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Outdoors

Hikers, bikers and climbers in Greater Phoenix have come to the same conclusion as coyotes, roadrunners and jackrabbits: The Sonoran Desert is a great place to play.

How you experience the desert is up to you. Explore the different ways below and visit our outdoor recreation media gallery for more inspiration. 

Explore Your Way

Find Your Adventure

  • Cool Things to do Outdoors in Summer

    Hike at dawn, float a river midday and pedal through the desert at night.

  • Best Hikes in Phoenix

    There’s a great trail for every skill level within a short drive from anywhere in Greater Phoenix. Check out our guide to the best hikes in Phoenix.

  • Moonlight Hiking

    An avowed ‘night owl’ communes with glowing scorpions and night-blooming cactuses on a guided, after-dark hike.

  • Best Phoenix Hiking Trails for Beginners

    New to hiking? These easy desert treks will ease you into the world of outdoor adventure.

  • Paddling the Salt River

    A leisurely float puts rivergoers up close to wild mustangs, blue herons and bald eagles.

  • Instagram Inspiration

    These six local Instagrammers showcase the beauty of the Sonoran Desert like few others. Their images will have you wanting to hike a trail, watch a sunset and more.

  • Dog-Friendly Phoenix

    We've got your guide to dog-friendly Phoenix, including top hiking trails, off-leash dog parks and pet-friendly restaurant patios.

  • Best Places to Trail Run

    Arizona Outback Adventures shares their picks for the best places to trail run in Phoenix.

  • Petroglyph Hikes

    Petroglyphs—rock carvings left behind by ancient civilizations—can still be seen on these local trails.

  • Phoenix Summit Challenge

    This multi-mountain trek inspires hikers to look beyond Phoenix’s iconic peaks for their next excursion.

  • The Arizona Trail

    Hiker who’s traversed the state (twice) on the AZT shares her favorite trail segments near Phoenix.

Watch

Brian Jump shares how the mystique of the desert turned an intended short stay in Phoenix into a career as an outdoor guide.

Take an 80-second tour of the Sonoran Desert, which is a paradise for lovers of the outdoors.
 

 

Explore the listings below for professional tour guides, equipment rental, activities and more. 

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