Top 13 Outdoor Activities in Phoenix

Camelback Mountain is one of Phoenix's most iconic natural landmarks. Just 20 minutes from downtown Phoenix, this peak looks over the city at 2,704 feet and delivers panoramic desert views.

The mountain is named for its rock formations, resembling the head and hump of a kneeling camel. It features two main hiking trails, both rated as Double Black Diamond and considered rugged and strenuous. Echo Canyon Trail starts from the trailhead at McDonald Drive and is a 2.6-mile out-and-back trail with over 1500 feet of vertical gain to the summit. The Cholla Trail is an out-and-back trail that's just under three miles. It gains about 1250 feet in elevation, making it slightly longer and less steep than Echo Canyon.

Both trails take two to three hours to complete. Plan for a longer hike if you need extra time to brave the loose rock and mild scrambling, and bring grippy hiking shoes suited to the terrain. Both trails feature markers to keep you on track and guard rails where the trails follow steep drop-offs. Camelback Mountain hiking trails are exposed and offer minimal shade, so proper sun protection and adequate water are musts. These trails are best enjoyed early in the day, especially during the summer (the park often closes during extreme heat warnings).

For a slightly less crowded alternative to Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak is the next tallest point in the area, about 2,600 feet, and a similarly challenging and rewarding hike. Located within the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, Piestewa Peak was originally called Vianom Do'ag, which translates to Iron Mountain, by the Tohono O'odham Tribe, the Native American people of the Sonoran Desert. Its new name honors Lori Ann Piestewa, the first North American woman to die in combat in the U.S. military.

The Summit Trail is a steep and moderately difficult route to Piestewa Peak's views of the surrounding area. Hiking the 2.4-mile, 1,200-foot out-and-back route takes about 90 minutes to two hours. Come prepared with appropriate footwear, plenty of water, and sun protection.

If you prefer to stay low and away from steep trails or want to add extra exploration to your day, check out the trails around Piestewa Peak. The Quartz Ridge Trail connects with nearby trails for different desert views, while the Freedom Trail travels just under four miles around the peak's base.

Make your Phoenix visit extra memorable with a ride in a hot air balloon. With several flight providers (or ballooning companies) in the area, you can get a one-of-a-kind view of the vast Sonoran desert landscape, dotted with saguaros and framed by rugged peaks. These companies specialize in sunrise and sunset hikes, which offer cooler and calmer conditions and magical sun-drenched scenes.

Balloon rides last approximately one to two hours. Many companies end the ride with a celebratory experience, while some offer private rides for special events. Wear layers—morning rides start cool and warm up, and vice versa in the evenings. Spots for balloon rides fill up quickly, especially during the spring and fall, so book well in advance.

With year-round sunny weather and nearly 200 golf courses in various styles, Phoenix is a top destination internationally for golf. Whether you're a pro golfer, a skilled enthusiast, or interested in trying a new outdoor activity, TPC Scottsdale is an opportunity to play like Jordan Spieth, Scottie Scheffler, or other golf stars. TPC is the site of the PGA Tour's Waste Management Phoenix Open, and the Stadium Course is a desert-style venue that offers exciting and challenging play for all golfers.

If TPC's Stadium Course doesn't satisfy your appetite for golf, there are countless other options. Top picks include Troon North, We-Ko-Pa, Papago Course, Quintero, and Boulders South.

If you prefer outdoor adventures with more adrenaline, Phoenix is an under-the-radar destination for desert terrain mountain biking. Riders can access a wide variety of terrain across hundreds of miles, whether cross-country desert riding at Brown's Ranch or downhill-style high speeds and drop-off rocks at Hawes that'll make you appreciate your suspension. The area is known for technical pedaling, chunky boulder fields, and flowing descents overlooking thrilling views.

Mountain biking in Phoenix doesn't have to be intense or scary — wide, smooth, and flowy trails are great for beginners, such as Trail 100 at North Mountain, Double Butte Loop at Papago Park, or various trails at Brown's Ranch. There are plenty of bike shops to rent standard or electric mountain bikes, whether for a few hours or a whole week. Some companies offer guided tours and coaching for those looking to ease into riding in the area, along with adaptive riding with trike-recumbent-style bikes. Pack appropriately with extra water, sun protection, a helmet, and other safety gear.

For those looking to test their mountain biking skills, check out these other trail networks in Phoenix: Apache Wash, Desert Classic Trail, National Trail in South Mountain Park and Preserve, and Black Canyon Trail.

Salt River Tubing offers the best of both worlds — you can explore the area around you without leaving the comfort of your floating tube. The water supplier to Phoenix's canals and reservoirs, the Salt River is a 200-mile-long gentle waterway that winds through the Tonto National Forest.

One of the best sights among the sprawling desert scenery is the stretch of Salt River inhabited by wild horses. Theorized to descent from Spanish horses in the 17th century, these wild horses number less than 500. They're most often spotted around Saguaro Lake, Granite Reef Recreation Area, Coon Bluff Recreation Area, and Phon D. Sutton Recreation Area.

Most tubing sticks to the Lower Salt River, approximately 40 minutes from downtown Phoenix. Bring your own tube and organize your shuttle separately, or book rentals and shuttles with a local company. Alternatively, you can also travel down the river via kayak or paddleboard. Since the area is located in the Tonto National Forest, visitors must purchase a pass for a minor fee.

Explore the unique ecosystem of the Sonoran desert at Phoenix's Desert Botanical Garden. Over 140 sprawling acres, the Desert Botanical Garden showcases over 50,000 plant displays in outdoor exhibits. Hundreds of volunteers and full-time staff carefully tend various cacti, wildflowers, and succulents, including over 500 rare and endangered species.

The Desert Botanical Garden also hosts seasonal exhibits and special events. For instance, each December, the Las Noches de las Luminarias event illuminates the garden with thousands of lights for an enchanting atmosphere. Visitors can sign up for educational programs and guided tours to learn more about desert plant life and conservation.

The gardens are a popular attraction, so booking a ticket in advance is highly recommended. Pack comfortable shoes, sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and extra water to prepare for hours strolling through the Desert Botanical Garden. Bring a camera to capture memories of the desert plant life and landscapes. The garden's trails are well-maintained, with plenty of shaded stops to rest as you absorb the sights.

Climbing routes in Phoenix date back to the 1940s, and many are still well-traveled today. Expert climbers and beginners alike can sample the local rock and test their finger strength as they scale walls of conglomerate, granite, sandstone, and volcanic tuff. Phoenix climbing is best in the winter or during the cooler months of spring and summer.

If you're an experienced climber and can safely climb boulders, bolted routes, or traditional routes, grab a guidebook from the local climbing shops or gyms and head to the crag before the sun gets too hot. Several local companies offer guiding services for popular routes for those new to climbing or needing a guide. Don't attempt to climb alone without the right skills.

Some of Phoenix's most popular climbing spots include Camelback Mountain, McDowell Mountains, Phoenix Mountain Preserve, Papago Park, South Mountain, and Queen Creek Canyon.

Tempe Town Lake is an artificial reservoir extending about two miles over 220 acres. Located just a short drive from downtown Phoenix, Tempe Town Lake is a popular spot for water sports such as paddleboarding, kayaking, and boating. Visitors can rent equipment on-site and spend a few hours on the water, taking in the views of the city and surrounding desert mountains. While water sports are permitted on the lake, it isn't designed for swimming.

Between hours spent on paddle boards or in boats, you can relax at Tempe Beach Park. Spanning 25 acres, the park is the perfect setting for picnics, festivals, and events.

Get up close to the rugged desert terrain when you sign up for a guided tour powered by Jeeps, UTVs, and ATVs. Depending on the company and the type of tour, most last one to three hours or more. You'll navigate rocky terrain and desert trails, led by an experienced guide with expert knowledge and insights about the local ecosystem, wildlife, and history. Many tours include stops at scenic viewpoints, where you can take photos and learn about the desert's history and ecology.

If you're new to ATVs, ensure you're comfortable operating the vehicle before heading out for a tour. Wear safety gear, and be prepared for the physical demands of maneuvering the ATV over sometimes challenging terrain.

These motor-powered tours are best for families with older children. Dress accordingly for the weather conditions and for riding.

Some Phoenix visitors prefer more traditional modes of travel, such as on horseback. With several companies offering Old West-inspired guided horseback rides, you can step back in time and get a taste of how cowboys once roamed the Sonoran Desert. Guides provide knowledgeable commentary on the local history and ecosystem.

Some Old West horseback experiences complement the tour with a classic cowboy cookout featuring burgers, hot dogs, cowboy beans, and refreshing lemonade water. If you sign up for an early morning horseback ride, your tour may include a cowboy-style breakfast featuring pancake stacks, coffee, scrambled eggs, orange juice, bacon, and more.

Keep in mind that many tours operate regardless of the weather. Be prepared for potentially cool or rainy days.

Petroglyphs, carvings made with a stone chisel and hammerstone, represent the complex societies and religions of ancient civilizations who once lived where Phoenix stands today. Some are just a few hundred years old, while others are dated 7,000 years or more.

Residents and visitors consider Holbert Trail in the South Mountain Park and Preserve the best spot for petroglyph sightings. Hidden Valley via Mormon Trail, Telegraph Pass the Waterfall Trail, and Hieroglyphic Trail similarly feature easily-located petroglyphs.

Cool off with a visit to Sunsplash Water Park, Phoenix's most popular water park. Offering peaceful laps down the lazy river, wave pools, and several exhilarating water slides and coasters, Sunsplash Water Park is perfect for families looking for outdoor activities in Phoenix while enjoying a brief respite from the heat. It also features kid-friendly water park areas like the Toddler Tadpole Pool, Shipwreck Rock Slides, and Caribbean Water Works Zero-Depth Water Area.

Traveling to Phoenix? Book a room at one of our affordable, pet-friendly hotels.