Recreation

Resorts and nightlife aren’t all Scottsdale [1] has to offer. Its spectacular desert setting makes it an ideal place to get out and explore nature first-hand. The Sonoran Desert may only get an average of seven inches of rain per year, but its various plants and animals make it one of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth.

You’ve probably been lured to Scottsdale by the city’s sweeping desert landscapes and color-saturated sunsets, but the best way to truly appreciate this unique locale is by experiencing it firsthand—whether on bike [2], on a raft [3], or on the links [4].

Oh, and be sure to drink lots of water, especially in the summer. Many visitors are easily caught off-guard by the heat and dehydrating arid climate.