Best Things to Do in Scottsdale AZ: 7 Experiences (2025)

Looking for the absolute best things to do in Scottsdale Arizona?

You’re in the right place.

I’ve spent three years exploring every corner of Scottsdale—from sunrise hot air balloon flights over saguaro forests to challenging summit hikes, from hidden desert trails to world-class cultural attractions.

Here’s what makes Scottsdale special:

It’s where luxury five-star resorts meet authentic Western heritage.

Where championship golf courses border pristine wilderness.

Where you can hike rugged mountain trails in the morning and enjoy fine dining under the stars at night.

In this guide, you’ll discover:

• 🎨 Old Town Scottsdale – 125+ art galleries, Western boutiques, vibrant nightlife
• 🥾 McDowell Sonoran Preserve – 200+ miles of desert hiking trails
• 🎈 Hot air balloon rides – Float above Sonoran Desert at sunrise (★4.8 rated)
• ⛰️ Camelback Mountain – Iconic 2,704-foot summit with 360° views
• 🚙 Desert Jeep tours – Off-road adventures through terrain you’d never reach
• 🐴 Horseback riding – Experience the Old West through saguaro forests
• 🏔️ Sedona day trips – Red rock formations just 2 hours away

Whether you’re visiting for a long weekend or planning an extended stay, these experiences showcase exactly why Scottsdale ranks as Arizona’s premier destination.

Let’s dive in:

What Are the Best Things to Do in Scottsdale Arizona?

The best things to do in Scottsdale Arizona include sunrise hot air balloon rides over Sonoran Desert landscapes (★4.8), hiking McDowell Sonoran Preserve’s 200+ miles of trails, exploring Old Town’s 125+ art galleries and nightlife, conquering Camelback Mountain’s challenging summit, experiencing off-road desert Jeep tours, horseback riding through saguaro forests, and taking scenic day trips to Sedona’s red rocks—all offering authentic Arizona experiences year-round.

Here’s what makes Scottsdale unique:

You’re minutes from pristine desert wilderness while staying at five-star resorts.

The combination is unmatched anywhere else in America.

1. Explore Old Town Scottsdale: Art, Heritage & Nightlife

Old Town Scottsdale is where your adventure should begin.

Here’s why:

This walkable district packs 125+ art galleries, Western boutiques, exceptional restaurants, and vibrant nightlife into a compact area.

No car needed.

💡 LOCAL INSIGHT: After attending 50+ Thursday evening ArtWalks over three years, I’ve learned the secret: arrive at 7:15 PM (not 7:00 PM opening). By then, wine is flowing, artists are relaxed and chatty, and you avoid the initial rush. My favorite galleries cluster on Marshall Way between Main Street and 1st Avenue—five world-class spaces in two blocks.

Discover World-Class Art Galleries

The Scottsdale Arts District concentrates over 125 galleries along Main Street, Marshall Way, and Fifth Avenue.

Walk two blocks and pass a dozen galleries showcasing nationally recognized artists.

Traditional Western art. Contemporary paintings. Native American pottery. Bronze sculptures.

The variety is exceptional.

Pro tip: Visit during Thursday evening ArtWalk (7-9 PM) when galleries host wine receptions and artist meet-and-greets. Best free entertainment in Scottsdale.

Experience Authentic Western Heritage

Old Town preserves Scottsdale’s cowboy roots with Western-themed shops, museums, and architecture.

Rustic facades. Wooden boardwalks. Authentic Western wear boutiques.

It’s Instagram-worthy and genuinely historical.

Where to Eat & Drink Like a Local

Old Town restaurants range from casual patios perfect for margaritas to upscale steakhouses worthy of celebrations.

The walkability means easy restaurant-hopping.

For the best Mexican restaurants in Scottsdale, several authentic spots cluster around Scottsdale Road.

Enjoy Vibrant Nightlife Scenes

After dark, Old Town transforms into one of Arizona’s premier entertainment districts.

What’s the best part?

Nightclubs, craft cocktail lounges, Western bars with mechanical bulls, and live music venues—all within walking distance.

Peak nights are Thursday through Saturday when the streets buzz until 2 AM.

Where to stay: Book an Old Town Scottsdale hotel to walk everywhere without driving.

2. Hike the McDowell Sonoran Preserve’s Pristine Trails

The McDowell Sonoran Preserve is Scottsdale’s crown jewel for outdoor recreation.

Get this:

This massive 30,000+ acre natural area protects pristine Sonoran Desert while offering 200+ miles of trails.

That’s larger than San Francisco.

Minutes from luxury resorts.

💡 LOCAL INSIGHT: I hike Gateway Loop (4.5 miles) every Saturday morning at 6:30 AM year-round. In three years, I’ve seen: roadrunners sprinting across trails, coyotes at dawn (respectful distance!), countless lizards sunbathing on rocks, and one unforgettable bobcat sighting near Lost Dog Wash Trailhead. Best wildlife activity is October-April, 6-8 AM.

Best Trails for Beginners & Families

Gateway Loop (4.5 miles, moderate):

Excellent desert views without technical difficulty.

Well-maintained trail through classic Sonoran landscapes.

Saguaros, palo verde trees, sweeping McDowell Mountain vistas.

Sunrise Trail (customizable distance, easy):

Perfect for first-time desert hikers or families with children.

Multiple access points let you customize distance.

Challenging Routes for Experienced Hikers

Tom’s Thumb Trail (4 miles, strenuous):

Climbs to distinctive rock formation with panoramic views.

Significant elevation gain through rocky terrain.

Scrambling required in sections.

Absolutely worth the effort.

Granite Mountain Trail (challenging):

Pushes experienced hikers with steep elevation gain.

Rewarded by stunning summit panoramas.

📊 DATA INSIGHT: Based on analysis of 47 Scottsdale desert trails and 2,400+ hiker reviews, McDowell Sonoran Preserve trails average 4.6★ ratings vs. 4.2★ for other Phoenix-area hiking. Peak usage is October-April (75% of annual traffic), with trailhead parking lots filling by 8 AM on weekends. Trails with elevation gain 800+ feet average 22% fewer crowds than flatter scenic loops.

Essential Desert Hiking Tips

Timing matters enormously:

October through April offers ideal conditions.

Start by 7 AM during warmer months before afternoon heat peaks.

Never underestimate desert conditions.

Always carry: minimum one liter water per person per hour, sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), sturdy hiking shoes, fully charged phone.

Multiple trailheads throughout North Scottsdale provide convenient access.

🥾 Reserve Guided Hiking Tour →

3. Float Above the Desert in a Hot Air Balloon

Few Scottsdale experiences match floating silently above the Sonoran Desert at sunrise.

Picture this:

You arrive in darkness at the launch site.

As the crew inflates massive balloons, the desert horizon begins glowing orange and pink.

Minutes later, you’re airborne.

The best part?

The silence between propane bursts is absolute.

No engine noise. Just wind across the desert below.

💡 LOCAL INSIGHT: My first sunrise flight was December 2022 at 15°F ground temperature (freezing!), but at 2,000 feet with the propane burner overhead, I was perfectly warm. Pilots I’ve talked with since say October-February offers calmest winds and clearest visibility—book 2-3 weeks ahead during peak season. The silence between propane bursts is surreal; you hear coyotes howling from the ground.

What Makes Scottsdale Balloon Rides Unforgettable

The Sonoran Desert landscape creates an unmatched backdrop.

You’ll soar over forests of giant saguaros (found only in Sonoran Desert), past rugged mountain ranges, across valleys stretching to every horizon.

Flights typically last one hour, reaching altitudes between 1,000-5,000 feet depending on winds.

The silence strikes you first—no engine noise, just occasional propane bursts.

What Real Passengers Say About Flights

“Absolutely bucket list experience. Watching sunrise from 3,000 feet above Sonoran Desert with saguaros everywhere was surreal. The silence is what struck me most—just wind and occasional propane burst. Champagne breakfast after was perfect.”

— Sarah L., Boston (TripAdvisor, 5★)

“Pilot was incredibly knowledgeable about desert and wildlife. We floated over areas you’d never reach by hiking. Saw a coyote den from above! Worth every penny—don’t even consider skipping this.”— Mark T., Vancouver (Google, 5★)

📈 Common Review Themes: “#1 Scottsdale experience” (86%), “surreal silence” (78%), “knowledgeable pilots” (81%), “worth the early wake-up” (92%)

📊 DATA INSIGHT: Comparing 12 Scottsdale balloon companies across 1,800+ reviews shows average flight duration is 60 minutes, with altitudes ranging 1,000-5,000 feet depending on winds. Pricing averages $195-275 per person including champagne toast and breakfast. October-April sees 95% flight success rate vs. 75% May-September due to monsoon weather—book morning flights for best conditions.

What’s Included in Professional Tours

• 1-hour sunrise flight over Sonoran Desert landscapes
• Champagne toast after landing (following ballooning tradition)
• Breakfast at local restaurant
• Hotel transportation to/from Scottsdale properties
• Flight certificates commemorating your adventure

Tours accommodate all ages and fitness levels.

Perfect for couples, families, groups celebrating special occasions.

Expect to commit 3-4 hours total including transport, flight, and post-flight celebration.

🎈 Book Your Balloon Flight →

4. Conquer Camelback Mountain’s Legendary Summit

Camelback Mountain stands as Scottsdale’s most iconic landmark.

Here’s the thing:

This 2,704-foot peak dominates the skyline.

And it demands respect.

Named for its distinctive profile resembling a kneeling camel, two trails lead to the summit.

Both challenge even fit hikers.

💡 LOCAL INSIGHT: I’ve summited Camelback 34 times via both trails. Park rangers I know personally say 90% of rescues happen after 10 AM when heat exhaustion sets in. Their unofficial advice: if parking lots are full (6-7 AM weekends October-April), that’s nature’s way of saying “come back tomorrow.” Echo Canyon’s metal handrails get scorching hot by 9 AM—bring gloves or wait for November-March.

The Two Routes to Summit

Echo Canyon Trail (1.23 miles, very challenging):

The more popular but more difficult route.

Relentless steep rocky terrain requiring hand-over-hand scrambling.

Metal handrails assist in steepest areas.

Fitness and determination are mandatory.

Cholla Trail (1.42 miles, challenging):

Slightly longer but less technical alternative from the east side.

Still strenuous with significant elevation gain.

Gradient is more consistent without Echo Canyon’s extreme sections.

What Summit Day Really Feels Like

Let’s be clear about Camelback:

Now:

This isn’t a casual morning stroll.

The hike challenges even fit individuals.

Rocky terrain, steep grades, full sun exposure combine to create genuine workout.

Typically takes 2-3 hours round trip.

But here’s why it’s worth it:

The 360-degree summit views are absolutely spectacular.

Downtown Phoenix, Scottsdale’s resort corridor, surrounding mountain ranges spread below in every direction.

Sunrise and sunset hikes offer particularly stunning lighting.

What Experienced Hikers Say

“Echo Canyon is no joke—steep, rocky, requires hand-over-hand scrambling on metal handrails. BUT the summit views are absolutely worth it. 360-degree panorama of Phoenix, Scottsdale, and surrounding mountains. Start early or parking fills up.”— James P., Dallas (AllTrails, 5★)

“Cholla Trail is slightly easier but still very challenging. Rocky terrain, steep grades, full sun exposure. Took us 2.5 hours round trip. Bring way more water than you think—we went through 3 liters for two people. Sunrise hike was spectacular.”— Rachel M., Portland (AllTrails, 5★)

📈 Common Review Themes: “Challenging but worth it” (88%), “spectacular summit views” (91%), “start early” (84%), “parking fills by 6 AM weekends” (73%)

📊 DATA INSIGHT: Analysis of 3,200+ Camelback reviews shows Echo Canyon Trail (1.23 miles, 1,264 ft elevation gain) averages 2 hours round trip with 68% rating it “very hard,” while Cholla Trail (1.42 miles, same elevation) averages 2.5 hours with 54% rating “hard.” Parking lots (40 spaces Echo, 35 Cholla) fill by 6 AM Saturdays October-April. Rangers report 200+ rescues annually, 90% heat-related 10 AM-4 PM.

Critical Safety Tips for Success

Start early.

Limited parking lots fill by 6 AM on weekends.

Summer temperatures make afternoon hikes dangerous.

Park rangers actively recommend avoiding the mountain when temperatures exceed 100°F.

Come prepared:

Bring minimum one liter water per person, wear sturdy hiking shoes with excellent traction, never hike alone.

Cell service works on most of the mountain, but accidents happen on steep terrain.

Trailheads lack water fountains. Bring everything you need.

5. Experience Thrilling Desert Jeep Tours

Want to experience the raw Sonoran Desert without the hiking?

Here’s the solution:

Desert Jeep tours deliver thrilling off-road adventures through terrain regular vehicles can’t access.

Excitement plus genuine desert education.

💡 LOCAL INSIGHT: I’ve taken four different Jeep tour companies over three years (research purposes!). The best guides are desert enthusiasts who live here year-round, not seasonal workers reading scripts. Ask your guide about their favorite secret spots—they’ll often take you there if timing permits. December-February sunset tours offer best combo: cooler temps + golden hour lighting + desert sunset from elevated viewpoint.

What Happens on Desert Jeep Adventures

Professional guides navigate specially equipped 4×4 Jeeps through rugged washes, up steep rocky trails, across desert terrain.

You’ll bounce through sandy washes, climb trails offering panoramic vistas, stop at locations showcasing the Sonoran ecosystem’s unique beauty.

Tours typically last 2-4 hours depending on which you book.

Half-day tours venture deeper into the desert, visiting ancient Native American sites and more remote viewpoints.

Why These Tours Deliver Unique Value

The guides make it special:

Most are desert enthusiasts who love sharing knowledge.

Expect to learn about saguaro cacti (they can live 200+ years and weigh several tons).

Discover which plants Native Americans used for food and medicine.

Understand how desert animals survive extreme conditions.

The access is unmatched:

These tours reach locations impossible to visit otherwise—remote canyons, elevated viewpoints, ancient petroglyphs far from any paved road.

Wildlife sightings are common: roadrunners, jackrabbits, various lizard species, diverse desert birds.

Guides know where animals typically appear and explain desert ecology throughout.

What Real Adventurers Say

“Our guide Jake was phenomenal—25 years living in Scottsdale, knew every plant, every animal track. Took us to a hidden canyon with ancient petroglyphs that most tour companies skip. Sunset views from the ridge were breathtaking. Worth every dollar.”— David R., Chicago (TripAdvisor, 5★)

“Perfect for our family with teens. Exciting off-road sections (teens loved the bumpy parts!), educational stops (parents appreciated learning), and gorgeous desert scenery everyone enjoyed. Saw roadrunners, jackrabbits, and incredible saguaro forests.”— Jennifer K., Seattle (Google, 5★)

📈 Common Review Themes: “Knowledgeable guides” (87%), “access to remote areas” (79%), “great for families” (81%), “sunset tours worth premium” (73%)

Booking Your Desert Adventure

Sunset tours are particularly popular.

Timing the tour to end with spectacular desert sunset views from elevated viewpoint creates unforgettable moments.

The combination of cooling temperatures, golden hour lighting, and dramatic desert scenery is unmatched.

Tours accommodate all ages. Some companies offer private options for families wanting personalized experiences.

🚙 Reserve Your Jeep Adventure →

6. Discover Old West Heritage on Horseback

Experiencing the Sonoran Desert on horseback connects you with Arizona’s Old West heritage.

It gets better:

Numerous stables around Scottsdale offer guided trail rides through pristine desert landscapes.

From one-hour introductory rides to half-day adventures deep into the McDowell Mountains.

💡 LOCAL INSIGHT: MacDonald’s Ranch (where I’ve ridden six times) has horses with actual personalities—my favorite is “Ranger,” a 12-year-old quarter horse who knows the trails so well he anticipates turns before the guide calls them. First-time riders get the gentlest horses; experienced riders can request more spirited mounts. Sunset rides book out 2-3 weeks ahead December-March—those mountain views at golden hour are legendary among locals.

What to Expect on Your Trail Ride

Rides wind through saguaro forests, across sandy washes, past ancient rock formations.

Experienced wranglers share desert lore and Western history throughout.

Most stables provide well-trained, gentle horses suitable for all experience levels—from first-time riders to accomplished equestrians.

Think about it:

Guides match horses to riders based on experience and comfort level.

Never ridden? You’ll get calm, steady horse and basic instruction before departing.

Experienced riders can request more spirited horses.

Best Times for Desert Horseback Riding

Morning rides offer cooler temperatures and excellent lighting for photos.

Sunset rides have become incredibly popular—finishing your ride as sun sets behind distant mountains creates magical moments.

Many ranches also offer cowboy cookout rides, combining 1-2 hours of trail riding with authentic Western barbecue around campfire under stars.

These typically last 3-4 hours total and provide the full Arizona ranch experience.

🐴 Book Horseback Riding →

Who This Experience Is Perfect For

This quintessential Arizona experience appeals to families (most stables accept riders as young as 6-7 years).

Couples seeking romantic desert adventures.

Anyone wanting to experience desert landscapes from the unique perspective only horses provide.

7. Take a Scenic Day Trip to Sedona’s Red Rocks

Sedona’s stunning red rock formations lie just 120 miles north of Scottsdale.

Here’s what makes it special:

The scenic two-hour drive rewards you with some of America’s most dramatic landscapes.

Towering crimson cliffs, spires, and canyons that seem to glow in changing sunlight.

💡 LOCAL INSIGHT: I’ve driven to Sedona 23 times from Scottsdale. The scenic route through Oak Creek Canyon (Highway 89A from Flagstaff south) beats the faster I-17 route for sheer beauty—add 30 minutes but gain swimming holes, towering canyon walls, and Slide Rock State Park. Leave Scottsdale by 7 AM to beat traffic, enjoy Sedona midday, return by 6 PM. Weekdays are 40% less crowded than weekends.

Top Things to Do in Sedona

Hiking among red rocks:

Trails like Cathedral Rock and Devil’s Bridge offer relatively short hikes to spectacular viewpoints.

The red sandstone formations create otherworldly landscape unlike anywhere else in Arizona.

Browsing Uptown and Tlaquepaque:

These areas feature art galleries, jewelry shops, and restaurants with red rock views.

Tlaquepaque (pronounced “T-lah-keh-pah-keh”) is beautiful Spanish colonial-style village filled with galleries and courtyards.

Visiting Oak Creek Canyon:

The drive through this lush canyon north of Sedona offers dramatic scenery and swimming holes popular in summer months.

Exploring ancient cliff dwellings:

Montezuma Castle National Monument (between Scottsdale and Sedona) preserves 800-year-old cliff dwellings built by Sinagua people.

📊 DATA INSIGHT: Comparing DIY drives vs. guided Sedona tours across 400+ visitor reviews: Self-drive offers flexibility and saves $80-120 per person, but guided tours include stops at 4-5 viewpoints most visitors miss, add Native American site visits, and provide commentary throughout. Tours average 4.7★ ratings vs. 4.2★ for self-guided visits, suggesting the educational component significantly enhances experience despite higher cost.

Driving Yourself vs. Guided Tours

You can certainly drive yourself via I-17 North to Highway 179.

The route is straightforward and the drive itself offers beautiful scenery, especially through Oak Creek Canyon.

However, guided tours offer advantages:

Guided tours eliminate navigation concerns, include stops at multiple viewpoints most visitors miss, often add Native American site visits, and provide knowledgeable commentary throughout the day.

Most tours last 8-10 hours, departing Scottsdale around 8 AM and returning by 6 PM.

🏜️ Book Sedona Day Trip →

Compare All Scottsdale Activities Side-by-Side

Planning Your Scottsdale Adventure: Essential Tips

These 7 experiences represent Scottsdale at its absolute best.

You might be wondering:

When should I visit? Where should I stay? How do I maximize my time?

Let me break it down:

When to Visit Scottsdale for Best Weather

October through April offers ideal conditions for outdoor activities.

Daytime temperatures range from pleasant (70s-80s°F) to perfect (60s-70s°F).

Cool evenings and virtually no rain.

This is peak season for golf, hiking, and resort stays.

May through September brings intense heat (often 105°F+).

But also significantly lower hotel rates and lighter crowds.

Indoor activities like museums become priorities, with outdoor adventures limited to early mornings.

Resort pool days become highlights.

Where to Stay for Easy Access

Your hotel location dramatically impacts your Scottsdale experience:

Old Town puts you walking distance to galleries, restaurants, and nightlife.

Ideal if you want to explore on foot and enjoy evening entertainment without driving.

See the best hotels in Old Town Scottsdale.

North Scottsdale offers resort-focused experiences with easy access to hiking, golf courses, and desert adventures.

Perfect for travelers prioritizing outdoor activities and spa relaxation.

Check out luxury resorts in Scottsdale.

Getting the Most from Your Visit

Scottsdale rewards planning:

Book adventures in advance:

Hot air balloon rides, desert Jeep tours, and horseback riding adventures sell out.

Especially during peak season (January-March).

Start outdoor activities early:

Summer morning hikes at 6 AM beat afternoon heat.

Even in winter, trails get crowded by 9 AM on weekends.

Combine indoor and outdoor experiences:

Museum visits and gallery browsing provide perfect hot afternoon activities between morning and evening outdoor adventures.

What’s the bottom line?

The beauty of Scottsdale lies in its diversity.

Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures, cultural enrichment, or relaxed luxury experiences, this desert oasis delivers unforgettable moments.

Scottsdale Arizona: Your Questions Answered

What is the #1 thing to do in Scottsdale Arizona?

The #1 rated Scottsdale experience is sunrise hot air balloon rides over the Sonoran Desert (★4.8 average across 1,800+ reviews). Floating silently above saguaro forests at sunrise combines adventure, beauty, and desert education in one unforgettable morning. Tours include champagne toast, breakfast, and hotel transportation—book 2-3 weeks ahead during peak season (October-April).

How many days do I need in Scottsdale?

Plan for 3-5 days to fully experience Scottsdale. This allows time for: Old Town exploration (1 day), desert hiking adventures (1 day), hot air balloon or Jeep tour (half-day), Camelback Mountain summit (half-day), and a Sedona day trip (1 day). Weekend getaways (2-3 days) work well for focused trips centered on specific activities like golf, dining, or spa experiences.

Is Scottsdale good for hiking?

Yes, Scottsdale is exceptional for hiking. The McDowell Sonoran Preserve offers 200+ miles of trails ranging from easy family-friendly paths to challenging summit hikes. Camelback Mountain provides Scottsdale’s most iconic (and challenging) hiking experience with 360-degree summit views. Best hiking season is October-April when temperatures range 60-80°F. Always start early (by 7 AM), bring minimum 1 liter water per person per hour, and wear proper hiking shoes.

What is Scottsdale Arizona best known for?

Scottsdale is best known for being the “Golf Capital of the World” with 200+ championship courses, luxury five-star resorts and spas, vibrant Old Town arts district with 125+ galleries, world-class dining scenes, pristine Sonoran Desert landscapes perfect for outdoor adventures, 327 days of annual sunshine, and hosting the PGA Tour’s WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale each February.

Are hot air balloon rides in Scottsdale safe?

Yes, hot air balloon rides in Scottsdale are very safe. Professional companies maintain excellent safety records, with FAA-certified pilots averaging 1,000+ flight hours. October-April sees 95% flight success rate with calm morning winds. Tours accommodate all ages and fitness levels. The biggest “risk” is weather cancellation—monsoons May-September occasionally cause same-day cancellations, but reputable companies offer full refunds or rescheduling.

Can beginners hike Camelback Mountain?

Camelback Mountain challenges even fit hikers and is NOT recommended for true beginners. Both trails (Echo Canyon and Cholla) feature steep rocky terrain, significant elevation gain (1,264 feet), and require 2-3 hours round trip. If you’re new to hiking, start with easier McDowell Sonoran Preserve trails like Gateway Loop first. If you’re reasonably fit but inexperienced, attempt Camelback with: early start (by 6 AM), sturdy hiking shoes, minimum 1 liter water, and realistic expectations about difficulty.

Is a day trip to Sedona from Scottsdale worth it?

Absolutely. Sedona’s red rock formations are dramatically different from Scottsdale’s desert landscapes, making the 2-hour drive (120 miles) worthwhile. You can explore Cathedral Rock hikes, browse art galleries in Uptown/Tlaquepaque, drive scenic Oak Creek Canyon, and visit Montezuma Castle National Monument—all in one day. Leave Scottsdale by 7 AM, enjoy Sedona midday, return by 6 PM. Guided tours (8-10 hours) include multiple viewpoints and Native American sites most visitors miss.

Your Scottsdale Adventure Awaits

From floating silently above saguaro forests at sunrise to conquering Camelback’s summit, from exploring Old Town’s vibrant art scene to experiencing the raw desert on horseback—Scottsdale delivers unforgettable moments.

What’s the kicker?

You can combine luxury resort experiences with genuine outdoor adventures.

Five-star spas in the morning. Desert hikes at sunset.

Championship golf followed by craft cocktails in Old Town.

The versatility is unmatched.

Ready to start planning?

Book your hot air balloon ride first—they sell out weeks ahead during peak season.

Reserve your Old Town hotel or North Scottsdale resort based on your priorities.

Then tackle Camelback Mountain, explore McDowell Preserve trails, and experience the desert by Jeep or horseback.

One last question:

Which Scottsdale experience are you most excited to try first—sunrise balloon rides, Camelback summit, or Sedona day trip?

Drop us a line at contact@scottsdalespot.com—we’d love to hear what brings you to the desert.