Phoenix is Arizona‘s capital and largest city. It is known for its stunning desert beauty, abundant sunny days, vibrant culture, and breathtaking sunsets. In addition, this city’s rich Native American history is equally impressive. It still retains the old Western charm and carries Spanish colonial influences. Also, this place boasts luxurious accommodations and world-class golf courses.
With over 300 sunny days a year, this Arizona city is a year-round haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Its rugged, sun-scoured mountains offer many hiking and rock climbing opportunities. Likewise, its national parks offer retreats from the busy city life. Visitors can also indulge in several water activities in this city’s lakes. Mountain biking, horse riding, swimming, fishing, and off-road driving are some of the best outdoor things to do in Phoenix. We will discuss them more in this blog.
Also Read:
- Best 10 Indoor Things to Do in Phoenix
- Must-Do Tours & Activities in Phoenix
- Top 10 Budget Hotels in Phoenix
- Top 10 Hotels to Stay in Phoenix
- Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride In Phoenix With Breakfast
- Explore The Vast Sonoran Desert
- Guided Arizona Desert Tour by ATV
- Book A Mountain Bike Tour
- Float The Salt River
- Hike To Camelback Mountain
- Book Apache Trail Day Trips
- Take Your Kids To Phoenix Zoo
- Travel To The Superstition Mountains
- Enjoy A Yoga Session At Papago Park
- Explore Phoenix On A Horse
Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride In Phoenix With Breakfast
(Source: Viator)
- Duration: 4 hours
- Price: $199~
- Free Cancellation
Ratings ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
We start our list with the fantastic Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride in Phoenix with Breakfast. This is a must-do outdoor activity and tour of the city. Imagine soaring up high in the air early in the morning. You will see unobstructed views of the rising sun on the horizon. Likewise, you will float over the gigantic Sonoran Desert and look over its magnificent landscape. You will also see desert wildlife and the unique Sonoran vegetation from above.
This outdoor tour offers pickup from the Fry’s Marketplace parking lot at 2800 W. Dove Valley Road. Visitors must arrive at the meeting point 30 minutes before sunrise. They will then take a short van ride to the launch area and soon climb aboard the hot air balloon. They will have many photo opportunities throughout the ride and enjoy unobstructed valley views. This tour also includes a lavish champagne breakfast and bottled water.
See These Similar Activities:
- Phoenix Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise
- Sunset Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Phoenix
- Phoenix Hot Air Balloon Ride
Explore The Vast Sonoran Desert
- Address: Arizona 85321, USA; Google Map
- Things To Do: Hiking, Off-road Desert Tours, Hot Air Balloon Adventures
Nothing screams more outdoorsy than hiking. Nestled in the Sonoran Desert, Phoenix offers unlimited access to the desert landscape. This 260,000-square-kilometer desert is known for its rugged mountains, enchanting cactus forests, and rich wildlife. It offers sanctuary to over 60 mammals, 100 reptiles, 350 birds, and 2,000 native plants. Learn more about them while hiking in this vast stretch of land. Its varied terrain and challenging rock formations make it an ideal hiking and mountain biking destination.
The Sonoran Desert features many hiking trails, including the Dixie Mountain Loop Trail, Dixie Summit Trail, Apache Wash Sidewinder Loop Trial, Sidewinder and Ocotillo Trail Loop, Desert Tortoise Trail, and Ridgeback Overlook. Most of these hikes are moderate-leveled and range from 30 to 543 meters in elevation gain. Hikers of every experience level will enjoy exploring these trails and leaving their footprints behind. As this is a desert, carry enough water, apply sunscreen, and take protective measures against the sun.
Check Out These Handpicked Activities:
- Stunning Sunset or Sunrise Guided Hiking Adventure in Phoenix
- Sonoran Desert 1.5 Hour Private Hike for Families and Groups
- Sonoran Desert 1/2 private group Day Hike casual to challenging
Guided Arizona Desert Tour by ATV
- Duration: 2 hours
- Price: $107.74~
- Free Cancellation
Ratings ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If hiking is not your thing, how about choosing something more convenient? One option is to take ATV tours in the Sonoran Desert. This Guided Arizona Desert Tour by ATV is among the top off-road tours in the area. Visitors will board a single-rider ATV and follow their guide. They will first get a safety briefing from their guide and start their journey from Rock Springs.
This two-hour journey takes riders to rugged, rocky trails in the Bradshaw Mountains. It includes traveling past saguaro cacti and deep canyons carved by flash floods. Riders will cross the Aqua Fria River and enjoy panoramic views of the valley. Moreover, the guide will share information about the region’s history, wildlife, and vegetation. This ATV tour includes helmets, goggles, bottled water, and safety training. It also offers visitors several departure choices.
See These Handpicked Off-road Tours:
- Self-Guided Centipede Desert ATV Rental
- Guided Arizona Desert Tour by UTV
- 3 Hour Guided TomCar ATV Experience in Sonoran Desert
Book A Mountain Bike Tour
We have discussed aerial tours, hiking, and off-road excursions; now, let’s switch to mountain biking. The Sonoran Desert features many easy-to-follow biking trails. Expect lots of climbing, tight turns, downhills, flats, and weaving around cactuses. Most biking trails are moderate-level and ideal for beginners and advanced riders. Bring your bike or book a guided tour to explore this vast desert.
Some popular mountain biking trails are the Dixie Mountain Loop Trail, Apache Wash Sidewinder Loop Trail, Sidewinder and Ocotillo Trail Loop, Dixie Mountain Loop and Western Vista Trail, Union Peak Loop, and Sonoran Desert Loop. The last one is a moderately challenging trail covering 15.2 miles. It is a multi-use trail used by hikers, horses, and dog walkers. The 0.5-mile-long Union Peak Trail is available if you prefer a short trail.
Check Out These Handpicked Activities:
- Sonoran Desert group 2-hour mountain bike ride families, couples
- Sonoran Desert Solo Mountain Bike Half Day Ride on all levels
- Quad Biking in the Sonoran Desert
- Sonoran Desert 1/2 Mountain Bike tour beginner to advanced pace
Float The Salt River
- Address: Arizona, USA; Google Map
- Things To Do: Kayaking, River Tubing, Paddleboarding
Arizona’s Salt River stretches 200 miles and is formed by the confluence of the White River and the Black River in Gila County’s White Mountains. It offers much of Phoenix’s water supply and offers many recreational activities. The Lower Salt River in the Tonto National Forest is especially famous for its vast water activities, including river tubing, rafting, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Visitors must buy a recreational day pass to explore the area.
Salt River Tubing is a popular activity among tourists. You can rent a tube or bring your own. After choosing your starting point, you can relax and enjoy the scenic float down the river. Next, kayaking is another exciting water activity on the Lower Salt River. You will first get a safety briefing and a basic orientation on paddling. Afterward, you will follow your guide to sail the river. You might also see wild animals, including horses, eagles, and otters.
Look At These Handpicked Activities:
- Salt River Kayaking Trip
- Guided Rafting on the Lower Salt River with Breakfast
- Half-Day Lower Salt River Rafting Tour
Hike To Camelback Mountain
- Address: Phoenix, AZ 85018, United States; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 8 AM – 5 PM
- Things To Do: Hiking, Mountain Climbing, Hot Air Balloon Rides
Phoenix boasts many hiking spots, including the gigantic Camelback Mountain. It resembles the camel’s hump; hence, the name. It is only 20 minutes from Downtown Phoenix and features two hiking trails. Echo Canyon is an intense, steep trail spanning 2.3 miles to the summit. It features large rocks, rugged ways, and spectacular views. Solo hikers can also easily navigate the way and complete the hike in about 2 to 3 hours.
Next, the Cholla Trail is a challenging hike offering breathtaking views of Phoenix and Scottsdale. It is 2.9 miles long and is less steep than Echo Canyon. In addition, it offers spectacular sunsets and sunrises. Camelback Mountain hikes are challenging and subject hikers to uneven terrain, steep elevation gains, and loose rocks. Hikers should prepare water, hiking gear, and other necessary items before their journey. Dogs are prohibited in the mountains.
Check Out These Handpicked Activities:
- Camelback’s Hidden Gems – Hike & Yoga with a View
- Epic Camelback Mountain Guided Hiking Adventure in Phoenix, Arizona
- Incredible Hidden Valley Guided Hike in Phoenix, Arizona
Book Apache Trail Day Trips
- Address: Arizona, USA; Google Map
- Length: 40-mile drive
- Things To Do: Day tours, leisure drive
Apache Trail Day Trips are among Phoenix’s best outdoor activities. They are usually available for half-day or full-day and include exploring the Apache trail and other attractions. This trail is a forty-minute drive starting in Apache Junction and ending at Theodore Roosevelt Dam. It is also called Arizona State Route 88 and has several twists and rugged ways.
This day trip takes you away from city life into the wild, rugged desert mountains. A knowledgeable guide will accompany you throughout the journey, explaining the area’s history, geography, and wildlife. Moreover, many Apache Trail Day Trips include steamboat tours. You will cruise on Canyon Lake aboard a steamboat and see the wildlife and the lake’s volcanic cliffs. You don’t want to miss out on this adventurous activity.
Look At These Apache Trail Day Tours:
- Apache Trail Day Trip Including Dolly Steamboat
- Small Group Apache Trail Day Tour with Dolly Steamboat from Phoenix
- Apache Trail and Dolly Steamboat Van Tour
Take Your Kids To Phoenix Zoo
(Source: Phoenix Zoo Facebook)
- Address: 455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008, United States; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 7 AM – 1 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
Make your day more fruitful by visiting the family-friendly Phoenix Zoo. It is open from 7 AM to 1 PM, making it a perfect half-day attraction. This zoo houses over 3,000 animals of over 400 species, including many endangered species. These include Linne’s two-toed sloth, Komodo Dragon, King Cobra, Masai Giraffe, Mexican Wolf, Ostrich, Radiated Tortoise, Peninsular Pronghorn, Sonoran Desert Tortoise, Southern White Rhinoceros, and African Lion.
This non-profit zoo hosts many kid-friendly activities to create opportunities for families to discover, connect, and learn. For instance, the Family Nature Walks is ideal for out-of-town families who want to know about the zoo. It includes a 60-minute walk around the zoo, where visitors are encouraged to smell, touch, and examine nature. Likewise, the All Ages Bird Walks is perfect for bird watchers and bird noticers of all ages. Both members and nonmembers can participate in these programs.
Check Out These Handpicked Tickets:
Travel To The Superstition Mountains
- Address: Arizona 85119, USA; Google Map
- Things To Do: Hiking, Day Trips
The name Superstition Mountains sounds intriguing, right? It received its name from the Akimel O’odham people, who told tales about people’s disappearances, mysterious deaths, and strange sounds emanating from the mountains. To this day, many locals claim to have heard rumblings that sound like rolling thunder. Regarding people’s disappearances, many went missing after they went to search for the Lost Dutchman Gold Mine. Many believe those who covet the lost Dutchman’s treasure will suffer a curse.
But there are not only superstitions to this mountain; it also offers many exciting outdoor activities. Visitors can hike to the Superstitions Mountains and explore its mysteries on foot. They can follow from any of these trails: The Peralta Trail, Battleship Mountain, Boulder Canyon, Hackberry Springs Loop, Siphon Draw Trail, Treasure Loop Trail, and Bluff Springs Trail. Furthermore, horseback riding, biking, and driving are other ways to explore the mountain.
Enjoy A Yoga Session At Papago Park
- Address: 625 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008, United States; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 5 AM – 11 PM
- Things To Do: Yoga, Picnicking, Hiking, Mountain Biking
Outdoor activities don’t always have to be tiring and adventurous. You can take your time and enjoy a leisurely outdoor activity like yoga. Papago Park is a municipal park in Phoenix and Tempe with many recreational facilities. It has several hiking and biking trails on its 1500 acres. You can also visit its attractions, including the Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix Zoo, and Arizona Heritage Center. This park also houses several golf courses, museums, lakes, and baseball fields.
While many people come to this park for hiking and biking, this park is also popular among yogis. If you are a yoga enthusiast, you can sit for a relaxing yoga session at this park. You will be surrounded by spectacular views and feel connected with nature. In addition, you can take part in yoga classes, which usually include an experienced yoga instructor who will guide you through various postures and movements. These sessions are usually 1.5 to 2 hours long.
See These Handpicked Activities:
- Amazing 2-Hour Guided Hiking & Yoga At Papago Park
- Magical Sunset Yoga Experience, Unique Views
- Private Guided Yoga Session At Papago Park
Explore Phoenix On A Horse
Phoenix is a charming city where the spirit of the Old West meets modern urban sophistication. The Old West is still alive and kicking even after so many years. Arizona has many Old West-themed attractions, including Goldfield Ghost Town, Frontier Town, cowboy saloons, and Western art galleries. Cowboys rode horses back in the day. So, why not elevate your experience by traveling to these attractions on a horse?
Visitors will find many horseback riding tours in Phoenix. These tours offer a knowledgeable guide who will take you on an unforgettable journey. You will ride a horse and giddy up on a one or two-hour trail ride. You will also have options for lunch and cowboy activities. Some tours even include a ride with real cowboys.
Check Out This Handpicked Activity:
Our recommended outdoor activities are family-friendly and among the best tours in Phoenix. The best time to enjoy them is spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). The weather is perfect, with clear skies and a bearable temperature during those months. You can elevate your travel experience by including indoor activities in your itinerary. This city houses many world-class museums, including the Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting and the Musical Instrument Museum. Other indoor attractions include aquariums, shopping malls, and amusement parks.
