Spring is the perfect time to get outside or pick up a new hobby. An easy thing to do on vacation in a place that’s as scenic as Arizona is hiking. Scottsdale is not short of hiking trails; there’s a variety to choose from depending on your ability and comfort level.
Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve is home to over 200 miles of trails in an assortment of difficulties. If you’re not an avid hiker and a scenic walk is more your speed, the Gateway Loop Trail is a great fit. It’s a four-and-a-half-mile trail that loops around to your starting point.
Tom’s Thumb Trail is the most challenging on the McDowell Sonoran Preserve grounds, but it’s one of Scottsdale’s most popular hikes. It offers a scenic view of the trail’s namesake, Tom’s Thumb. If you’re a rock climber, this is a favored spot.
Lost Dog Wash is of moderate difficulty. This trail offers picturesque views of Frank Lloyd’s house, Taliesin West, along with the Camelback Mountains and Pinnacle Peak. This spot has a low elevation, and it’s just over a five-mile trek.
Papago Park has a little bit of something for everyone. There are hiking trails, some of which are accessible by bike; there’s the Desert Botanical Garden and Frank Lloyd Wright’s house, Taliesin West, both of which are not too far off from the park.
One of Papago Park’s most recognizable landmarks can be seen at Hole-in-the-Rock Trail. These uniquely formed buttes that the trail is named after are made out of red sandstone. At the end of the hike, you’ll be able to stand inside one of these buttes and overlook the city through one of the holes. These buttes were initially used by the Hohokam Tribe to track the sun and mark the summer and winter solstices.
The botanical garden is decorated with glass sculptures made by famous artist Dale Chihuly. The exhibit, Chihuly in the Desert, was set up in 2021, and the striking yellows, oranges and reds of the blown glass stand out against the saguaros and desert land.
Taliesin West was Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home, and it was built in 1937. It was constructed out of local materials and blends into the sandy surroundings. There is an array of events that are hosted at Taliesin West, so there’s a little something for everyone. These range from sunset happy hours to Friday night movie showings to yoga to member only events.
Whether you’re an avid hiker or just want to take in all the sights that Scottsdale has to offer, come stay at Scottsdale Park Suites and go exploring at your leisure.
While the most of the country deals with blizzards, bitter cold, and the general all-around despair that comes with winter, we at Scottsdale Park Suites in Arizona breeze through the season in paradise. Scottsdale, Arizona experiences winter with average temperatures in the mid 60s and low 70s. There is no lack of activities to do to be able to enjoy the Arizona weather. From sporting events, designer golf courses, and getting outdoors, there’s a little bit for everyone. Have you experienced Scottsdale or Phoenix like a tourist? Now is the time!
Car enthusiasts can find themselves right at home in Scottsdale at the Barrett-Jackson Auction. For the past 50 years people have travelled from across the globe to attend. This auction is a world-class automotive lifestyle event where thousands of unique and valuable automobiles are offered up in front of a global audience. Be one of the 300,000 in attendance from January 21 – 29 at the Westworld of Scottsdale.
Looking to get outside? The Phoenix Rock & Roll Marathon might pique your interest. Participants have the option to run a 5k on Saturday, January 14 and a 10k or marathon on Sunday, January 15. This event began in 1998, so 2023’s event will mark their 25th anniversary. What’s even better is that this marathon is kid friendly too! It’s called KiDS ROCK, and it’s open to kids ages 1-17.
Are you a football fan? Consider going staying in Scottsdale to go to Super Bowl LVII. This famous sports showdown will happen on Sunday, February 12 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, conveniently located less than an hour away from Scottsdale. If you look forward to watching your favorite team and singing along during the awaited halftime show, Rihanna will be performing.
Golf enthusiasts can pass the time at the Waste Management Golf Tournament from February 6 – 12. This event is one of the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) TOUR’s best attended, drawing nearly 500,000 guests every year. The tournament benefits one of the region’s most prominent charities, the Phoenix Thunderbirds, and helps produce millions of dollars in donations that go to other organizations in the area. Additionally, this golf tournament has been recognized as the largest zero waste sporting event in the world. This means you can golf and know you’re going green too.
If you’re looking to skip the blizzards and freezing weather in your home state, book your room at Scottsdale Park Suites and enjoy a little TLC this winter. A little getaway might be exactly what you need!