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With over 330 days of sunshine annually and set against the striking backdrop of the Sonoran Desert, Scottsdale, Arizona is a natural haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether your clients are seasoned adventurers, casual strollers, or somewhere in between, Scottsdale serves up a rich variety of open-air activities and unforgettable landscapes. It’s a destination that invites exploration — from hiking trails and desert vistas to kayaking routes and horseback rides — all complemented by standout hotels that immerse guests in the beauty of the region.

Top outdoor activities in Scottsdale

Hiking and biking in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve

The McDowell Sonoran Preserve, spanning more than 30,500 acres, offers one of the most impressive trail systems in the American Southwest. With over 200 miles of scenic hiking, biking, and equestrian paths, the preserve has something for every level of outdoor explorer. The Gateway Loop Trail is a moderate 4.5-mile circuit offering sweeping desert views, while the steeper climb to Tom’s Thumb rewards visitors with breathtaking granite formations. For mountain biking, Brown’s Ranch Trails offer wide, accessible paths that wind through iconic cactus forests and ancient rock formations.

Hot Air Ballooning over the Sonoran Desert

For a truly unique perspective on Scottsdale’s natural beauty, hot air balloon rides offer a serene, sky-high adventure. Floating above the desert just after sunrise, guests can take in the stillness of the landscape as it glows in hues of gold and amber. Companies like Rainbow Ryders and Hot Air Expeditions provide expert pilots, scenic routes, and a celebratory champagne toast and breakfast after landing — a luxurious touch to an already memorable experience.

Kayaking and paddleboarding on the Salt River

Just a short drive from central Scottsdale, the Lower Salt River provides a tranquil setting for water-based exploration. Ideal for beginners and families, kayaking or paddleboarding along this gentle river offers the chance to spot wild horses, herons, and other desert wildlife. The towering cliffs of the Tonto National Forest frame the journey, creating a perfect backdrop for nature lovers and photographers.

Off-road Jeep and ATV adventures

For clients craving adrenaline and off-the-beaten-track exploration, guided ATV and 4×4 tours deliver high-octane desert discovery. Operators such as Desert Monsters and Stellar Adventures take guests deep into the desert, across rocky trails, through sandy washes, and past centuries-old petroglyphs. These tours are not only thrilling but also educational, with expert guides providing insight into the region’s geology, history, and ecology.

Horseback riding in the desert

To experience the Sonoran Desert as early settlers and cowboys once did, a guided horseback ride through open desert trails is a must. MacDonald’s Ranch, a family-owned establishment since 1956, offers a variety of horseback riding experiences suitable for all levels and ages. Their group rides, available year-round, range from 1 to 2 hours and are perfect for families and beginners, with no prior experience required. For those seeking a more personalised adventure, private rides are offered from November through April, catering to riders with previous experience who wish to maintain or improve their skills while enjoying the desert’s beauty in solitude. Additionally, moonlight rides provide a unique opportunity to explore the desert under the glow of the full moon on select nights each month. For a different kind of experience, their stagecoach rides offer a 45-minute tour through the desert, accommodating up to 8 guests, making it ideal for families with young children or those preferring not to ride horseback.

For a fully customised and private horseback riding experience, Windwalker Expeditions stands out. Specialising in private, tailor-made desert adventures, Windwalker offers rides that are entirely personalised to individual interests and riding levels. Whether looking for a peaceful scenic ride or a more exhilarating journey, Windwalker ensures a truly immersive, one-on-one experience in Arizona’s stunning wilderness.

Top resorts for outdoor enthusiasts

To help clients make the most of Scottsdale’s natural surroundings, it’s essential to pair their adventures with a stay at one of the city’s outdoor-oriented properties. Below are six hotels and resorts — each unique, luxurious, and ideally situated for exploring the desert’s best offerings.

4* ADERO Scottsdale Resort

Perched on the edge of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, ADERO Scottsdale is a haven for travellers seeking a close connection with nature. As a certified Dark Sky Community resort, it’s one of the rare places where guests can stargaze without light pollution, thanks to in-room telescopes and regular astronomy programs. The resort offers direct access to the preserve’s trail system, making early morning hikes and bike rides incredibly convenient.

4* Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia

Nestled in the heart of Paradise Valley, the Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia offers guests immediate access to some of Scottsdale’s most iconic outdoor adventures. Located just minutes from the Echo Canyon Trailhead of Camelback Mountain, guests can embark on challenging hikes that reward with panoramic desert views. For those seeking guided experiences, the resort partners with Mad Desert Trekking to provide customised hiking tours led by certified guides, ensuring both safety and an in-depth understanding of the Sonoran Desert’s unique ecosystem. After a day of exploration, guests can unwind at the resort’s luxurious Joya Spa, indulge in Spanish-inspired cuisine, or relax by the pool with views of the surrounding mountains.

4* Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale

Located at the base of Camelback Mountain in picturesque Paradise Valley, Mountain Shadows is a modern, design-forward resort that speaks to the style-savvy traveller with a love for the outdoors. Its proximity to the iconic Echo Canyon and Cholla Trailheads makes it an excellent base for guests wanting to conquer Camelback Mountain’s challenging but rewarding climbs. The resort itself offers a rooftop deck for sunrise views, an innovative 18-hole par-3 golf course, and outdoor fitness classes, including yoga and boot camps, all set against a stunning desert backdrop.

4* The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa

Families and active travellers alike will find plenty to love at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa. Nestled in North Scottsdale, the resort is known for its lively atmosphere, wide array of activities, and proximity to the area’s top hiking and biking spots. Guests can ride the resort’s FlowRider surf simulator, float down the lazy river, or sign up for a guided desert hike. For golfers, the resort is home to 27 holes of championship golf across three distinct nine-hole courses. With programs and events designed for both kids and adults, it’s a fantastic all-rounder for multi-generational travellers who want to stay active together.

5* Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess blends desert elegance with adventurous experiences. Just minutes from the McDowell Mountains and TPC Scottsdale golf course, the resort makes it easy to transition from luxury living to the rugged outdoors. Guests can enjoy sunrise yoga in the gardens, fish in the resort’s private lagoon, or take a guided hike into the nearby foothills. Known for its seasonal events — including fireworks shows and winter ice rinks — the Princess offers a lively social calendar that often includes outdoor festivals, fitness events, and desert excursions.

4* The Hermosa Inn

For travellers looking to slow down and soak in the serene desert surroundings, The Hermosa Inn offers a boutique hideaway with authentic Arizona charm. Set in the tranquil Paradise Valley, this adobe-style inn is surrounded by desert gardens, sculptures, and mountain views that inspire long walks and quiet contemplation. Each casita comes with a private patio, allowing guests to enjoy morning coffee or evening wine outdoors. The property’s on-site restaurant, Lon’s, is acclaimed for its farm-to-table dining and alfresco garden seating. It’s an intimate, art-filled oasis that appeals to nature lovers, artists, and anyone in search of peace and beauty just minutes from Camelback Mountain.