Your Ultimate Guide to Scottsdale, Arizona
Written by: Katie Pittman
In the high Sonoran Desert, Scottsdale is a place of western lore and cosmopolitan culture, a place of awe-inspiring beauty and spectacular nature, a place unlike any other.
Scottsdale will charm you with its jagged red rock terrain, towering cacti, and vibrant, multicolor sunsets. Here’s our insider guide to exploring Scottsdale.
Places to stay
For an idyllic getaway in the high Sonoran desert, the adobe casitas and suites at the Four Seasons Scottsdale harmoniously blend in with the glorious desert backdrop. Visit the hotel’s top-rated spa and indulge in a luxurious Southwestern-inspired treatment like the Cocoa mole energizing wrap or Sedona earth clay body mask.
For a distinct experience, rest your head at the vibrant Bespoke Inn located in downtown Scottsdale. The inn is uniquely designed with materials that tell their own story, like the colorful staircase tiles scavenged from local warehouses. Take a dip in the infinity pool and enjoy a fireside nightcap on the patio under the twinkle lights.
Nestled at the foothills of Camelback Mountain, The Phoenician offers a larger resort experience great for families, with its grand floating pool, 197-foot twisting water slide, and plentiful onsite activities.
Where to eat
To soak up the atmosphere and meet friendly locals, I highly recommend the Citizen Public House, which serves fantastic craft beer and cocktails alongside a uniquely creative and delicious menu. For an indulgent lunch, head to Arcadia Farms Café — their peach French toast casserole is to die for. If your group has mixed desires, Olive & Ivy serves a range of French-inspired light bites and decadent entrées. If you’re in the mood for modern Italian, Fat Ox is the spot — order one of their fresh pasta dishes made in-house daily.
Things to do
Although there are several ways to explore and enjoy Scottsdale’s spectacular natural surroundings, hiking and mountain biking are the most popular.
The Sonoran Desert Preserve has hiking trails that lead through 30,000 acres of uninterrupted desert landscapes adorned with massive, wildly shaped boulders and surreal native flora and fauna. We highly recommend a sunset hike to beat the heat and enjoy the colors of the desert under the glowing sun.
Pinnacle Peak is a challenging yet rewarding summit with incredible views of the Sonoran Desert and McDowell Mountain. From the Four Seasons Hotel, you can access Pinnacle Peak via a private trail that begins steps away from the resort.
Camelback Mountain is popular amongst seasoned hikers, rock climbers, and visitors so we suggest hitting the trails at sunrise to beat the heat and the crowds.
A bit further outside of Scottsdale is Tonto National Forest, one of the largest forests in the US. It’s full of scenic hiking trails, ranging from a few hours to a couple of days (note that a permit is required to hike in Tonto National Forest).
If you’re looking for more adventure, discover what just might be the best mountain biking trails in the Southwest on a high-performance bike. For a more leisurely ride, grab a cruiser from a local bike shop and explore Scottsdale’s creative arts district and historic Old Town.
The calm waters of the Lower Salt River are ideal for a family-friendly river rafting or kayaking expedition with a gourmet riverside picnic. To learn more about desert geology, a guided off-road jeep tour through Scottsdale’s unspoiled backcountry is a great option and fun for the whole family. A visit to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West is a must and we can arrange an insightful behind-the-scenes tour of the mansion. Ride horseback through the desert plains like a true Southwestern cowboy; scale massive red rock boulders on a rock climbing adventure; and traverse dry desert canyons on a canyoneering excursion catered to your skill level.
