The Best Outdoor Activities in Arizona
Spring is right around the corner and what does that mean? It’s time to spend your days outdoors! In Arizona, there is no shortage of beautiful weather and invigorating outdoor activities to keep you and the family entertained. Need some inspiration? Here are some of our best outdoor activities to do in Arizona.
Head to a Dude Ranch like it’s the Wild, Wild West
Take a weekend away with friends or family and experience an outdoor adventure on one of Arizona’s many dude ranches. You will feel like you stepped back in time to when gun slingers and John Wayne ruled the west. Enjoy guided horse tours, herding cattle, hiking and evening star gazing. This is an outdoor escape that will make you feel like a classic Arizona cowboy.
Desert Hot-air Ballooning
One of the things that makes the beautiful state of Arizona unique is its vast desert, but due to prickly plants, poisonous animals and scorching temperatures it’s not the most ideal place to explore. But you can rise above the desert sand and take it all in from a hot-air balloon ride. Enjoy the beauty of the endless sandy terrain and all the plants and animals that call it home – from the safety of the sky.
Floating Down the Salt River
Don’t expect the rapids you might find in the Grand Canyon. The Salt River is for relaxation and time with friends or family. The river is part of the Tonto National Forest and is a great escape from nearby bustling Phoenix. Rent a few tubes, pack an ice chest and head to the Salt River for a little rest and relaxation floating on the water.
See the Wildflowers at Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park
When you think Spring, the sight of fields covered in colorful wildflowers probably pops into your mind. If you’d like to frolic amongst the blooming flowers this spring, head over to Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park for a walking tour. With dozens of colors and plant varieties, there is no shortage of things to feast your eyes on. The best showing for the park is in March and April, so start planning your trip now!
Mountain Bike on the Desert Classic Trail
A quick jaunt from anywhere in the Valley will bring you to the best mountain biking in the state. You can start from South Mountain Park’s Pima Canyon entrance near 48th Street and Elliot Road. Any decent bike rider on a proper mountain bike can hit this single-track trail and soak up the 16,000-acre lush and beautiful Sonoran Desert Park and getting a great work out in the meantime.
In addition to our favorite Arizona outdoor activities listed here, the sunny state is full of options. Whether you like to lay by the pool, visit water parks, rock climb, watch sunsets, enjoy professional sports, bird watch, or go off-roading in the desert, Arizona can fulfill all your outdoor dreams. So hop in the car, head out of the city, and enjoy a new adventure this spring with one of these best outdoor activities in Arizona.
