Fall Journey to Enjoy Seasonal Scottsdale Things to Do

The weather during the fall months in Scottsdale just begs for outside activities. It’s perfect for hiking, biking, rock climbing, rappelling, and anything else you can think of. The highs can still reach into the upper eighties, so there are hot days, but you can feel the change in the air. It will be colder soon, so this is the time to get in all the outside fun you can. Here are some of the best Scottsdale things to do in Fall!

Day 1 – Football

Well, you can’t talk about fall activities without talking about football. Luckily, Arizona State University is nearby (roughly 15 minutes) and so is their football stadium. Watch the ASU Sun Devils play football in Sun Devil Stadium. Or, catch the Arizona Cardinals playing at State Farm Stadium (formerly the University of Phoenix Stadium) in nearby Glendale. The beautiful backdrop of desert mountains certainly raises the bar when it comes to tailgating and watching the game.

Day 2 – Rappelling Adventure

Your hike through the desert and the rocky climb to the top of the peak will be worth it. Once at the top, the fun starts. Glide down the mountain in a controlled descent off a vertical drop, enjoying the amazing views on the way. The best part of trekking up a mountain is coming down! And if rappelling seems little too adventurous for you, try a rock climbing adventure instead.

Epic Adventures
(480) 246-7207
15525 N. 83rd Way, Suite 6
Scottsdale, AZ

Day 3 – McDowell Sonoran Preserve

The Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve includes over 120 miles of desert trails and plenty of Scottsdale things to do. There are five trailheads to choose from. Hike, run, bike, or ride horseback through cacti forests, desert terrain, and mountains. Trails vary in length, difficulty, and terrain, so there is a trail suited for every visitor. There are accessible trails and designated rock climbing areas, too. The preserve is packed with desert wildlife, including roadrunners, snakes and lizards, mule deer and javelina. Take a self-guided or guided tour. You’ll see something different every time you visit.

McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Scottsdale, AZ
(480) 998-7971
lori@mcdowellsonoran.org

Day 4 – Desert Botanical Garden

Located in nearby Phoenix and spread over 140 acres in the beautiful Sonoran Desert, the Desert Botanical Garden should be on your itinerary every time you visit. Hike to the top of the Sonoran Desert Loop Trail for an expansive view of the surrounding mountains. Find yourself surrounded by amazing desert colors and fragrances and learn how native people used desert plants. And if the season is right, you can watch hummingbirds visiting the vibrant desert wildflowers and blooming cactus as you stroll along the wildflower loop trail.

Desert Botanical Garden
1201 North Galvin Parkway
Phoenix, AZ
1-480-941-1225

Day 5 – Biking Through the desert

If you like to cycle and you love the desert, this Scottsdale thing to do is for you. Ride mountain bikes through the desert, between the towering cacti, up and down dusty washes and rocky terrain, covering more ground than if you were simply hiking. The Wild Bunch Desert Guides will design your trip to fit your biking skills, so you will be able to enjoy the beautiful Sonoran Desert scenery as you roll through it.

Wild Bunch Desert Guides
N Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd
Scottsdale, AZ
(602) 663-0842

Day 6 – Horseback Riding

Get into the spirit of the Old West with some horseback riding! Cave Creek Outfitters has guided horseback rides, cowboy cookouts, cowboy games, and more. Wind your way through the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and the Tonto National Forest on horseback. Never ridden before? Don’t worry, they will select a horse to fit your level of expertise.

Cave Creek Outfitters
31313 N 144th St
Scottsdale, AZ
(480) 471-4635

Day 7 – An Evening at Pinnacle Peak

Join the staff and volunteers on a guided walk through the moonlight to the Grandview Lookout. And, if you are interested in astronomy, attend one of the park’s Astronomy Evenings for a quiet desert evening under the stars. NASA Solar System Ambassador Mark Johnston’s short talk is followed by observation of the objects visible in the night sky through a cutting-edge Celestron telescope. The stars have never been brighter or closer.

Pinnacle Peak Park
26802 N 102nd Way
Scottsdale, AZ
(480) 312-0990

Where to Stay When Enjoying These Scottsdale Things to Do in Fall

Parsons Villas has a wide selection of beautiful Scottsdale vacation rentals to enjoy the cool fall weather in! Browse our available selection, and contact us to book today!