Arizona’s desert wilderness is a perfect for unforgettable outdoor recreation. If you’re planning your own adventure, these six active vacation ideas in the Copper State will surely delight any thrill-seeker:
- Wander the scenic desertscape on horseback
If you’ve ever dreamed of riding into the sunset, a visit to Arizona’s many guest ranches can make it happen. Offering a range of half-day to whole-day trail rides, guest ranches such as the MTM Ranch in Cave Creek and Foothills Ranch in Sedona allow first-time and experienced horse enthusiasts to witness the natural beauty of the state’s desert landscapes the way the cowboys of old used to.
- Hike the Canyons
An Arizona adventure won’t be complete without a visit to the Grand Canyon. You can choose between a week-long, 24-mile North Rim to South Rim traverse or opt for a shorter day hike along the Bright Angel, South Kaibab, or North Kaibab trails.
A side branch of the Grand Canyon that is also worth hiking is the Havasu Canyon. The highlight here is a picturesque 90- to 100-foot waterfall that makes any strenuous hike worthwhile.
- Go on a rafting trip through the Grand Canyon
Book a rafting adventure through the Colorado River. The main waterway in the American Southwest, Colorado River is responsible for carving out the magnificent Grand Canyon. It draws crowds from all over the world and is especially crowded during summer, so be sure to plan ahead.
- Meet Arizona’s beautiful birds
Compared to our other suggestions in this list, bird-watching may be a more relaxed and laidback activity, but it definitely brings the thrills. Try it once and you’ll get hooked by the excitement of spotting majestic and rare bird species thriving in their natural habitats. Head to the southeastern corner of the state to find some of the best birding sites, such as:
- Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge, Pima County
- Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area, McNeal
- Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve, Patagonia
- Sabino County, Tucson
- Chiricahua National Monument, Wilcox
- Break a sweat with a game of tennis or a round of golf
Thanks to excellent, year-round weather, Arizona has the best conditions for outdoor sports like golf and tennis.
A visit to the iconic Troon North Golf Club in Scottsdale lets you play on designer courses inspired by the Sonoran Desert. For a longer vacation, consider the Westin Kierland Golf Club, also in Scottsdale, and the We-Ko-Pa Golf Club in Fort McDowell.
Tennis aficionados should add the following top-rated tennis clubs on their list of must-visit destinations:
- Val Vista Lakes Tennis Club, Gilbert
- Paseo Racquet Center, Glendale
- Gold Key Racquet Club, Phoenix
- Pedal to your heart’s content
Arizona boasts diverse and massive mountain biking trail systems that can rival popular cycling destinations in California, Colorado, and Utah. If hitting the trails on two wheels is your idea of adventure, check out:
- Schultz Creek, Flagstaff
- Black Canyon Trail, Phoenix
- The 50-Year Trail, Tucson
- Hangover Trail, Sedona
- Arizona Trail, running 800 miles north to south across the state
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