10 Must-do Outdoor Activities in Phoenix - Trip Canvas
Editor Pick
10 Must-do Outdoor Activities in Phoenix
Published: April 06, 2023
Written byAAA Travel Editor, CW
Phoenix is a premiere destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all types. From leisurely hiking in the glorious Camelback Mountains to adrenaline-pumping mountain biking in the nearby McDowell Sonoran Preserve, there’s something for every speed of adventurer.
The mild climate means that you can enjoy these activities year-round. Plus, there are also plenty of guides and rental companies available to help you get going on your exploration of Phoenix’s natural wonders.
Here are 10 of the best outdoor activities in Phoenix that you must try:
Visit Phoenix / Danny Upshaw
Outdoor Adventure No. 1: Hike in Camelback Mountain
With over 200 miles of trails, Phoenix is a hiker’s paradise. There are trails for all levels of hikers, from easy to strenuous. Some of the most popular trail systems reside in the awe-inspiring Camelback Mountain area. For those looking to get in a good workout, Echo Canyon is an especially popular 1.23-mile hike to the summit that ascends over 1,200 feet.
Visit Phoenix / despaz.com
Outdoor Adventure No. 2: Get Wild at Papago Park
Papago Park is an ideal destination for outdoor adventures. It has a zoo, botanical gardens, and hiking trails, perfect for a day out with the family. The park is located in the heart of Phoenix and is one of the city’s most popular attractions.
Visitors can explore the desert landscape or take a hike up one of the many trails. For budding ecologists, the park is also home to various wildlife, including coyotes, javelinas, and bobcats.
istockphoto.com / Gregory Clifford
Outdoor Adventure No. 3: Go Fishing in Encanto Park
Encanto Park is the perfect spot to cast a fishing pole or enjoy nature on the golf course. There’s something for everyone at Encanto, whether you’re looking to hit the links on one of the park’s two championship golf courses, fish for bass or catfish at several stocked lakes, or explore the miles of hiking and biking trails.
Visit Phoenix / Japanese Garden of Friendship
Outdoor Adventure No. 4: Find Your Zen in the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix
The Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix is one of the best places in the city to spend a day exploring nature. The garden is home to a wide variety of plant life and even a few intriguing animal species.
The garden is also a great place to learn about Japanese culture and history. The garden is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon, combining a picnic with a fantastic educational experience.
istockphoto.com / Brent_1
Outdoor Adventure No. 5: Get Your Cowboy on in Tonto National Forest
The drive to Tonto National Forest via the Apache Trail Scenic Byway is considered a scenic event in itself! Just outside of Phoenix, you’ll find the parks sprawling 2.9 million acres of Sonoran Desert landscapes.
The largest national forest in Arizona is also home to Tortilla Flat, where you can find your inner cowboy in its Old Western Town.
istockphoto.com / David Arment
Outdoor Adventure No. 6: Take a Guided Arizona Desert Tour By ATV
There is no better way to get close to Arizona’s nature than to take a proper dusty ride through the Sonoran Desert on an ATV.
There are many off-road tour companies that offer thrilling guided adventures through the gorgeous Bradshaw Mountains and nearby rivers. A knowledgeable guide will be able to point out wildlife as well as geological and botanical features. If you feel confident, book the Self-guided Centipede UTV Adventure through AAA, which seats up to four people!
istockphoto.com / Matthew Perkins
Outdoor Adventure No. 7: Tube Lower Salt River
If you’re looking for a fun and adventurous way to spend a day in the great outdoors, look no further than tubing down the Lower Salt River with a guided tour! This incredibly scenic spot is surrounded by beautiful desert landscapes that drift by as you float downstream.
This adventure is also a great way to cool off on a hot day and moves at a leisurely pace for the whole family. Keep your eyes out for javelinas, coyotes, and even wild horses as you float!
Phoenix plays host to history that goes far deeper than most know. Ancient petroglyphs and fossils can be found throughout the city, including the Arizona State University Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve and 2.9 mile Hieroglyphic Trail.
The latter will take you into the mouth of Hieroglyph Canyon, where basalt rock etchings made by the Hohokam People dating back to 1450 AD can be found.
Courtesy of Visit Phoenix
Outdoor Adventure No. 9: Camp the Superstitious Mountains
There is no better way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life than by camping in the beautiful Superstition Mountains. The Superstition Wilderness is a half-million-acre area offering breathtaking scenery and a more primitive camping experience. There are over 100 designated campsites, as well as numerous undeveloped campsites. Some developed sites have amenities like picnic tables and fire rings.
istockphoto.com / pdpetersonphoto
Outdoor Adventure No. 10: Take a Jeep Tour of Pinnacle Peak Park
If you’re looking for a unique and thrilling way to explore the beautiful Pinnacle Peak Park, look no further than a jeep tour.
This is a perfect way to cover a lot of ground without all the legwork of hiking! Instead, you’ll get to experience the park in an exciting and up-close way as you wind your way through its rugged trails, all from the comfort of a jeep!
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There’s no better way to experience Phoenix than to put some of these outdoor adventures on your list!
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