With a vast range of outdoor activities available in Phoenix, it can be a challenge to know where to start. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, there is something for everyone to enjoy. From hiking and biking to kayaking and hot air balloon rides, you’ll be able to experience the beauty of the desert landscape.
In this post, we have compiled a list of the top outdoor activities to do in Phoenix. We’ll provide you with all the information you need to know, including where to go, what to do, and how to prepare for a fun-filled day in the great outdoors. So, grab your sunscreen and get ready to explore the best of what Phoenix has to offer.
Saddle Up for Wild West Adventure
Bumble Bee Ranch in Canyon City, an hour north of Phoenix, lets you saddle up and make like the Lone Ranger along the rocky canyons and creeks splitting Prescott and—where else?—Tonto national forests. A former stagecoach outpost, trail rides head up Bumble Bee Creek and into the foothills of the Bradshaw Mountains, where you’ll get into the frontier spirit with tales of wildlife and even wilder Wild West behavior. The ranch also offers wrangler-led pony rides for younger cowboys and girls and cattle drives on the property’s working cattle ranch.
Hot air balloon rides at the Sonoran Desert
If you’re looking for a unique outdoor activity to do in Phoenix, a hot air balloon ride in the Sonoran Desert is a must-try experience. The Sonoran Desert is a beautiful and serene location that provides a breathtaking backdrop for a hot air balloon ride. As you soar into the air, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the desert landscape, with its cacti, canyons, and mountains stretching as far as the eye can see.
Hot air balloon rides at the Sonoran Desert are available all year round, but the best time to go is during the cooler months between November and March. During this time, the weather is mild and comfortable, and the skies are clear, providing the perfect conditions for a peaceful and enjoyable experience.
There are several hot air balloon operators in Phoenix that offer rides at the Sonoran Desert, each with its own unique packages and options. Some companies offer sunrise rides, which provide a stunning view of the sunrise over the desert, while others offer sunset rides, which provide a romantic and serene way to end the day.
Raft the Verde River
Arizona’s only federally-designated Wild & Scenic River, the 200-mile Verde flows south from its headwaters in Prescott National Forest toward Phoenix, offering intriguing glimpses of the Sonoran Desert’s distinct flora and fauna. There’s a 60-mile section between Beaslet Flats and Horseshoe Reservoir good for multiday floats, plus a number of accessible stretches for day trips out of Phoenix. Whitewater can hit Class IV during heavy spring snowmelt or rains, though it’s mostly a family-friendly Class II to III ride.
Be a Cowboy at Saguaro Lake Ranch
Saguaro Lake Ranch sits in a tranquil spot just beneath the dam that holds back ten-mile-long Saguaro Lake, about 40 miles east of downtown Phoenix. Downstream, the Salt River twists beneath the striking Bulldog Cliffs and Goldfield Mountains before flowing toward the Greater Phoenix metro area. This guest ranch has been run by the same family for four generations, and it shows in the hospitality and homey touches in evidence throughout the riverside property.
Guests sleep in simple but comfortable “ranchettes,” first built to house the workers who constructed Saguaro Lake’s Stewart Mountain Dam between 1928 and 1930. These days, however, you can also count on free property-wide WiFi, hooked up by the current owner’s grandkids (but happily no phones or televisions in the rooms). Daytime activities include hiking and horseback riding along the desert trails of Tonto National Forest, kayaking and tubing on the Salt River, or special programs such as art weekends and family reunions. Meals are shared buffet-style in a communal dining room, where you’ll feast on homemade treats such as BBQ chicken, biscuits, and fresh-baked cookies.
Scale the Praying Monk
On weekends and holidays, Phoenix’s Camelback Mountain/Echo Canyon Recreation Area becomes a literal conga line of hikers and trail runners shuffling toward the 2,407-foot summit, one of Phoenix’s signature red-rock peaks. Instead, get off the popular trail and negotiate over 50 accessible climbing routes that see a fraction of the crowds, from easy beginner faces to more strenuous routes that include the 80-foot face of the Praying Monk, a 5.7-rated climb. Hook up with a local outfitter such as 360 Adventures for excellent half- and full-day guided adventures that will have even the easily intimidated giving it a go.
See the Spring Wildflowers
Deserts evoke stillness and aridity that belie the profusion of life that actually thrives within the barren terrain. The Sonoran Desert is no exception. Straddling seven of eight climactic zones, you can actually find something blooming pretty much year-round, though spring rains bring a particularly effusive vigor to the desert’s ingenious animal and plant life. The best months for wildflower viewing are typically late February through April in the lower-lying Phoenix Valley area, which occupies the desert’s northern plain.
Head to the city’s Desert Botanical Gardens for an eye-popping precursor of what you’ll find in easy-to-access South Mountain Park and Preserve. In the East Valley area near Mesa, tackle Jacob’s Crosscut Trail in Lost Dutchman State Park for an impressive hike over the cliffs at the base of the Superstition Mountains. To the west of Phoenix, Mesquite Canyon Trail in White Tank Mountain Regional Park is another superlative hike, with or without the seasonal blooms.
Biking on the Scottsdale Greenbelt
If you’re looking for an outdoor activity that offers both exercise and breathtaking views, biking on the Scottsdale Greenbelt is an excellent choice. This biking trail is over 12 miles long and winds through the city of Scottsdale, offering a unique perspective of the local area.
Along the way, you will see parks, lakes, and wildlife. The path is paved, making it accessible for all biking levels.
One of the highlights of biking on the Scottsdale Greenbelt is the opportunity to stop at local shops and restaurants along the way. You can take a break and enjoy some local cuisine or browse through unique boutiques. There are also several bike rental shops nearby, making it easy to rent a bike and hit the trail.
Rock climbing at Pinnacle Peak
If you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping outdoor adventure in Phoenix, then rock climbing at Pinnacle Peak is a must-try activity. Pinnacle Peak is a popular hiking spot located in North Scottsdale, but it’s also a great spot for rock climbing enthusiasts. The peak offers a variety of climbing routes suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced climbers. You can choose from over 100 routes ranging from easy to difficult, so there’s something for everyone.
The peak is made up of steep granite walls and challenging boulder problems, making it a perfect spot for climbers who love to push themselves to the limit. The views from the top are breathtaking, and the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel after reaching the summit is unparalleled.
If you’re new to rock climbing, there are several guided tours and classes available that will teach you the basics and get you started on your climbing journey. Experienced climbers can rent gear and head straight to the peak for an unforgettable climbing experience. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, Pinnacle Peak is a must-visit spot for anyone who loves outdoor adventure and wants to experience the thrill of rock climbing in Phoenix.
Play the Desert Slots
The pristine desert slots surrounding Phoenix are prime for canyoneering, though the technical nature of the sport, not to mention its inherent dangers (cf.: Ralston, Aron), means visitors should go with an outfitter. (Besides, canyoneers are notoriously secretive about their stashes.) The knowledgeable guides at 360 Adventures will pinpoint the best local spots given your group’s skill levels and conditions on the ground.
Parker Canyon, east of Phoenix, is a deep, technical gorge with lots of big rappels and variable water flow through the narrows. Salome Canyon is another sublime gorge in the same area, with waterfalls, tubes, and swimming holes. Late April through May is typically the best time for canyoneering, with all the canyons sitting beautifully with high flows from the spring rains.
Take a Flightseeing Tour of the Grand Canyon
The Big Ditch merits so much more than a mere day of your time, but if you can’t afford a longer foray to the world wonder 180 miles north (as the crow flies) of Phoenix, then ditch the day-tripping coach tours and do it in style. Westwind Aviation operates a daylong fly-and-hike adventure to Grand Canyon National Park that departs Phoenix Deer Valley Airport, swoops north over Tonto National Forest, Sedona, and Flagstaff, before dropping you close to the park’s southern entrance.
Here you’ll transfer into the knowledgeable hands of the guides from Arizona Outdoor Adventures, with whom you’ll descend into the billion-year-old gut of the Grand Canyon down the South Kaibab Trail. Enjoy gourmet sandwiches, organic granola bars, and trail mix while drinking in the views at one of the best picnic spots on the continent.
Bike the Trails at McDowell Mountain Regional Park
The Phoenix area might not have the epic swoops, vistas, and drops of Colorado’s or Utah’s best singletrack, but what you get out here is accessible, all-season riding (OK, maybe not at the height of summer, unless you’re really hardcore). McDowell Mountain Regional Park, about 40 minutes from downtown Phoenix, is the region’s best mountain-biking venue.
A competitive race circuit provides amped-up technical riding on three separate loops, totaling about 15 miles. Or go au naturel on an additional 25 miles of trails, which weave along easy-riding doubletrack past thickets of cholla cacti, over undulating rocky pitches, and down into the dry washes of the Verde River Basin. For an even more epic ride, hook up with Windgate Windmill Pass, which threads the McDowell Mountains and McDowell Sonoran Preserve right into downtown Scottsdale. Keep your eyes out for the pair of mountain lions who prowl the higher ridgelines here.
Stand-up paddleboarding on Tempe Town Lake
If you’re looking for a unique outdoor experience in Phoenix, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) on Tempe Town Lake is a must-try activity. This activity is perfect for those who love to be out in the water and enjoy the beautiful scenery that Phoenix has to offer. Tempe Town Lake is a man-made lake that is located in the heart of downtown Tempe and offers a stunning view of the surrounding mountains.
Stand-up paddleboarding is easy to learn, and it’s a great workout for your core muscles. The calm waters of Tempe Town Lake are perfect for beginners, and there are plenty of rental shops in the area that offer boards for rent by the hour or for the day. In addition to paddleboarding, you can also try kayaking or canoeing on the lake if you prefer.
Make sure to pack sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water as the Arizona sun can be intense, even on the water. Don’t forget to take some time to enjoy the beautiful scenery and snap some photos of the surrounding mountains. Stand-up paddleboarding on Tempe Town Lake is an unforgettable experience that you won’t want to miss during your visit to Phoenix.
Explore the Country’s Largest Urban Park
Buttressing the southern end of metro Phoenix’s epic sprawl, South Mountain Park and Preserve unfurls into the wilderness with the suddenness of a voodoo spell. At 16,000 acres, it’s the country’s largest urban park. One minute you’re driving through low-slung residential ‘hoods, the next you’re hitting a dusty trail through fields of meteor-sized boulders and sentinel saguaros. There are over 60 miles of trails from which to choose.
For an easy two-hour loop, head up toward 2,690-foot Mount Suppoa on the Kiwanis Trail before cutting east to Fat Man’s Pass and Hidden Valley. On the hike home, take the spur for the Holbert Trail to glimpse a series of prehistoric petroglyphs carved into the rocks by the region’s Hohokam people thousands of years ago. If you have a shuttle vehicle available, continue from Fat Man’s Pass on the National Trail for an excellent full-day hike.