Outdoor Activities In Arizona – Arizona is a desert oasis for adventurers of all kinds. The valley is surrounded by mountains, cacti, wildlife, canyons and more. Not to mention good year-round weather to soak it all in! The number of outdoor activities that await you in Arizona makes it difficult to choose from them all when planning a visit. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of five of the best outdoor activities to do in the Grand Canyon State.
Whatever adventure you choose, Arizona will not disappoint! The first thing to keep in mind when choosing an outdoor activity is the temperature. Always carry plenty of extra water as summer temperatures can easily lead to heatstroke if not properly hydrated. let’s dive in
Outdoor Activities In Arizona
Cowboy culture abounds in Arizona. That’s because Arizona was once the center of the American Wild West. One way to experience the Old West is on a horseback tour through the desert landscape. There are many ranches throughout the valley that offer horseback riding tours within a 40-minute drive of Phoenix or as day trips.
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The average starting price for a one-hour trip is about $50 per person. However, many ranches have begun offering a discount for a two-hour drive for about $40 per person. It’s a great choice when traveling to Arizona on a limited time and budget. If you’re on a bit more of a budget, there are horse riding tours to enjoy the sunrise and sunset.
If you need something more akin to the Wild West, there are ranches where you can book overnight rides that offer both a horseback riding and camping experience in one. Talk about the old western way of life.
If you’re visiting in the middle of summer, you’ll want to be surrounded by water for outdoor activities. What better way to spend a day than tubing the rapids of Arizona’s Lower Soleta River?
The river is in the Tonto National Forest next to the town of Mesa. Salt River Tubing makes the tubing experience much easier and stress-free by offering tube rentals and shuttles that drop you off at the top of the river and pick you up at one of our designated stops.
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For $17 per person, you can experience the float for 2, 3 or 5 hours. That gets you a rental tube and a seat on one of the shuttles. Along the way, you will encounter small rapids, passing wild horses and mountainous landscapes.
Take a hot air balloon ride over a desert valley for a bird’s eye view of Arizona’s beauty. Hot air balloon tours are much more intimate and offer private or group tours. Like horseback riding, sunrise and sunset expeditions are available throughout the state. After marveling at the breathtaking views, you’ll be greeted with champagne and cuisine. Unique and adventurous experiences come with bigger sticker prices.
The average hot air balloon ride costs about $200 per person. It can be a bit expensive if you are traveling with a large group of people. However, with a little research, you can find the occasional package deal for two people that costs less than $200 per person.
If you decide to spend some time in Northern Arizona, hiking Havasu Canyon should be at the top of your Arizona bucket list. Havasu Canyon is made up of five different waterfalls and is a branch of the Grand Canyon. If you have previous hiking experience, plan your trip and venture into the canyon on your own. If you are uncomfortable doing it yourself, book a tour with a professional guide.
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It’s best to venture into the canyon during the off-season, as triple-digit temperatures can make the trip unbearable and dangerous. The best months are April to May and September to November. It is also important to note that a permit is required to venture into Havasu Canyon to preserve the landscape. These permits may be limited, so advance planning is required.
Costs can vary exponentially depending on the length of the adventure, how much gear you’ll need if you’re not using your own, and what additional activities you want to experience. For example, there are canyons that offer helicopter rides, mules for pulling heavy equipment, and more.
Adventure on four legs, two legs, inner tubes and hot air balloons. What’s left? four wheels! Whether it’s a Jeep, 4WD or ATV. Sedona offers great off-road adventure trails along with beautiful scenery. You can rock climb with your own all-terrain vehicle, rent a vehicle, or join a guided off-road tour.
The most popular off-road guided tour is Pink Jeep Tours, an exciting outdoor adventure through the red rocks of Sedona.
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Pink Jeep tours cost between $60 and $100 per adult. Again, if you’re traveling with a large group, it’s a good idea to research discounts or coupons for group pricing. The Sonoran Desert is an incredible environment for exploring the great outdoors and the flora and fauna that inhabit it. Here are four must-see activities that will immerse you in the unique natural beauty and wildlife of the Phoenix area.
Break up for a hike on the Pinnacle Peak Trail. It is less than 4 miles long and is an easy climb. The trade-off is that it overlooks almost the entire Scottsdale Valley. Along the way, you’ll spot quail, horned lizards, and cactus nests among the giant saguaro’s impressive spines. Dawn and dusk are not only the most comfortable times to escape the heat, but also when animals like coyotes and mule deer are most active and most likely to be seen.
Enjoy the opportunity to connect with nature at the Desert Botanical Garden. The 5 paths are short. The Desert Discovery Loop runs less than 1/3 of a mile, but the impact is huge. 52 rare Southwestern species are nurtured here, including spiky pineapple cactus, desert sunflower and tall Indian brush plant with bright red flowers. Two acres of wildflowers color the landscape year-round, peaking in early spring. It’s a great way to reset your senses between the quiet surroundings of birdsong and the delicate scent of sage. Don’t miss the Weekly in the spring
Visit this non-profit rescue and rehabilitation center where you can meet sick, injured and orphaned wild animals and learn the stories they call home. Tour the wildlife hospital, enjoy an interactive reptile experience, or watch a raptor presentation and eagle feeding. You can also walk educational trails to see fearless birds of prey, including falcons, owls, bald eagles and golden eagles. The sanctuary is open to the public on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 1 pm.
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Just over an hour’s drive east of Phoenix, you’ll find Arizona’s oldest and largest botanical garden. It’s easy to spend all day exploring this 392-acre state park with 3 miles of trails and paths that wind through 3 acres of cactus gardens, herb gardens, eucalyptus gardens, heritage rose gardens, hummingbird and butterfly gardens, and much more. The park is home to more than 300 species of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians (including the Gila monster, lynx and javelina). Go early in the morning for the best chance of spotting wildlife. The Arboretum is also a great place to view wildflowers in the spring. Epic adventures await throughout the state, from incredible hiking and mountain biking to water skiing and white water rafting.
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