Day Trips from Scottsdale, AZ

1. The Apache Trail

• What is the Apache Trail?
  • The Apache Trail preserves the historic 19th-century stagecoach trail that meandered for 40 miles through Arizona’s stunning Superstition Mountain landscape.
• Why is it called the Apache Trail?
  • The trail is named in honor of its connection to the indigenous Apache tribe, who historically inhabited the region.
• Where does the Apache Trail run?
  • The trail follows the same route as modern-day AZ 88, winding past rugged desert mountain terrain and scenic spots such as Canyon Lake and Apache Lake.
• Can visitors drive the Apache Trail today?
  • Yes, visitors can drive the historic route and explore magnificent scenery at sites such as the Tonto National Forest and Theodore Roosevelt Lake.
• Are there unpaved sections of the trail?
  • Yes, unpaved sections can be traversed by four-wheel-drive vehicles, offering stunning cliff drops between Roosevelt Dam and Tortilla Flat.
• What historic sites can visitors explore along the Apache Trail?
  • Along the way, visitors can explore historic sites such as Lost Dutchman State Park and the old copper mining towns of Goldfield and Globe, making great spots for day trips.

2. Canyon Lake

• What is Canyon Lake?
  • Canyon Lake is a manmade reservoir located along the beautiful Salt River. It was originally dammed in 1925 following the construction of the Mormon Flat Dam.
• Where is Canyon Lake located?
  • The 950-acre lake is the smallest of four reservoirs on the Salt River and is a popular stop along the Apache Trail, near Apache Junction.
• What recreational activities are available at Canyon Lake?
  • Visitors can enjoy a variety of year-round recreational opportunities, including:
    • Scuba diving
    • Boating
    • Hiking
    • Water sports like jet skiing
• What fishing opportunities does Canyon Lake offer?
  • Anglers can catch rainbow trout, channel catfish, bluegill, yellow bass, and walleye throughout the year.
  • Fishing is possible from the lake’s shores or by launching boats from its two boat launch areas.
• Is there a swimming area at Canyon Lake?
  • Yes, a designated swimming beach is open during the summer months.
• Are there picnic areas and camping facilities?
  • Day-use picnic sites are available for visitors.
  • Overnight camping is available at the Tortilla Flat Campground and Canyon Lake Marina Campground, which also provide marina services.

3. Cave Creek

• Where is Cave Creek located?
  • Cave Creek is a charming town in Maricopa County, located within convenient day trip distance of both Phoenix and Scottsdale.
• What historic attractions can visitors explore in Cave Creek?
  • The town is home to several historic attractions, including:
    • The Tubercular Cabin, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
    • The First Church of Cave Creek.
    • The Golden Reef Stamp Mill.
• What is Spur Cross Ranch?
  • Originally established in the 1920s, Spur Cross Ranch has been converted into a 2,154-acre wilderness and recreation area. It serves as the gateway to the beautiful Tonto National Forest.
• What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy?
  • Cave Creek Regional Park protects 3,000 acres of lush Sonoran Desert wilderness, making it a popular spot for birdwatching and hiking throughout the year.
• What are some other popular attractions in Cave Creek?
  • Other notable attractions include:
    • Gateway Desert Awareness Park, which offers family-friendly activities.
    • The scenic Seven Springs Recreation Area.
• What shopping experiences are available in Downtown Cave Creek?
  • Downtown Cave Creek offers a variety of charming art galleries, secondhand stores, and boutiques selling authentic Mexican pottery.

4. Desert Botanical Garden

• What is the Desert Botanical Garden?
  • The Desert Botanical Garden is a stunning 140-acre botanical garden located within Phoenix's Papago Park. It is designated as an official Phoenix Point of Pride for its beautifully landscaped displays.
• When was the garden founded?
  • The garden was founded in 1937 by the Arizona Cactus and Native Flora Society.
• How many plants are showcased in the garden?
  • The garden features more than 50,000 plantings of over 4,000 taxa, including 379 rare and endangered plant species.
• What are some of the major plant collections?
  • Major collections include extensive agave and cacti plantings, along with plants native to:
    • Mesquite bosque
    • Upland chaparral
    • Semidesert grassland environments
• What trails can visitors explore?
  • Trails throughout the gardens include:
    • The Sonoran Desert Nature Loop Trail
    • The Desert Discovery Loop Trail
    • The Plants and People of the Sonoran Desert Loop Trail
• Does the garden have dining options?
  • Yes, a lovely patio café serves up delicious American fare.
• Are there special events at the garden?
  • Yes, the garden hosts seasonal concerts featuring live music performances throughout the year.

1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008, Phone: 480-941-1225

5. Flagstaff

• What is Flagstaff known for?
  • Flagstaff is one of Arizona’s most beautiful cities, set against the stunning backdrop of the San Francisco Peaks.
• What is the Arizona Snowbowl?
  • Arizona Snowbowl is a renowned ski resort located at an elevation of 9,200 feet above sea level. It offers excellent opportunities for skiing and winter sports.
• What summer activities can visitors enjoy in Flagstaff?
  • During the summer months, Flagstaff serves as a popular gateway to regional natural attractions such as:
    • Grand Canyon National Park
    • Humphreys Peak
• What historic sites are located near Flagstaff?
  • Nearby national monuments preserve significant Pueblo indigenous sites, including:
    • Wupatki National Monument
    • Walnut Canyon National Monument
• What cultural organizations can visitors explore?
  • Flagstaff has a thriving cultural scene with organizations that present live performances throughout the year, including:
    • The Clifford E. White Theater
    • The Studio Theater
    • The Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra

6. Grand Canyon National Park

• What is Grand Canyon National Park?
  • Grand Canyon National Park is known throughout the world as the home of the natural wonder of the same name, which is preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Why is the Grand Canyon considered a natural wonder?
  • The iconic canyon is often considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World. It was established as a national park in 1919 and today attracts the second-highest number of visitors of any national park, behind Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee.
• How was the Grand Canyon formed?
  • The canyon's stunning red, brown, and pink rock layers were carved during Precambrian times by the flow of the majestic Colorado River, creating unparalleled nature photography opportunities.
• Where can visitors stay in Grand Canyon National Park?
  • Visitors can stay at a number of area resorts throughout the park's South Rim region, which is known for its family-friendly attractions.
• What accommodations are available on the North Rim?
  • On the North Rim (Video), more secluded lodges and campgrounds provide access to stunning overlook points and attractions such as the Yavapai Observation Station.

7. Jerome

• What is Jerome known for?
  • Jerome is one of central Arizona's top artist communities. It is located at the site of the state's largest former copper mine, which produced more than three million pounds of copper per month at its peak during the 19th century.
• What can visitors see at Jerome State Historic Park?
  • Jerome State Historic Park preserves historic attractions such as the 1916 Douglas Mansion. The mansion is open to the public as a living history home offering guided tours throughout the year.
• What is unique about Audrey Headframe Park?
  • Audrey Headframe Park preserves a 1918 mining shaft. Visitors can stand on a glass viewing platform and look deep into its tunnel network.
• What can visitors do in downtown Jerome?
  • The city's charming downtown district has undergone a revival in recent years and is now home to a plethora of antique shops, eclectic boutiques, and art galleries.
  • Visitors can also enjoy a variety of fine and casual dining destinations, housed within renovated historic buildings.

8. Kartchner Caverns

• What are Kartchner Caverns?
  • Kartchner Caverns are one of Arizona's most beautiful show caves, spanning more than 2.4 miles of stunning underground natural passageways.
• When were the caverns discovered?
  • The limestone caverns were originally discovered in 1974 by Randy Tufts and Gary Tenen. They have been open to the public as a Benson-area tourist attraction since 1998.
• What guided tours are available?
  • Visitors can embark on guided tours of the caverns and view natural wonders like the Throne Room, home to one of the longest soda straw stalactite formations in the world.
• What are some of the major formations in the caverns?
  • Major features of Kartchner Caverns include:
    • The immense Kubla Khan column
    • The Cul-de-Sac Passage
    • The Rotunda and Strawberry Rooms
    • The unique Mud Flats
• Why are the caverns important for wildlife?
  • Kartchner Caverns are known as one of Arizona's most important nesting sites for endangered bat species.
• Are there outdoor activities available?
  • Above ground, visitors can explore the nature trails of Kartchner Caverns State Park.

2980 Arizona 90, Benson, AZ 85602, Phone: 520-586-4100

9. Lost Dutchman State Park

• What is Lost Dutchman State Park?
  • Lost Dutchman State Park spans 320 acres throughout Arizona's picturesque Superstition Mountains. It is named in honor of the legendary Old West Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine.
• What is the legend behind the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine?
  • The mine was named after German immigrant Jacob Waltz, who purportedly kept its location a secret after its discovery in the 19th century.
  • Though the mine has never been found, it is believed to be located near Apache Junction, just east of Phoenix.
• What outdoor activities are available at the park?
  • The park offers a variety of year-round outdoor recreational opportunities, including:
    • Mountain biking
    • Hiking
    • Picnicking
• What camping options are available at Lost Dutchman State Park?
  • The park offers 134 campsites, including sites with RV hookups.

6109 N Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ 85119, Phone: 480-982-4485

10. McDowell Mountain Regional Park

• What is McDowell Mountain Regional Park?
  • McDowell Mountain Regional Park spans 21,000 acres in Arizona's picturesque Fountain Hills region. It offers some of the best seasonal outdoor recreational opportunities in the greater Sedona area.
• Where is the park located?
  • The park is situated at elevations of up to 3,000 feet above sea level on the western edge of the McDowell Mountains.
• What outdoor activities are available?
  • The park features one of the state's best multi-use trail networks, offering:
    • Hiking
    • Horseback riding
    • Mountain biking
• What makes the park a great destination for mountain bikers?
  • The park is home to three mountain biking loop trails designed for competitive mountain bikers, offering trails with varying difficulty levels.
• What wildlife can be seen in McDowell Mountain Regional Park?
  • The park is an excellent wildlife-watching area, home to native species such as:
    • Javelina
    • Deer
    • Coyotes
• What camping options are available?
  • Visitors can stay overnight at tent and RV hookup campsites, which feature:
    • Day-use picnic areas
    • Restrooms
    • Campfire rings

16300 McDowell Mountain Park Dr, MMRP, AZ 85268, Phone: 480-471-0173