New Things To Do In Phoenix: An Outdoor Explorer’S Guide To Fresh
You’ve seen the photos of hikers swarming the summit of Camelback Mountain. You’ve heard about the popular trails and bustling city parks. But as an adventurer, you’re looking for something more—the quiet trails, the unexpected discoveries, and the real connection with the wild Sonoran Desert that lies just beyond the city buzz.
We promise this guide will take you past the crowded hotspots. We’re here to show you the new things to do in Phoenix that will challenge your skills, deepen your appreciation for the desert, and give you stories that go far beyond the typical vacation snapshot.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore uncrowded hiking trails, reveal surprising water adventures, guide you to dark sky spots for incredible stargazing, and even point you toward opportunities to level up your outdoor survival skills. Let’s gear up and discover the side of Phoenix most people miss.
Beyond Camelback: Discover Phoenix’s Uncrowded Hiking Trails
The most popular trails in Phoenix can feel more like a line at a theme park than a wilderness escape. One of the greatest benefits of New things to do in Phoenix is finding solitude and seeing the desert in its natural state. It’s time to trade the crowds for tranquility.
Explore the McDowell Sonoran Preserve
While not a secret, the vastness of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale means you can easily find your own space. Most visitors stick to the Gateway Trailhead. Instead, try one of these alternatives:
- Tom’s Thumb Trailhead: This offers a more challenging ascent with incredible granite rock formations and sweeping views. It’s a workout, but the reward is a much quieter summit.
- Brown’s Ranch Trailhead: Perfect for beginner and intermediate hikers, this area features a sprawling network of relatively flat, rolling trails that wind through a forest of saguaros. It’s ideal for a long, meditative desert walk.
Discover the Secrets of South Mountain Park
South Mountain Park is one of the largest municipal parks in the country, and it holds more than just the famous Dobbins Lookout. The Mormon and National trails are often packed, but the western side of the park offers a different experience.
The Ma Ha Tauk Trail and the Geronimo Trail offer rugged, rocky terrain with far fewer people. This is a great area to practice your navigation skills with a map and compass or a reliable GPS app like Gaia GPS. Always download your maps beforehand, as cell service can be spotty.
A Few More Hidden Gems
- Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area: Located in Cave Creek, this area feels a world away. Hike along Cave Creek (which is often flowing in the spring) under the shade of cottonwood trees.
- Estrella Mountain Regional Park: Head to the west valley for beautiful trails that are often overlooked. The Pedersen Trail offers a challenging loop with fantastic views of the Sierra Estrella range.
Trade Your Boots for a Paddle: Unexpected Water Adventures on Desert Lakes
When you think of the desert, water probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But the Salt River reservoirs east of Phoenix offer a stunning contrast of blue water against canyon walls. This is one of the most refreshing new things to do in Phoenix, especially when the temperatures start to climb.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding on Saguaro Lake
Just a 40-minute drive from Scottsdale, Saguaro Lake is a Sonoran Desert oasis. Rent a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) from the marina or a local outfitter and set out to explore.
Paddle into narrow canyons where cliff walls rise hundreds of feet above you. Keep an eye out for bald eagles, bighorn sheep, and wild horses that sometimes come down to the shore for a drink. This is an excellent eco-friendly New things to do in Phoenix activity that lets you see wildlife with minimal disturbance.
Exploring Canyon Lake by Steamboat
If you prefer a more relaxed pace, consider a trip on the Dolly Steamboat at Canyon Lake. This 90-minute nature cruise takes you through the dramatic landscapes of the Superstition Wilderness. It’s a fantastic way to learn about the area’s geology and wildlife from an expert guide without breaking a sweat.
Important Water Safety Tips
The desert sun is intense, even on the water. Here are some essential tips:
- Hydrate Aggressively: Bring more water than you think you’ll need. A hydration reservoir like a CamelBak is perfect for easy access.
- Sun Protection is Non-Negotiable: Wear a wide-brimmed hat, polarized sunglasses, and a long-sleeved sun shirt (like a Huk or Coolibar UPF shirt). Apply waterproof sunscreen liberally.
- Know the Conditions: Afternoon winds can whip up suddenly on these lakes, making paddling back a serious challenge. Check the forecast and plan to be off the water before the wind picks up.
Level Up Your Skills: Desert Survival & Outdoor Workshops
For the true OutwardLab enthusiast, a trip isn’t just about seeing new places—it’s about learning new skills. Phoenix is a hub for incredible outdoor education, offering you a chance to learn from experts and build real confidence in the wild.
Take a Desert Survival Course
Understanding how to thrive in an arid environment is a powerful skill. Several local guide companies offer one-day or weekend-long courses on the fundamentals of desert survival. This is a fantastic New things to do in Phoenix guide to self-reliance.
You’ll learn critical skills like:
- Finding and purifying water
- Building an effective emergency shelter
- Signaling for help
- Identifying key Sonoran Desert plants (both helpful and harmful)
- Understanding desert wildlife behavior
Introduction to Rock Climbing or Canyoneering
The rocky mountains around Phoenix are a natural playground for climbers. If you’ve always wanted to try it, book a half-day guided trip. An experienced guide will provide all the gear (harness, helmet, shoes) and teach you the basics of belaying and movement on rock in a safe, controlled environment.
Canyoneering combines hiking, scrambling, and rappelling through beautiful, water-carved canyons. It’s an unforgettable adventure and a great way to see a part of the desert few people ever experience.
Sustainable Exploration: Best Practices for Desert Adventures
The Sonoran Desert is a stunningly beautiful but incredibly fragile ecosystem. As responsible adventurers, it’s our job to protect it. Following sustainable New things to do in Phoenix best practices ensures these wild places remain for generations to come.
Master Desert-Specific Leave No Trace
The seven Leave No Trace principles are always important, but a few are critical in the desert.
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: The desert soil, known as cryptobiotic crust, is a living organism that can take decades to recover if damaged. Stay on established trails. Don’t cut switchbacks.
- Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack it in, pack it out. This includes organic waste like orange peels and apple cores. They take a very long time to decompose in the dry climate and can attract animals.
- Leave What You Find: Leave rocks, pottery shards (potsherds), and wildflowers for others to enjoy. It’s illegal to remove many of these items from public lands.
Water Conservation is Key
When camping or visiting remote areas, be mindful of your water usage. This is a crucial part of any eco-friendly New things to do in Phoenix plan. Use only what you need for drinking, cooking, and minimal cleaning. Avoid contaminating natural water sources with soap or food waste.
Essential Gear and Safety Tips for Your Phoenix Adventure
Success in the desert comes down to preparation. Underestimating the environment is one of the most common problems with New things to do in Phoenix. This isn’t the place to “wing it.”
Your Desert Hiking Checklist
- Navigation: A fully charged phone with a GPS app (maps downloaded!), plus a backup power bank. A physical map and compass are essential backups.
- Water: A minimum of 1 liter per person, per hour of hiking. A hydration pack is highly recommended. For longer hikes, bring a water filter like the Sawyer Squeeze.
- Sun Protection: Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and UPF clothing.
- First-Aid Kit: Be sure it includes tweezers for cactus spine removal, blister treatment, and antiseptic wipes.
- Illumination: A headlamp like the Black Diamond Spot, even for a day hike. You never know when a hike might take longer than planned.
- Salty Snacks: Electrolyte loss is a major issue. Pack trail mix, jerky, or electrolyte chews to replenish lost salts.
Wildlife Awareness
The desert is home to rattlesnakes, scorpions, and Gila monsters. While encounters are rare, it’s important to be aware.
Never put your hands or feet where you can’t see. Be cautious when stepping over logs or rocks. Most animals want to avoid you, so give them space and they will usually move on.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Things to Do in Phoenix
What is the best time of year to explore the outdoors in Phoenix?
The prime season for outdoor activities is from October through April. The weather is mild and sunny, perfect for hiking and exploring. The summer months (May-September) are extremely hot, with daily temperatures often exceeding 110°F (43°C). If you must hike in the summer, go very early in the morning and be off the trail by 9 AM.
Do I need a special pass to visit these parks and lakes?
It varies. City parks like South Mountain are generally free. Regional parks (like Estrella Mountain) and National Forest areas (like the lakes) often have a day-use fee, typically $7-$10 per vehicle. A Tonto National Forest Pass or an America the Beautiful National Parks Pass will cover many of these fees. Always check the specific park’s website before you go.
What are the biggest dangers to be aware of in the Sonoran Desert?
The top three dangers are dehydration, heat exhaustion/heat stroke, and getting lost. All are preventable with proper planning. Carry more water than you need, hike during cooler parts of the day, understand the signs of heat-related illness, and always have reliable navigation tools and a plan you’ve shared with someone.
Phoenix is more than a city; it’s a gateway to a lifetime of adventure. By looking beyond the beaten path, you can discover a rugged, beautiful, and wild landscape that will challenge and inspire you. Use this guide to find your next adventure, build your skills, and explore with confidence.
Gear up, plan smart, and get out there. The desert is waiting.
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