Scottsdale Outdoor Activities

New to Scottsdale? Check out our Visitor’s Guide first

Scottsdale Outdoor Activities

Scottsdale is packed with outdoor adventures that go far beyond the golf course. With year-round sunshine and access to hundreds of miles of trails, desert preserves, and scenic spots, it’s an ideal place to explore on foot, by bike, or even from the air. Whether you’re hiking through the McDowell Mountains, off-roading through desert washes, or paddling on the Salt River, you’ll find plenty of ways to get outside and experience the Sonoran Desert up close.

Hiking

Golf

Mountain Biking

Waterparks & Water Activities

Scottsdale Hiking

Scottsdale is a hiker’s paradise, with trails that wind through the Sonoran Desert’s rugged terrain, granite peaks, and saguaro-studded landscapes. From short, scenic walks to more challenging climbs like Camelback Mountain, there’s something for every experience level. Early mornings are a local favorite, especially when the sunrise lights up the desert in soft golds and purples.

The McDowell Sonoran Preserve offers hundreds of miles of well-maintained trails, with options for solo hikers, families, and serious trekkers alike. Wildlife sightings, seasonal wildflowers, and panoramic desert views make each hike feel unique. It’s one of the best ways to experience Scottsdale beyond the golf courses and spas.

Locations

Camelback Mountain

Distance From Properties: 9.8 miles

Camelback Mountain is one of Scottsdale’s most iconic hikes, known for its steep, challenging trails and sweeping views of the valley below.

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Gateway Loop Trail

Distance From Properties: 8.6 miles

The Gateway Loop Trail offers a scenic, moderate hike through the McDowell Sonoran Preserve with well-marked paths and stunning desert views.

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Tom's Thumb Trail

Distance From Properties: 9 miles

A challenging but scenic out-and-back trail leading to a massive granite rock formation.

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Scottsdale Golf

Scottsdale is one of the top golf destinations in the country, offering a mix of championship courses, desert layouts, and world-class facilities. With more than 200 courses in the area, you’ll find everything from scenic resort play to challenging tracks favored by the pros. Many courses are open to the public and surrounded by incredible desert views, making it easy to find a memorable round no matter your skill level.

Golf Courses

TPC Scottsdale

Distance From Properties: 2.5 miles

Play where the pros do at this iconic desert course, home to the Waste Management Phoenix Open.

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Grayhawk Golf Club

Distance From Properties: 5.8 miles

Two tournament-tested courses offer scenic fairways, upscale amenities, and a true desert golf experience.

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Troon North Golf Club

Distance From Properties: 12.1 miles

Widely considered Scottsdale’s best public golf, with dramatic rock outcrops and pristine conditions.

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We-Ko-Pa Golf Club

Distance From Properties: 18.3 miles

Surrounded by untouched desert, this course offers wide views, challenging layouts, and zero housing distractions.

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Talking Stick Golf Club

Distance From Properties: 9.3 miles

A relaxed, player-friendly layout with two courses and plenty of open space to test your game.

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McDowell Mountain Golf Club

Distance From Properties: 6.5 miles

A scenic, approachable course at the base of the McDowell Mountains—great for all skill levels.

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Camelback Golf Club

Distance From Properties: 6.1 miles

Centrally located with two resort-style courses offering a mix of classic and modern design elements.

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Scottsdale Mountain Biking

Scottsdale’s desert trails aren’t just for hiking—they’re a haven for mountain bikers too. With a variety of singletrack routes weaving through the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and surrounding areas, riders can expect flowy descents, rocky climbs, and wide-open desert views. Whether you’re new to the sport or looking for a technical challenge, there’s a trail here that delivers.

Waterparks & Water Activities

When the desert heat kicks in, Scottsdale has plenty of ways to cool off. From family-friendly waterparks with slides and splash zones to kayaking and paddleboarding on nearby rivers and lakes, there’s no shortage of water-based fun. It’s a refreshing way to balance out the dry desert adventure with something a little more laid-back—or high-energy, if you’re up for it.

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Mala Feldstein Goldberg

January 30, 2026

We had the most amazing experience at this Scottsdale home. I’m sorry we didn’t take pics of the house or the backyard but the accommodations were fantastic. The house itself is spacious and impeccably kept. The bedrooms are so comfortable with excellent mattresses and clean linen that did not look old or used. There was an abundance of towels, in all sizes, which was very helpful. We loved that every light switch was clearly labeled so you didn’t need to keep turning lights on and off to see which fixture it belonged to. The open floor plan was beautiful- we are a family of 8 on winter break and the setup allowed for ppl to be in the kitchen and the den with lots of room to walk around and still be able to spend time together. The sliding doors in the kitchen area allowed for the doors to either be semi or completely open which really opened up the space even more. The backyard was magnificent!! The pickleball/tennis/basketball court is well kept and well lit for night play as well. The outdoor kitchen and built in bbq had plenty of seating and offered a warm, cozy, inclusive vibe. The pool and hot tub are gorgeous and clean. The double washers and dryers were a game changer- have to add this to my own house now! We cannot rate this house high enough. The communication was always clear and immediate- we always felt there was someone to speak to if we needed anything. When our flight was cancelled at the last minute they were very accommodating in extending our stay day by day as necessary. Forget hotels- this is your private resort with all amenities. We can’t wait to go back!!

Lee Kovarsky

January 13, 2026

We visited with a large group of friends and family, and the compound exceeded all expectations. The bunk house, in particular, was an absolute hit with the children. Everything was perfectly clean, and the compound was impeccably appointed. All bed were comfortable, and there was room for everyone to spread out and do whatever they wanted. We are a finicky group and everybody was still impressed.

Paul Armstrong

January 4, 2026

Fantastic location with an amazing, completely private yard. The wonderful pool and hot tub were a big hit with the kids and the proximity to several different hiking options topped it off. What’s great holiday location!

Thanh Tran

December 29, 2025

My family rented Catcus Crown from Stay with Style Scottsdale (SWSS) over Christmas week 2025. I've rented houses all over the US and Caribbean and I can say without hesitation that SWSS is excellent at managing and delivering a rental home. The home was very clean, had plenty of linens, towels, and was in great shape. There were so many plates, bowls, silverware, pots and pans. We had 15 adults and 4 kids and we never ran out of cups or plates. This home in particular was very new and had top of the line appliances including a big subzero fridge, new wolf ovens, and 2 big washer and dryers to use should you need them. There are 7 bedrooms and 7 full baths. There is ample seating for big family gatherings. The outdoor space was amazing including an eating area, and a tv area. There is an outdoor grill, hot tub, and a gigantic heated pool. There is also a pickle ball court and a big wood fire pit. We absolutely loved this home and are already planning a return trip. I also want to emphasize that the staff at SWSS is excellent. Darlene, Jorge, and the maintenance crew quickly dealt with all of the very small issues we ran into. Darlene is incredibly friendly and responsive and so very easy to work with. Jorge was always available by text and quickly resolved any of our concerns. If the Catcus Crown home is not available, I have no issues working with Darlene and SWSS to find another home they manage. They really are the best company I've dealt with in over 13 years of renting homes. thanks Darlene and the entire SWSS staff.

Corey Douma

December 21, 2025

A perfect place to stay with our high school basketball team. So much to do to keep them all entertained.

Evan Cohen

December 8, 2025

This is our second time staying at the Place. 1 year later and it is still as meticulously maintained. Most vacation rental properties don't look like their pictures, this one does. This is a must stay.

T Edmonds

December 1, 2025

Great place for our family of 11. We loved the backyard with large clean pool and the racquetball court was so much fun.

Darren Huber

Wonderful stay! The house is beautiful and the service that Stay With Style Scottsdale provides is top notch (thanks again Darlene)! Will definitely stay again.

Kym Gifford

November 10, 2025

This property was over and above my expectations. Every photo and description was spot on. The hosts were amazing and quick to respond too. We will be staying again and again.

Patricia Breen

November 3, 2025

Perfect location for our pilates/pool retreat. Bedrooms were spectacular. Everyone loved having their own room. Large, well stocked kitchen was roomy enough for all 10 of us to gather and cook. Outdoor spaces were well planned and pool was gorgeous. Great area for private parking. Ideal location for easy access to shops, restaurants and airport.

Angela Horejs

October 30, 2025

Loved the house and all the amenities. Came for my daughter’s wedding and we had family in from London, Chicago and LA. We were able to stay together which was amazing. Darlene was very helpful and informative at booking answering all our questions. Would definitely book with Stay in style Scottsdale again!! Very good experience! Angela

Shannon Lee

October 28, 2025

Everything was just as described and wonderful. Thank you!!!

Lisa Barenberg

October 22, 2025

Our stay at Casa Consola was nothing short of amazing! We were blown away by how beautiful the house was with every detail from the wonderful decor, the fully equipped kitchen, the bedrooms, the casita, and all the amenities! The outdoor space was incredible - the pool area was private with plenty of seating and the peaceful surroundings. Stay With Styles Scottsdale (the hosts) were exceptional. Very friendly, welcoming, helpful, always responsive if we needed anything, and they made our trip all that more enjoyable! We didn't want to leave and we are already planning our next visit to Casa Consola. It was the perfect choice for our family vacation!

Tom Fischer

October 5, 2025

Had seven guys on an annual golf trip. Great place to stay. Very clean and spacious. Great people to work with. As the pictures show, lots of activities in the backyard. My only regret is that we didn’t use their on-site rental cars available. Renting cars from the Phoenix airport is not very convenient. Probably best to use their cars and Uber to and from the airport. Only a $30-$40 charge for the Uber each way. Will definitely book again if we’re back in the area

AJ Foppe

October 2, 2025

I would like to share is how fantastic to stay with style Scottsdale team, and Darlene are! This team was a complete joy to work with every step of the way. They were kind they were curious, and they were wonderful communicators. The house was completely immaculate. We enjoyed every aspect of the house. The styling was fantastic. My family thoroughly enjoyed this property. We spent most of our time here. The value is definitely there for the money. Do yourself a favor and book with them today.!

Janet Johnson

October 1, 2025

The property we stayed at was just perfect for the 11 of us. We were there to celebrate family and love and being together in the absence of our beloved husband, father grandfather. as we celebrated what would’ve been our 40th wedding anniversary on Sunday the 28th. It was the type of property that you really didn’t have to leave. Just stay there and enjoy what was offered. And the management team for the property was delightful to work with. They were very responsive at every turn and very communicative, which I truly appreciated. Thanks, Darlene and the whole team. We will be back.

patrice bruni

September 25, 2025

Stay with Scottsdale style is one of the best places I have ever rented through. We had a fabulous family vacation at their beautiful property in Scottsdale. Everyone was so cordial and offered tremendous help! I would never hesitate to rent with them again. Thank you so much for our beautiful stay!!!

Jean Borra

September 22, 2025

The houses are beautiful. My cousins and I got together for a family reunion. The young ones loved the pool and playground. The adults enjoyed the pool and hot tub. There is a living room for the kids and 1 for the adults. The main house has 2 refrigerators, plenty of room to cook. Best of all it was nice for all the families to stay in 1 place. My family was very impressed by the accommodations.

Amy Smith

September 15, 2025

We had a great time here! Everything from the communication beforehand to the actual stay was great!! We hope to come back to Scottsdale and stay again sometime :)

Rachel Keukenbring

September 2, 2025

We thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful house. It exceeded our expectations and was even more beautiful than the photos. The house was spacious and fully equipped. We played basketball and picketball, and there was a full fitness center and ping-pong table. We also hiked several times within walking distance, enjoying stunning views. Definitely want to come back!

Susan Martin

August 27, 2025

The house was beautiful with many amenities and the location was close to everything. The house was immaculately clean. Darlene was quick to respond when I had questions. I also got a courtesy call at check-in. The whole family enjoyed playing pool, pac-man and foosball. Thanks for a great stay.

Aaron Kalas

August 26, 2025

The single most professional Airbnb service I’ve ever received. Nothing has ever come close to the quality and flexibility of their team. Fast responses, common sense compromises and mutual respect made this the best Airbnb I’ve ever been to. Will definitely be using their services again!

Sen Tezeno

August 22, 2025

Our stay was absolutely amazing! Darlene was fantastic and kept in communication with us every step of the way, which made everything smooth and stress-free. The house had everything we needed, and everyone in our group really enjoyed all the amenities. On our first night, a lightning storm rolled through, but the property manager came by right away to make sure everything was okay, which gave us such peace of mind. If you’re planning a trip to Arizona with a big group, this is definitely the place to stay.

Kerry Glass

August 18, 2025

We had a fantastic stay with Stay With Style Scottsdale! Darlene was incredibly responsive and kind from booking through checkout. The home was spotless, beautifully furnished, and stocked with everything we needed. Great location, quiet neighborhood, and the backyard was perfect for relaxing. We’d absolutely stay again—thanks, Darlene!

C Lam

August 17, 2025

Wonderful and relaxing home to share with friends. Plenty of space and nice layout of bedrooms and gathering spaces. Checkin/out was smooth and communication was timely with the host. Great location to restaurants and shopping too.

Miriam Aryeh

The house was beautiful and the backyard STUNNING. We had a great time there. The staff at Stay With Style Scottsdale was really attentive and cooperative both before our arrival and during our stay and their service was amazing. Highly recommend them. Five stars for everything

Erika Bellamy

July 22, 2025

This was an amazing house. Incredibly clean, organized and spacious. My family had a great time here and we never even left the property. Darlene and her team were easy to communicate with prior to and during our stay. She was so kind to give me a call the days leading up to our arrival to make sure the house was set up to accommodate our group along with providing activity recommendations in the area. Obviously the property is huge but I was shocked to see how much additional closet space there was. I will definitely be rebooking this property in the future.

Gretchen Ferreira

July 21, 2025

Amazing experience with this company start to finish! Highly recommend!!

Allison Williams

July 19, 2025

Perfect vacation house and getaway for family and friends. The floor plan is perfect and all of the amenities were absolutely perfect!

LaReshia R

July 16, 2025

Good afternoon! This house was OUTSTANDING! It was the perfect place for our vacation 2025!Those who stayed said the following: 1. I felt rich for a few days. 2. My children LOVED the playground, the hot tub, and the pool. 3. We loved the multiple family rooms for gatherings and movies! Smart TVs in each room were wonderful! 4. I loved EVERYTHING! 5. I loved the two kitchens. 6. The KITCHEN was well stocked and everything was LABELED. 7. The master bedroom was fit for a king!!! 8. The white KiTCHEN and all of the appliances were thought out. 9. I loved the outdoor space attached to the kitchen for family gatherings! 10. There were plenty TOWELS to use.Prayerfully, we will RETURN one day and this will be our vacation spot again!Louisiana Gang

Cherie Blue-Ellis

July 14, 2025

The house was more than I could have imagined. Everything was exactly as pictured and described but still exceeded my expectations.

Mike Shipman

July 12, 2025

Scottsdale 2025 family vacation. The home interior was spotless and well maintained, had 2 of every appliance. The beds where very comfortable and temperature in home was very cool and pleasant considering 113 degrees outside. All amenities listed on rental property page were exactly as advertised, the pool and hot tub was very clean and enjoyed them everyday of stay. Outside lighting made the ambiance of the backyard feel like an adult playground. The Stay with Style Scottsdale hospitality services catering dinners, golf outings and purchasing groceries before we arrived made this trip very relaxing and less stressful. Definitely recommend this property and management service.

Larry Schmida

July 3, 2025

Management was wonderful to work with. Exceptionally clean and property well equipped. Pool, ping pong table, pool table, mini golf etc were loved by guests. Highly recommend for an amazing and unforgetable getaway! Would book again!

Happy Whole Way

June 30, 2025

From start to finish our whole experience at this property was top notch, the best I've ever had with a house rental. They reached out multiple times to make sure the house would be set up how we wanted. Their in-house concierge offered us a million options for services, (from home massages, to private chef, yoga instructors that came to the house, etc) and they answered all our questions very promptly during the stay. It was incredible and I'd 100% stay here again!

Jory McVay

Company stayed in touch during the booking process, leading up to our stay, and during our stay, which was incredibly helpful. Property was in good shape and properly stocked. Any issues were resolved quickly.

Audrey Beard

June 26, 2025

Fantastic stay! Our family (19 of us) loved this house and used every inch of it! Would definitely recommend this place!

Alexa Grubisich

June 18, 2025

The house in photos doesn’t do this place justice. Darlene was very responsive. The place was very clean and well maintained! Would definitely rent this house again!

Phil M

June 15, 2025

Ethan Reis

Absolutely fantastic experience. The property was clean and exactly as described. Darlene was incredibly responsive and thoughtful, making sure every detail was perfect and that our group had everything we needed. Would definitely recommend!

Keith Schlackman

May 22, 2025

The place (The Luxe) was fantastic!! We had 4 families stay for 5 nights. We loved the house and all the outdoor games. The house was well stocked with everything you need and very clean. We all wished we stayed longer. In addition, Darlene was wonderful to work with and we'd definitely come back. Thank you for helping to make are vacation so enjoyable!!

Ryan DeGennaro

May 10, 2025

Darlene is probably the nicest person I've ever talked to in my life. Crazy responsiveness and customer service. Top notch!

Brad McLaughlin

May 9, 2025

Douglas Stephens

May 7, 2025

A large group of us just stayed at one of the Style Scottsdale properties for our yearly golf trip. The customer service was a 10/10 and the home was beautiful. I look forward to using their service again in the near future.

Colin Rowe

April 29, 2025

Darlene and her team were professional, helpful and all over it. Strongly recommend using them on your stay for a large group.

Jaime Dobronos

April 24, 2025

We had such a great stay at this Scottsdale VRBO! What really stood out to me, as someone with allergies, was the kitchen. It had absolutely everything I needed to cook for myself and my family – all the right pots, pans, and utensils. We even put the coffee maker, blender, and toaster to good use! The abundance of towels and the double washer/dryer were incredibly convenient. The house itself felt really comfortable, with lovely natural light. And the backyard? Forget about it! Pool time, jacuzzi soaks, golf and pickleball matches – we were out there constantly. Honestly, it was exactly what we were hoping for and more.

Mark David

April 3, 2025

Just got back from a 5 day stay at Desert Azul and it was great! Property is huge. We played pickle ball, ping pong and bags every morning, then spent early afternoon basking and playing in the very warm pool water. Home is well equipped and the beds are all firm but comfortable. Very few steps on the property so even my 89 year old Mother could easily navigate her way around the property. Great place to stay with a big group.

Cathy Ries

April 1, 2025

This is a beautiful spacious home in a nice neighborhood that met our every need and more. Stay with Style was wonderful and easy to work with.

Cara VanSteenis

March 28, 2025

The pictures of this property do not do it justice. The outdoor space was amazing. Pool was so inviting. The backyard was completely private. We were a small group of 7 but the house was stocked to host a very large group. Our chef was impressed with how the kitchen was stocked. The property manager was always available and responsive.

Jay Azose

March 26, 2025

What a great location near to Kierland Commons and TPC Golf. The home was well stocked and very clean. The backyard area was our favorite and spent time in and out of the pool. Can't wait to comeback.

brian grierson

March 25, 2025

Excellent vacation rental