10 Best Outdoor Activities In Phoenix, Arizona - Updated 2024

Catherine
Catherine 
Updated
| 5 min read

Located in the south-west portion of the United States, Phoenix is a fantastic desert city known for its all-year sunshine and toasty temperatures. Awash in top-grade spa resorts, world-class Southwestern cuisine, and professionally designed golf courses, this city knows how to pamper. But Phoenix also possesses a rich history of indigenous cultures, haunting desert wilderness, first-rate scenic vistas, and captivating rock formations, which makes this travel destination a top pick as well as a wonderful outdoor playground for those who crave adventuresome delights. If you want to explore this city’s appealing outside diversions, then you must scroll down to see the best outdoor activities in Phoenix, Arizona.

1. Get a bird's-eye view of Phoenix from a hot-air balloon (from USD 199.0)

This early-morning three-hour escapade is definitely for those seeking something out of the ordinary. Climb aboard a colorful hot-air balloon and drift over Arizona’s mesmerizing desert landscape. Contemplate beautiful centuries-old cacti and watch the glorious sunrise over the enticing terrain. The guide is a master of the globe’s earliest form of aviation and has manned balloon excursions from many corners of the earth. Participants can look forward to bubbly champagne and yummy chocolates after the landing to toast their feat.

Visited this place?

Balloon Ride Over Native Saguaro Cactus

Duration: 3 hours

115 reviews

2. Explore the lovely Sonoran Desert (from USD 57.0)

If you’re a big fan of nature - particularly Arizona’s bone-dry desert beauty - you can’t miss this amazing exploration of the beguiling Sonoran Desert. The tour is comprised of a 2-mile (3.2-kilometer) hike that will lead you to an elevation of 200 feet (61 meters). As you walk along the arid landscape, you’ll have the chance to examine the flora, fauna, and geological make-up of this unique region. The guide has hiked the desert since childhood, so participants should receive an enjoyable and informative tour of the Sonoran Desert.

Visited this place?

Sunrise in the Sonoran Desert

Duration: 1.5 hours

35 reviews

3. Witness an incredible sunset on a stellar hike (from USD 39.0)

This breezy 90-minute tour is an ideal way to kick off a delightful evening in Phoenix. Participants hike less than 1 mile (1.6 km) to an optimum spot from where you can view a typically awesome Arizona sunset. Time is also spent investigating the desert’s interesting plants and animals. After the full moon makes its appearance over the eastern skyline, the group heads back to where they began. At the conclusion of the tour, the friendly guide is happy to give insider tips on the best local hot spots to get a cool cocktail or a hidden-gem restaurant to savor a delicious dinner.

Visited this place?

Spectacular sunset and full moon hike

Duration: 1.5 hours

91 reviews

4. Hike through Phoenix mountains (from USD 42.0)

An accomplished two-man team leads this ultimate hiking adventure through the beautiful Phoenix Mountain Preserve. The guides detail a fun history lesson of the state’s rich history and highlight uncovered gems, such as bygone-era granite mine shafts from the mid-19th century that depicts the fevered gold rush period in the United States. Participants can admire rare desert flowers that only grow here and hidden areas of the terrain. These hikes are categorized as easy, moderate, and difficult, therefore no one is left out. Just choose the hike that best suits your abilities.

Visited this place?

Epic AZ Hike w/ Experienced Guides

Duration: 2 hours

269 reviews

5. Take a refreshing poolside exercise class (from USD 20.0)

If you want to experience a good workout but can’t get motivated, then take this small-group, 60-minute outdoor exercise class by a certified group fitness instructor. This exercise guru modifies the one-hour session to your capabilities, so no need to worry about keeping up with the rest of the participants. The setting is the host’s backyard, with a sparkling swimming pool that enhances the serene vibe. Participants are equipped with handy exercise mats and any necessary exercise gear like dumbells, bands, and balls.

Visited this place?

Poolside Small Group Fitness Session

Duration: 1 hour

6. Trek through South Mountain Preserve and soak in the beautiful views (from USD 65.0)

Reach 1,000 feet (304.8 meters) of exhilarating elevation, investigate age-old petroglyph sites, marvel at gorgeous flora and fauna, see breathtaking views, and so much more on this fabulous trek through South Mountain Preserve to uncover the natural beauty of Hidden Valley. Discover jaw-dropping rock formations and whimsical wildlife like lively jackrabbits and graceful deer. The guide’s background is impressive: a United States Navy veteran and personal trainer with certified first-aid skills and CPR training, so participants are in capable hands with this enthusiastic and accomplished hiking champion.

Visited this place?

Conquer the Trail to Hidden Valley

Duration: 3 hours

227 reviews

7. Indulge in an adrenaline-fueled canyoneering adventure (from USD 387.0)

Surrounded by fascinating rock formations, it would be a crime not to explore Arizona’s canyon settings. This day-long canyoneering excursion affords thrill-seeking participants the opportunity to experience the excitement of the state’s most treasured geological gems. Expect to hike, and swim into pools of cool water, and even slide down smooth carved rocks. This tour provides all the must-have gear as well as bottled water, a delicious lunch, and handy snacks to keep your energy level high.

Visited this place?

Canyoneering Adventure in Phoenix

Duration: 8 hours

88 reviews

8. Explore the majestic Grand Canyon (from USD 1.0)

For an extravagant outdoor adventure that blows your mind, take this out-of-the-ordinary escapade to see one of the world’s most compelling natural wonders. The Grand Canyon is Arizona’s crowned jewel and participants can enjoy non-stop excitement during this round-trip excursion. To add an extra layer of thrill, this tour even offers a chance to take a walk on the breathtaking Grand Canyon Skywalk - not for the faint of heart. Enjoy a complete Grand Canyon experience, from admiring incomparable views while savoring a yummy lunch on the canyon rim, to a phenomenal boat cruise on the Colorado River.

Tip from Content Creator

Pao

Pao

Grand Canyon Grand Canyon
Photos of the Grand Canyon shared by content creator from the United States, Pao Martinez.
Visited this place?

Grand Canyon West Rim by Air with Skywalk from Phoenix (ADV)

Duration: 7 hours

149 reviews

9. Exciting sky-high tour of Phoenix (from USD 449.0)

Spend a heart-pumping 45 minutes airborne with this fun aerial adventure over Phoenix. Step aboard the snazzy high-winged Cessna plane, which affords clear views of the dazzling desert horizon and twinkling cityscape so you can take lovely photos. Participants can take in the beauty of the dramatic mountain ranges, barren desert landscapes, and alluring downtown Phoenix landmarks. The highlight of this tour is when the sun begins to set and the sky changes colors so you can witness Phoenix’s skyline transform into a blanket of brilliant pretty lights.

Visited this place?

Phoenix, Arizona Mountains Sunset and City Lights Aerial Tour

Duration: 45 minutes

10. Go on a meditative hike and yoga session (from USD 40.0)

Spend two hours in blissful coexistence with nature at this relaxed hike and calming yoga escape. Occurring in a quiet desert setting, this rejuvenating activity allows you to reflect on beautiful desert landscapes, majestic mountains, and swaying palm trees. Led by a local top-notch instructor of yoga and meditation practices, the host is a lifelong advocate of stress-free living and positive thinking. Certified as a Reiki Master and Sound Healing Therapist, you are sure to learn helpful methods to reduce anxiety in your hectic life. A nice yoga mat is provided for each participant.

Visited this place?

Kava & Meditation Hike

Duration: 2 hours

25 reviews

Awesome outdoor fun in Phoenix

If you desire a vigorous hike through the gorgeous Sonoran Desert or you’re partial to a tranquil yoga session with a desert backdrop, Phoenix’s outdoor activities are a cut above. When it comes to fun in the desert, this capital city of Arizona is vital for showcasing the United States’ southwest beauty and culture. Don’t hesitate to spend time around Phoenix’s grand terrain.

Visited this place?
Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

History


Get Trip101 in your inbox

Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

Catherine has written professionally for over 10 years, and a sizable amount has been travel writing. Her desire to see the world was sparked at a very young age. Growing up, there were many family...Read more

 Want to contribute as a Local Expert?
Explore Phoenix
Looking for accommodation?
x
Good things are meant to be shared!
Back to top
Visited any of these places? Click this button to activate our "Add a Tip" feature to share your experience.