A Weekend in Scottsdale, AZ

I often find myself thinking, where is somewhere I can go for an extended weekend that has great weather, hiking, delicious food and that’s relatively easy to get to in terms of major airports. Meet Scottsdale, AZ. The absolute perfect weekend getaway trip to suit the needs of every traveler 🙂

Hiking In/Near Scottsdale:

We all know that I love to hike – so we will start off with some of my favorite hiking trails in the area.

Sunrise Trail: Located about 25 minutes from Scottsdale to the Sunrise Trailhead Parking Lot (search Sunrise Trailhead for directions)- few parking spots, but has overflow parking lots nearby. 1.2 miles from trailhead to Scenic View, keep going  (.6 miles) up to Sunrise Peak Views! Once you reach the Peak the way back is all downhill. Very Rocky Trail ** Bring Lots of Water as the way up is moderately difficult.

Devils Bridge (Sedona): Very popular hike in Sedona that leads to “Devils Bridge”. There are multiple trails that will take you to Devils Bridge, the most direct is by taking Forest Road 152 to the official “trailhead” if you take this route park at the Dry Creek Vista Trailhead parking lot.  This option is 3.6 miles roundtrip – but not the most exciting.

Another option is to park at the Mescal Trailhead Lot (4 miles roundtrip) and follow signs for Chuck Wagon Trail which leads to the bridge. 

The most difficult and longest option is 5.8 miles roundtrip – park at the Dry Creek Vista Trailhead and follow the Chuck WagonTrail to Devils Bridge.  The Mescal Trailhead is following the same trail to Devils Bridge but starting closer.  

Sedona is about a 2 hour drive from Scottsdale (see below for info on a day trip to Sedona). Way worth it to spend a day here if you’ve never been – LOTS of hiking available. But if time is not on your side – it’s an easy day trip from Scottsdale if you start early!

Camelback Mountain (Echo Canyon/Cholla): The most popular hike for travelers coming to the area.  They have two ways to get to the top – Echo Canyon Trail (more direct, more difficult), or the Cholla Trail (less of an uphill climb than the Echo Canyon).  Parking is very limited so arrive early to secure parking, and to avoid the intense heat.  Bring more water than you think you will need, snacks, sunscreen, lightweight clothes and a hat. Generally takes between 2-3 hours (roundtrip). 

​McDowell Mountain Regional Park: This park offers 40 miles hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails and range from .5 miles to 15.3 miles.  For an easy trail try North Trail which is 3.1 miles.  For those brave enough you can tackle the Pemberton trail which is 15.3 miles! Camping available inside the park* 

Other Activities:

Day Trip to Sedona:

A day trip to Sedona is an absolute must if you are staying near Scottsdale. I personally love to take to the road when I am visiting a new place because nothing allows you to truly feel like you have visited somewhere like a good ole fashion road trip! It helps that this drive is insanely beautiful so 2 hours feels way shorter when you have such astonishing sights!  

Things to Do in Sedona: 

Places to Stay:

Scottsdale has no shortage of great places to stay, but my go-to favorites are Mountain Shadows Resort, Hyatt Place Scottsdale North, The McCormick Scottsdale, Scottsdale Camelback Resort, and Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows.

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Thinking of your next Weekend Getaway? Don’t wait – contact me today to help piece your adventure together and seize the day! Follow me on Instagram: @ Highdeserthorizons