Glorious Scottsdale has it all for the luxury traveler – abundant sunshine, the stunning Sonoran Desert, vibrant arts and culture, and endless five-star resorts, golf courses, spas and restaurants.
Here are the Top 5 activities to get outside and explore the stunning Sonoran Desert in Scottsdale:
Flying High with Hot Air Expeditions https://www.hotairexpeditions.com/
Spend your morning peacefully floating over the stunning Sonoran Desert. It will leave you in awe of nature’s beauty and the peacefulness of flight. Spot natural landmarks like Camelback Mountain and Pinnacle Peak, as well as some desert wildlife. Upon landing, you are welcomed back to earth with a Champagne breakfast. Not a bad way to start your day!
Hike or Bike with Arizona Outback Adventures https://aoa-adventures.com/
Venture into the lush desert and mountains surrounding Scottsdale and Phoenix, on a half-day guided hiking or mountain bike tour with AOA. Learn all about the unique flora, fauna, geology, and history from their knowledgeable, professional guides.
Discover the Desert Botanical Garden https://www.dbg.org/
The Desert Botanical Garden offers the world’s finest collection of arid-land plants from deserts around the world in a unique outdoor setting incorporating art and sculpture too. The garden has more than 50,000 plants throughout its five thematic trails which illustrate topics such as conservation, desert living, plants and people of the Sonoran Desert and desert wildflowers.
Horseback Riding at Fort McDowell https://www.fortmcdowelladventures.com/
You can’t come to Scottsdale—the “West’s Most Western Town”—without connecting with your inner cowboy! Get back to nature and discover the desert landscape on a horseback ride. Real western adventure unfolds in a setting of 25,000 acres of spectacular open desert. Enjoy the beauty of the private trails at Fort McDowell Adventures. The Stables are home to a private collection of beautiful horses and professional guides.
Go Off-Roading with Stellar Adventures https://stellaradventures.com/
Get ready to explore the unique Sonoran Desert with an exciting off-road tour! The experts at Stellar Adventures take you deep into the desert where you will experience the thrill of navigating through seasonal creeks, sandy washes, rocky slopes, and flat desert trails. Choose from a variety of amazing adventures: ATV, UTV, H1 Hummers, or M1009 Blazer tours. Your adventure begins where the pavement ends!
WHERE TO STAY
Discover Scottsdale's two newest luxury resorts that have opened within the past year -- Andaz Scottsdale and Mountain Shadows:
Andaz Scottsdale https://scottsdale.andaz.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html
Get away and stay in the middle of all that Scottsdale has to offer at the Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Spa. With picturesque Camelback Mountain as the backdrop, enjoy eclectic mid-century modern design inspired bungalows, vibrant dining experiences, and the serene Palo Verde spa. Escape and rejuvenate at this luxury urban oasis and discover the allure of the Arizona desert. Relax in unique bungalow-style guest rooms blending mid-century modern design and art from local artists and artisans. Camelback Mountain provides the backdrop for views from Weft & Warp Art Bar + Kitchen and its glass box kitchen, plancha grill, and exclusive “kitchen” table. Enjoy three resort pools and the Palo Verde Spa & Apothecary, featuring botanical products made to order on site. Discover a Scottsdale treasure at nearby Cattle Track Arts Compound dating back to 1936 and take a studio tour to meet with the artists. Explore the Desert's wonders just moments away -- enjoy adventures from Camelback Mountain to Pinnacle Peak and beyond.
Mountain Shadows https://www.mountainshadows.com/
Originally built below Camelback Mountain in 1959, Mountain Shadows has reemerged as an icon of luxury and design after it was completely rebuilt in 2017. The original Mountain Shadows drew the jet-set Hollywood crowd to Paradise Valley with its manicured golf course and expansive pools. Now the new Mountain Shadows is hoping to do the same offering a luxurious mix of spacious sleek guestrooms, lofts and condos. The Presidential Suite offers the ultimate retreat with its sprawling terrace overlooking Camelback Mountain (pictured at top). More information: https://www.experiencescottsdale.com/
