identified Phoenix as America’s Least Sustainable City.
Tami says
So glad to see there ARE some things to do in this part of Arizona. Our son lived there one summer for an internship and he told us not to bother to visit him in the summer because it was too hot to do anything! I imagine, though, that there’s a lot to do when the weather is a bit cooler!
Andi says
Agree with your suggestions, I’ve tried them all! Lots of fun stuff to do in the area!
Maira says
Would love to do hot air balloon ride… is it scary? I am so excited!
Lauren says
Pheonix is top of my list of places in the US I want to explore through hiking – thanks!
Cynthia Mackintosh says
This is a great guide to those who always say “it’s too hot in the dessert.” There are so many things to do! We’re actually traveling to Las Vegas in July this year! Fantastic photos!
Obligatory Traveler says
We almost did Phoenix as our winter getaway last year. We love architecture, especially Frank Lloyd Wright and I’d love to see that house. We’ve also never done a hot air balloon ride yet. Great post, maybe we need to do an Arizona trip in 2019.
factory tour says
Beautiful Place, Amazing tour experience Thanks for sharing these all wonderful memories with us,. do you know Tonto National Forest is the largest national forest in Arizona and is the fifth most-visited forest in the United States? Nearly 6 million people visit each year.
Rob says
So excited to visit Phoenix and go SUPing in Mesa!
Meet Saxena says
I have been to Phoenix once and I must say it was an amazing experience, but I missed to the farm in queen creek. On my next visit I am going there first as it seems an amazing place by your pictures.
Parking Phoenix says
One of my favorite things are olives! Queen Creek Olive Mill has some of the most delicious olives. If you’re in the area – you have to try them!
Jan Gray says
Hello – your photos are beautiful. I am creating a weekly program for the Rotary Club of Scottsdale where my husband is President-elect. I would like to ask if I could use your photo on the front page of our program. It would be there indefinitely. Thank you
Brianna says
Hi Jan, I’m thrilled you like my images! You are free to use them for this purpose with credit back to me.