Outdoors · Phoenix · within 25 miles

Get outside around Phoenix

Trails, water, views and reasons to spend the day outside.

Great outdoor places nearby

Trails, parks, lakes, preserves, gardens and viewpoints.

Desert Botanical Garden

Desert Botanical Garden

Botanical Garden · 7.5 mi

4.8(23,073)

Spend 2-4 hours exploring 140 acres of desert plants. This is a great outing for families, visitors, or a solo nature walk, with ticket prices around $20-30 per person before any dining or gift shop purchases.

Camelback East Village

Papago Park

Papago Park

Park · Free · 7.2 mi

4.7(12,946)

Papago Park is ideal for a 2-3 hour outdoor adventure with hiking and scenic views like Hole-in-the-Rock. It's free to enter, though attractions like the Phoenix Zoo within the park have their own costs, making it a budget-friendly option.

South Mountain Park and Preserve

South Mountain Park and Preserve

Park · Free · 7.5 mi

4.8(10,109)

This park offers trails for hiking or a scenic drive to a city lookout, making it good for a half-day outdoor excursion. It is free to enter, though vehicle access hours are limited, and pairs well with a meal afterward.

Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch

Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch

Nature Preserve · 20.4 mi

4.8(7,553)

This nature preserve is a free outdoor activity, great for a 2-hour walk with family or a solo bird-watching session. It can be paired with a nearby lunch or breakfast spot.

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

Park · 10.6 mi

4.8(7,335)

A visit to McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park usually lasts a couple of hours and can cost around $5-10 per person for rides, making it a good activity for families with young children or as a relaxed morning or afternoon outing.

South Scottsdale

Tempe Beach Park

Tempe Beach Park

Park · 7.7 mi

4.6(10,459)

This park is suitable for a family outing, offering activities like a splash pad, boating, and athletic fields. Expect to spend 2-4 hours, with costs ranging from free to around $10 for activities like boat rentals.

Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park

Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park

Zoo · 20.7 mi

4.5(12,463)

This is a full-day family outing, perfect for a weekend adventure. Expect to spend 5-6 hours and around $50-$75 per person after tickets and food. The park offers a mix of animal exhibits, rides, and feeding opportunities.

Phoenix Mountains Preserve

Phoenix Mountains Preserve

Nature Preserve · 8.4 mi

4.8(6,205)

This nature preserve offers various hiking trails with desert flora and views. It's a free activity for families or solo adventurers, typically lasting 2-4 hours, and can be paired with a picnic.

Outdoor adventures already planned

Whole days outside, sequenced by Scout.

Morning Trails and In-House Coffee Roasts
2-stop plan
Scottsdale
Morning Trails and In-House Coffee Roasts

Start your morning with an invigorating hike along the granite slopes of Pinnacle Peak Park, taking in sweeping views of the Sonoran Desert landscape. Afterwards, head south to unwind at Echo Coffee, where you can recharge with organic, in-house roasted coffee and fresh pastries.

Duration
3 hrs
Cost
$8–$18
Ideal for
Couples · Friends
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Morning Brews and South Mountain Vistas
2-stop plan
Phoenix
Morning Brews and South Mountain Vistas

Start your day with a draft iced coffee or breakfast sandwich at Copper Star Coffee, a beloved neighborhood hub built into a former gas station. From there, take a scenic drive south to Buena Vista Lookout in South Mountain Park to enjoy sweeping, panoramic views across the Sonoran Desert valley.

Duration
2 hrs
Cost
$5–$15
Ideal for
Couples · Friends
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Park Views & Budget-Friendly Bites
2-stop plan
Phoenix
Park Views & Budget-Friendly Bites

Enjoy a day surrounded by nature and history without breaking the bank. This budget-conscious plan combines scenic outdoor exploration with affordable and satisfying food options.

Duration
3h 30m
Cost
$15–$25
Ideal for
Solo · Friends
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Desert Nature and Delicious Pasties
3-stop plan
Tempe
Desert Nature and Delicious Pasties

Spend a day exploring the unique desert river habitat at Rio Salado Park, then enjoy an affordable and hearty meal of traditional Cornish pasties. Finish your outing with a gentle stroll around the park.

Duration
3h 30m
Cost
$15–$35
Ideal for
Solo · Friends
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Desert Serenity & Sweet Treats
2-stop plan
Chandler
Desert Serenity & Sweet Treats

Spend a peaceful morning surrounded by Chandler's natural beauty at Veterans Oasis Park. Explore its trails and enjoy birdwatching before heading to a local bakery for a budget-friendly delight to end your outing.

Duration
3 hrs
Cost
$5–$15
Ideal for
Solo · Friends
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Morning Hike and Eclectic Finds in Scottsdale
3-stop plan
Scottsdale
Morning Hike and Eclectic Finds in Scottsdale

Start your morning on the desert trails at Gateway Trailhead in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, where scenic paths offer panoramic mountain views. Afterward, head south to Echo Coffee for in-house organic roasts and fresh pastries to recharge. Finish your outing by browsing curated consignment furniture and home decor at The Lost and Found Resale Interiors.

Duration
3h 30m
Cost
$8–$30
Ideal for
Couples · Friends
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What sounds good?