If you’re planning a trip to Phoenix, Arizona, there are quite a few things you’ll want to add to your bucket list. Whether it be hitting the outdoor sites or spending time inside, relaxing. The desert is known for its amazing mountains, the red rocks, and jeeping opportunities, and you’ll be remiss if you don’t spend an ample amount of time outside taking it all in and hiking as much as possible. There are many ways that you can go about exploring the West. Today I’ll be sharing an insider’s guide to Phoenix, Arizona with 7 things to do & see in the region.
An Insider’s Guide to Phoenix, Arizona
1. Hike Camelback Mountain
For hikers who are looking for a unique thrill, head to the stunning Camelback Mountain. The 2,704-foot peak is located in the Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon Recreation Area between Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Paradise Valley. There are two main hiking trails at the park: the Echo Canyon trail and the Cholla Trail. Echo Canyon ascends 1,280 feet over the course of a steep 1.23 miles. Also making it a popular spot for rock climbers. The Cholla trail increases 1,250 feet over the course of 1.42 miles. In other words, this offers less of a challenge and takes approximately two to three hours total round trip.
If Camelback seems a little too intense try using All Trails. With this app, you are able to see what others have said about each trail and rank and review trails yourself.
2. Paddle Board in Tempe Town Lake
You can find Tempe Town Lake along the Rio Salado Parkway outside of the town of Tempe. If you’re looking for a new activity to try that isn’t hiking or exploring the desert, you can get into the lake and cool down with paddle boarding. There are plenty of rental houses where they’ll hook you up with equipment, and if you’ve never tried it before, you can also find guides who will offer lessons.
3. Go Off-Roading in Sedona
Sedona’s trails are beautiful. If you don’t have a lifted jeep or truck of your own, you can go on a Pink Jeep Tour or do another jeep rental tour service. Another option is to rent a jeep or truck that is prepared for off-roading and explore on your own—just make sure you only drive on trails that are dedicated to jeeping. Otherwise, it could be dangerous for hikers and the wildlife and plant life of that area.
4. Horseback Ride in Camp Verde
Another great way to see the local area is going horseback riding through the Camp Verde area. Camp Verde is located 30 minutes outside of Sedona. It’s a unique way to explore an area you otherwise might not have seen. Again, you’ll only be able to do so on trails that are dedicated specifically for horseback riding so as not to put any of the local wildlife and plant life at risk or destroy the Camp Verde area.
5. Visit Sedona’s Vortices
There are four main vortices in Sedona, which are four red rock areas that are said to have spiritual energy about them. They are Airport Mesa Vortex, Bell Rock Vortex, Boynton Canyon Vortex, and Cathedral Rock Vortex. Although the vortices don’t have a specific location, you’ll generally know where they are because there’s an upswing in positive energy or calming feelings. In addition, the vortices also have either a masculine or feminine energy, depending on the vortex you’re visiting.
6. Explore the Musical Instrument Museum
If you’re looking to spend a day indoors, you should check out the Musical Instrument Museum on East Mayo Boulevard. The museum recommends taking about three hours to tour it and catch all the best sites, including the 300-seat MIM Music Theater.
7. Check out the Orpheum Theater
The theater sits in the center of Phoenix just a short walk away from the Phoenix Convention Center. It was built in 1929 and can seat up to 1,364 people. In addition, it’s one of the most significant theatrical structures in the West and offers a rich history. You can take a free tour of the theater with their knowledgeable guides.
This guide can serve as a helpful jumping off point for your trip to Phoenix. Hopefully, you’ll be able to see all that the gorgeous desert city has to offer.
