Top Outdoor Activities in Scottsdale You Must Try

Scottsdale, Arizona, is a true desert playground, and the best way to experience it is outside. From adrenaline-pumping off-road rides to peaceful sunrise hikes and lazy days on the water, the outdoor activities in Scottsdale suit every kind of traveler, thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike. Here are the top things to do outdoors when you visit this stunning desert city.

1. Off-Road Desert Adventures With Desert Dog

For an authentic Arizona experience, hop into a rugged off-road vehicle and head into the Sonoran Desert with Desert Dog Offroad, the longest-operating off-road tour operator in Scottsdale. Our guided tours take you through the desert’s raw beauty up close, and they’re designed for all skill levels and ages, whether it’s your first time off-road or you’re a seasoned adventurer. Get behind the wheel on our U-Drive guided ATV and sand buggy tours, or catch the desert at its most beautiful on a sunset tour.

2. Hike Camelback Mountain

One of Scottsdale’s most iconic outdoor activities is hiking Camelback Mountain. At 2,704 feet, it’s the highest point in the city, and the Echo Canyon and Cholla trails both reward a challenging climb with panoramic valley views. Bring plenty of water, start early, and you’ll see why it’s a must-do for active visitors.

3. Float Over the Desert in a Hot Air Balloon

For a completely different perspective, take a hot air balloon ride at sunrise. Drifting above the desert, you’ll take in dramatic terrain, vibrant flora, and maybe even wildlife like coyotes or desert birds below, a peaceful yet exhilarating way to see Arizona’s wide-open spaces.

4. Drive the Scenic Apache Trail

The Apache Trail is one of Arizona’s most picturesque routes, perfect for a leisurely scenic drive past striking rock formations and out to Canyon Lake. Stop at the lookouts, hike a nearby trail, or take a boat tour to see the cliffs and desert beauty from the water.

5. Go Horseback Riding

Want to feel like a true cowboy or cowgirl? Several local ranches offer guided horseback rides through the rugged desert, an intimate, all-ages way to experience the landscape, often with a wildlife sighting or two along the way.

6. Wander the Desert Botanical Garden

Just outside Scottsdale in Phoenix, the Desert Botanical Garden is home to thousands of desert plants from around the world. Winding paths lead past towering saguaros and colorful blooms, and seasonal events and evening programs make it a great year-round stop for nature lovers.

7. Paddleboard at Saguaro Lake

To cool off, try stand-up paddleboarding at Saguaro Lake, about 30 minutes from Scottsdale. The calm water, ringed by desert mountains, is ideal for paddlers of every level, and kayaks are an easy alternative.

8. Bike the Scottsdale Greenbelt

For a more relaxed outing, ride the Scottsdale Greenbelt, a scenic path that winds through parks and along lakes, connecting the city’s major green spaces. It’s perfect for an easy bike ride, a jog, or a little birdwatching.

9. Tee Off at World-Class Golf Courses

Scottsdale is famous for its golf, with standout courses like TPC Scottsdale and The Boulders offering great play and stunning desert views. Whether you’re a serious golfer or just enjoying the sunshine, a round here is hard to beat.

Start Your Scottsdale Adventure in the Desert

Scottsdale is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, and there’s no better introduction to the Sonoran Desert than a guided off-road tour. Pack your sunscreen, grab your crew, and let us show you the desert up close. Call us at (480) 837-3966 or book a U-Drive ATV and sand buggy tour for an unforgettable Scottsdale adventure.