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Getting Active in the Phoenix area
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items I moved to Scottsdale in order to spend most of the year outdoors. I love hiking, walking, and biking and the Phoenix area offers lots of options to do all of these things. I included some of my favorite items to help you enjoy your time. Check out m...enjoying nature in Scottsdale.
I love this backpack. It is very light and roomy and the water bag has never leaked.
Backpacks for Hiking, Biking, Climbing & Adventure
I am very picky about shoes. I need good arch support and lots of room for my toes. Although I always try on various brands, I always seem to choose Merrell and they have worked well and lasted years.
Men's & Women's Hiking -Tough Outdoor Footwear
This is my go-to hiking location in the Phoenix area. There are a few trails of various length and difficulty. When you go around to the back of the mountain, you feel that you are away from the city and out in the desert. Watch out for rattlesnakes,...
Gateway Trailhead - McDowell Sonoran Preserve
The green belt path runs through a large part of Scottsdale and into Tempe. It's a great place to walk, run, bike, or skate. It passes through parks and golf courses and offers a few public restrooms and lots of water fountains along the way.
Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt | City of Scottsdale
The arboretum is close to an hour drive from Phoenix, but well worth the trip. It features desert plants from around the world as well as Queen Creek and a canyon hike. Beautiful, peaceful place to spend a day in nature.
Boyce Thompson Arboretum
This oasis in the center of downtown Phoenix is a perfect place to stroll among beautiful trees and sculpted shrubs to the sound of a waterfall.
The Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix
I buy most of my casual pants at REI. They a made with a light, comfortable fabric and travel well. I love the hiking pants that I can zip off the legs when it gets too warm.
Hiking Pants: Backpacking, Trekking & Camping | REI Co-op
This is where I get my bike repaired when needed. They are always very friendly and do a great job.
Bicycle Haus
I wore Saucony Hurricanes for a couple of decades until they stopped making them. I worried about finding running shoes that would feel as good and found them with Hoka.
Road Runner Sports
Pinnacle Peak is in North Scottsdale and has some great views. It is a relatively short trail but with good elevation so you get a good workout. Go early to get a spot in the parking lot.
Pinnacle Peak Trail, Arizona
A great place for a walk where you can see a great variety of cacti, agave, and desert trees and flowers.
Desert Botanical Garden
There is almost 30 miles of paved path along the Arizona Canals that crisscross the Phoenix area. A great place to walk, run, or bike.
Arizona Canal Path
A great active way to explore Old Town Scottsdale.
Scottsdale Old School Bicycle Rentals
I like renting e-bikes because you can explore as far as you want without having to worry about having enough energy to get back. You can access the green belt and ride for miles from here.
Rides N Motion, Electric Bikes of Scottsdale / McCormick Ranch
I bought my last two pairs of running shoes here. The staff is very helpful and knowledgeable.
Sole Sports Running Zone