Phoenix: Snow Birds Welcome

Adventure

If you’re looking for a sunny vacation that delivers action, adventure and experiences to excite your spirit and feed your soul, then Greater Phoenix is your place. Eco-explorers, mountain bikers, hikers, boaters – adventurers of all stripes – enjoy a variety of unique recreational opportunities that move and inspire.

The rugged mountain ranges and low-lying valleys of the great Sonoran Desert provide a captivating and colorful visual feast and a dramatic backdrop for adventure. Here, you’ll meet cowboys, Native Americans and others who share not only a deep appreciation of this land, but also a desire to introduce you to it.

The Sonoran Desert is widely considered one of the world’s most stunning deserts – and it’s certainly diverse. As you head north to the higher elevations that surround Phoenix, you’ll discover a wide range of thriving plant and animal life that varies due to the changes in altitude and climate. The desert is full of ironwood trees, a multitude of cacti, including towering Saguaro, and sprays of desert flowers. Coyotes, roadrunners and jackrabbits rustle throughout the vast terrain. And although Greater Phoenix continues to grow and prosper, you won’t have any trouble finding open areas to explore.
 
Hiking is a daily ritual for thousands of Phoenicians, who take to the nearby hills and mountains with verve. Take on an early-morning trek up the steep, 1,000-foot rise to the top of Camelback Mountain, located in Phoenix’s surrounding community of Paradise Valley, or undertake a gentler hike up Piestewa Peak. Both hikes will reward walkers with expansive views of the entire region.

On Phoenix’s southern frontier is the incomparable South Mountain Park & Preserve, which at 16,500 acres, is the nation’s largest municipal park. This landmark is popular not only among hikers, runners and bikers, but also among those who enjoy horseback riding. South Mountain’s 50 miles of trails expose you to a full range of Arizona cacti and native flora, as well as cultural treasures such as ancient Indian petroglyphs.

Cycling also has its devotees. Whether you are a seasoned pro looking for extreme mountain biking adventure, or you prefer a more pastoral experience, you’ll love it here. Dozens of breezy trails sweep through valleys and over hills, while the challenging terrain puts even the heartiest riders to the test. The 3,200-foot climbs of the McDowell Mountains, for example, rewards hard-core riders with outstanding views and swift descents over slopes high above the Verde River. At the other end of the spectrum, Papago Park’s paved and unpaved trails are a joy for riders of all ages.

For many visitors and locals, there’s no better way to connect with the land, soul and heritage of the Southwest than on horseback. You can choose to daytrip with one of the many local outfitters or spend your vacation in the rustic environs of a dude ranch. Professional guides are ready to lead you into canyons, along riverbanks and to other secluded corners of this amazing land.
 
If a slower pace is what you want, then you can visit some of Arizona’s more historic sites to discover the buried history of Arizona. See centuries-old ruins that chronicle the history and native cultures that have inhabited the Sonoran Desert for thousands of years. You can even work on your own archeological dig and discover artifacts from cultures that have long since entered our history.

When you’re ready to cool down, remember that there are seven large lakes within a leisurely drive of Phoenix. Roosevelt Lake, for example, is popular for water skiing and boating. Closer to the city, Tempe Town Lake attracts boaters, kayakers, canoeists and other water-sport enthusiasts, and the Salt River provides an escape for spending an entire day drifting with the current on an inflatable tube. Also, some of the best resorts in Phoenix house on-site water parks that are fun for the entire family.