What is Fountain Hills, AZ known for?

Fountain Hills is known for its fountain, which sits in the middle of the town's central park and shoots water high above the desert. It's also known for its mountain views, its status as an International Dark Sky Community, and its location right at the edge of the McDowell Mountains and the Tonto National Forest.

How far is Fountain Hills from Scottsdale?

Fountain Hills is roughly a 30 minute drive east of Old Town Scottsdale, depending on traffic. Our Fountain Hills office is about 15 minutes from the guided tour meeting point, and the tour area itself is 45 minutes from central Scottsdale.

Is Fountain Hills worth visiting?

Yes, especially for a half day. It's a quieter, smaller-town stop with a walkable downtown, easy desert views, good sunsets and quick access to hiking and the Tonto National Forest. It pairs well with an outdoor activity.

When does the Fountain Hills fountain run?

The fountain runs on a daily schedule that can change with weather, wind and maintenance. Check the town's official site for current hours before you go.

Can you do an ATV tour near Fountain Hills?

Yes. Our guided U-Drive tours run in the Tonto National Forest east of town, and our office is on Shea Boulevard in Fountain Hills. Tours seat two per buggy and start at $299 per buggy, plus tax and fees.

Things to Do in Fountain Hills, AZ (Local Guide)

Name: Desert Dog Offroad Adventures
Address: 17212 E. Shea Blvd., Fountain Hills, AZ, 85268, US
Telephone: (480) 837-3966
Price range: $$

Fountain Hills is a small, scenic town just east of Scottsdale with a famous fountain, dark night skies, and desert trails on its doorstep. It makes an easy half-day or full-day trip, and it’s the closest town to where our guided tours run. Here’s what’s worth your time.

See the fountain

The town is named for its fountain, and it’s the first stop for most visitors. It sits in Fountain Park, a green space with a lake, walking paths and plenty of benches, so you can spend more than a few minutes here. Go in the late afternoon when the light is soft on the McDowells. The fountain’s schedule can change with wind and maintenance, so confirm current hours on the town’s official site before you plan around it.

Walk the downtown and the art scene

The streets around the park are lined with galleries, shops and sculptures. Fountain Hills hosts art fairs in the cooler months, so if you are visiting in the fall or winter, check the town’s event calendar for current dates. Wandering downtown is an easy hour or two and a quiet change from Old Town’s pace.

Look up: dark skies

Fountain Hills has been an International Dark Sky Community since 2018, and the town’s shielded lighting shows. If you want to see more stars without a long drive, this is the place. We cover where to go and what to bring in our stargazing guide for the Arizona desert near Scottsdale.

Hike the McDowells

The McDowell Mountains rise right next to town, and the trail network around them is some of the best hiking in the Valley. Pick an early start between October and April. For a longer list, see our guide to the best hikes near Scottsdale, and read how to get ready for desert hiking before you go. Carry more water than you think you need.

Visit Fort McDowell and the Verde River side

Just east of town is the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. Dining, a casino and outdoor recreation are all part of the area. Hours and offerings change, so confirm current details before you drive out.

Where to eat

Fountain Hills has a good mix of casual patios, family restaurants and coffee shops around the main drag and Saguaro Boulevard. Menus and hours change often, so check current listings and reviews for a place that fits your group. If you are finishing a morning ride with us, a late lunch in town is the move.

Add a desert ride

Fountain Hills is the closest town to our tours. Our office is on Shea Boulevard in Fountain Hills, about 15 minutes from the tour meeting point, and the desert out there is the Tonto National Forest, the same country you see on the horizon from town. A guided ride takes about 2+ hours, and it’s a good way to see the part of the desert you can’t reach on foot.

What	Details
Tour	Guided U-Drive sand buggy tour
Price	$299 per buggy (seats 2), plus tax and fees
Driver age	16+ with a valid license, passengers 8+
Duration	About 2+ hours
Drive from Scottsdale	About 45 minutes to the tour area

For the full breakdown of what a ride includes, see how a guided ATV and UTV tour works. Directions to the meeting point are on our maps and directions page.

A simple Fountain Hills day

Morning: Coffee and a short McDowell trail walk before it warms up.
Midday: Lunch downtown and a stroll through the galleries.
Afternoon: A guided Scottsdale ATV tour in the Tonto National Forest.
Evening: Watch the sunset, then head to the park or a dark-sky spot.

If you want golden hour on the trail, book the sunset U-Drive tour. Call Desert Dog Offroad Adventures at (480) 837-3966 or book online to pick your time.