Biking on Tempe Town Lake

Outdoor Activities

Tempe was made for fun in the sun

With this much sunshine, it is easy to get outside, go on an adventure and enjoy the great outdoors in Tempe, Arizona. Excellent facilities, an ideal location and picturesque landscape make Tempe the perfect place to spend a sunny day by boating, hiking, biking, golfing or watching an awe-inspiring sunset.

Marcos De Niza South Mountain

Go for a hike

In the Tempe/Phoenix area, there are many choices of hiking trails. Here’s a quick guide to some of our favorite Tempe and Phoenix hiking trails.

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Get your heart pumping

Things to do outside

A Mountain Tempe

“A” Mountain

With a quick jaunt to the top of “A” Mountain, also known as Hayden Butte, in Downtown Tempe, hikers are rewarded with views of the lake, ASU and rock drawings left hundreds of years ago by ancient people.

Mill Ave. and Third St.
Tempe, AZ 85281

(480) 350-4311
360 Adventures Camelback rock climb

360 Adventures

Want to experience the real Arizona? Get outside with 360 Adventures! We create amazing and memorable outdoor experiences with mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking and canyoneering tours. Whether you choose a half-day jaunt multi-day adventure, we’ve got you covered.

Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon

Camelback Mountain Cholla Trail

Cholla Trail is located along the ridge of Camelback Mountain, the highest point in the Phoenix Mountain at 2,704 ft.  Hikers experience a steady 1.6 mile climb with a fairly exposed section of ridge hiking towards the top.

6131 E. Cholla Ln.
Paradise Valley, AZ, 85253

(602) 261-8318
Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon

Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon Recreation Area

Camelback Mountain’s Echo Canyon is one the more difficult, but rewarding, hikes in Phoenix. The trail ascends rapidly over a short distance. Hikers can experience a climb over rocky trails and boulders. The  trail length is 1.23 miles one way.

5700 N. Echo Canyon Pkwy.
Phoenix, AZ, 85018

(602) 261-8318
Biking near Ken McDonald Golf

City of Tempe Bicycle Paths

Tempe boasts 175 miles of bikeways, including bike lanes, desert trails and canal paths. Ride around Tempe Town Lake, down Mill Avenue or in Papago Park. The League of American Bicyclists has designated Tempe as a Gold-Level Bicycle Friendly Community.

Desert Botanical Garden

Desert Botanical Garden

Discover the tranquil vibrancy of 50,000 desert plants nestled amid the red rocks of the Papago Buttes at Desert Botanical Garden. An Arizona icon celebrating 80 years, the Garden has grown into a compelling attraction and desert conservation pioneer.

1201 N. Galvin Pkwy.
Phoenix, AZ 85008

(480) 941-1225
Desert Dog Offroad Adventures

Desert Dog Offroad Adventures

Desert Dog Offroad Adventures has been offering extraordinary offroad tours in the Phoenix and Scottsdale area for over 25 years. Try our exhilarating Guided UTV Sand Buggy Adventure, Trail Rated Jeep Tours or new to the scene our new 2021 Bronco Tours. Tours available 7 days a week, 3X’s a day. Call 480-837-3966 for details.

17212 E. Shea Blvd.
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

(480) 837-3966
Downtown Walking Tour

Downtown Tempe Public Art Walking Tour

This self-guided tour takes you around Tempe’s vibrant downtown to explore its diverse collection of public art. The works seek to complement the natural and built environment through innovative place-making, installations, and infrastructure enhancements. Photo (by Michael Williams): Movement by The Lady Egg.

Downtown Tempe

Fort McDowell Adventures the stables

Fort McDowell Adventures

A true gem in the Sonoran Desert located on the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Reservation providing 360 degree views of surrounding mountain ranges. Guests can enjoy cattle drives and ATV’s. Fort McDowell Adventures offers guests an outdoor experience unlike any other.

14803 N. Hiawatha Hood Rd.
Fort McDowell, AZ 85264

(480) 789-5377
Grass Clippings at Rolling Hills

Grass Clippings at Rolling Hills

Grass Clippings at Rolling Hills is Arizona’s only fully lighted 18-hole, day/night golf course and practice facility. Located in the Papago Buttes and close proximity from Arizona State University, downtown Phoenix and Old Town Scottsdale.

1415 N. Mill Ave.
Tempe, AZ 85288

(480) 530-9880
Ken McDonald Golf Course

Ken McDonald Golf Course

Consistently ranked as one of the area’s top golf courses, Ken McDonald Golf Course is an 18-hole par 72 championship course that, while flat, has well-placed hazards that provide a fun and challenging experience for every skill level.

800 E. Divot Dr.
Tempe, AZ 85283

(480) 350-5250
Kiwanis Park South Tempe

Kiwanis Community Park

Walk, fish or just relax in Tempe’s 125-acre park! Enjoy boat and bike rentals, two large corporate picnic areas, playgrounds, 15 ramadas, urban fishing and seasonal movies in the park.

5500 S. Mill Ave.
Tempe, AZ 85283

(480) 350-5200
Batting cage at Kiwanis Park

Kiwanis Park Batting Range

Batter up! Baseball, softball and fast-pitch softball in 10 lighted batting cages! Group and private lessons, birthday packages and pro-shop services are available.

Kiwanis Park
6005 S. All American Way
Tempe, AZ 85283

(480) 350-5727
Kiwanis Tennis Courts

Kiwanis Park Tennis Center

Kiwanis Park Tennis Center features 15 lighted/cushioned courts with PlaySight,  USTA-certified staff on hand. Group and private lessons, leagues and tournaments are available. Drop-in tennis offered daily, matching players of all recreational levels.

Kiwanis Park
6111 S. All America Way
Tempe, AZ 85283

(480) 350-5201
A woman riding a horse with a group of people on a horse behind her

KOLI Equestrian Center

KOLI Equestrian Center is located on the Gila River Indian Community, just minutes from Tempe. KOLI offers miles of breathtaking scenery and horseback trail riding adventures, hay wagon rides, cattle drives, birthday parties and other special and corporate events.

6940 W. Broken Ear Rd.
Chandler, AZ 85226

(602) 796-3495
Northshore Watersport Rental

Northshore Watersport Rentals

Open 24/7, build your mental and physical strength on your schedule! Take the equipment anywhere you want, whenever! Rent kayaks, sup boards, e-bikes (tours offered), river tubes, and party boards that hold 800 pounds! Follow us @northshorewatersport.

555 N. College Ave. #1030
Tempe, AZ 85281

(623) 866-3938
Papago Golf Course

Papago Golf Club

Papago Golf Club is a championship 18 hole golf course, set in the heart of Phoenix’s Papago Park. Papago has earned Top 100 Public Course honors for decades and was originally designed by William Francis “Billy” Bell.

5595 E. Karsten Way
Phoenix, AZ 85008

(602) 275-8428
Papago Park

Papago Park

This desert preserve features nearly 10 miles of hiking and biking trails throughout 1,500 acres. It is also home to several attractions and museums.

1000 N. College Ave.
Tempe, AZ 85281

(480) 350-5200
Family at Phoenix Zoo

Phoenix Zoo | Arizona Center for Nature Conservation

Explore a world of curiosity, imagination and discovery at the Phoenix Zoo. See Sumatran tigers, Bornean orangutans, Masai giraffe and enjoy encounters such as Monkey Village and Harmony Farm. Your Zoo visit will be memorable for the entire family. Check the website for seasonal hours.

455 N. Galvin Pkwy.
Phoenix, AZ 85008

(602) 286-3800
Piestewa Peak

Piestewa Peak

Located in the Phoenix Mountain Preserves, Piestewa Peak has numerous trails for hiking and trail running. At 2,610 ft., it’s the second highest point in the Phoenix Mountains, next to Camelback Mountain. Hundreds of residents and visitors hike Piestewa Peak per week because it offers great views and a great workout. Hikes to the peak usually take anywhere from 25-60 minutes, depending on the experience of the hiker.

5994 E. Squaw Peak Dr.
Phoenix, AZ, 85016

(602) 261-8318
REI Co-op Experiences Mountain_Bike Arizona tours

REI Co-op Experiences

The REI Adventure Center in Scottsdale offers adventures for all, including guided hiking, road and mountain biking, kayaking, rafting, and SUP tours. Experience the desert with a guide or explore on your own with a bike from the Adventure Center’s rental fleet.

17465 N. 93rd St.
Scottsdale, AZ 85255

(480) 945-2881 or (866) 455-1601
Riverbound Sports

Riverbound Sports

Riverbound Sports is a specialty paddle shop located in Tempe offering sales and rentals of SUPs, kayaks, and gear. Knowledgeable experts are on site to help create a great experience. Call the shop or visit the website for more information.

1425 E. University Dr., Ste. B-102
Tempe, AZ 85281

(480) 463-6686 or (855) 777-6683
Rolling Hills Golf Course

Rolling Hills Golf Course

Rolling Hills Golf Course, the Valley’s finest 18-hole executive golf course, is nestled in picturesque Papago Park, providing a unique golfing experience for players of all ages. Guests enjoy family tees, full-service pro-shop and Caddy Shack Sports Grill.  

1415 N. Mill Ave.
Tempe, AZ 85281

(480) 350-5275
Salt River Rafting Phoenix Arizona

Salt River Rafting

Salt River Rafting provides whitewater trips through the scenic Salt River Canyon. Trips range from a half day to 4-Day adventures through the wilderness. Open 7 days a week, March – May.

Salt River Canyon, AZ

(800) 425-5253
Shalimar Golf Club

Shalimar Country Club

This 9-hole golf course is popular among golfers of all ages and it offers a restaurant and bar. Shalimar is also the first Arizona course to offer FootGolf, a combination of golf and soccer.

2032 E. Golf Ave.
Tempe, AZ 85282

(480) 831-1244
Singh Meadows Market

Singh Meadows

Singh Meadows is a scenic spot sprawled on 75 acres of greenbelts, trees and walking trails. It features a 100% organic café, coffee and juice bar and a farmer’s market.

1490 E. Weber Dr.
Tempe, AZ 85281

(480) 225-7199

South Mountain Park and Preserve

At more than 16,000 acres, South Mountain Park and Preserve is one of the largest municipal parks in the country. The park includes 51 miles of scenic desert trails for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking leading to breathtaking views. Trails can be found at 48th Street and Guadalupe or from Central Avenue.

48th St. and Guadalupe Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85044

(602) 262-7393
Splash Pad at Tempe Marketplace

Splash Pad at Tempe Marketplace

Open year-round and daily until 11:00 p.m., the Splash Pad at Tempe Marketplace is the ideal family-friendly spot for children to splash, play and cool off outdoors. Parents are not to be left out with nearby fashion-forward shops, enticing eats and entertainment stops.  

2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy.
Tempe, AZ, 85281

(480) 966-9338
Stellar Adventures

Stellar Adventures

Tame the rugged Sonoran desert landscape on an H1 Hummer, M1009 Blazer, or guided ATV/UTV adventure! Add a tasting tour to any adventure and experience some of the Valleys best local restaurants for food a drink! Experience the desert at night on our Stargazing excursions with night vision.

Tempe Tourism Office

Talking Stick Golf Club

Play 18 or 36 with easy check-in, fast greens and friendly service. Recognized as a top public golf course by Golfweek Magazine, with the largest public practice facility in the valley, highlighting views of Talking Stick Resort and Camelback Mountain.

Talking Stick Entertainment District
9998 E. Talking Stick Way
Scottsdale, AZ 85256

(480) 860-2221
Tempe E-Bike Tour

Tempe E-Bike Tours

Looking for a fun way to see all of Tempe? Try our guided and self-guided e-bike tours to explore all around Tempe. Come and join us to experience an e-bike adventure. Open for “meet & ride” for private groups.

Tempe Town Lake and Beach Park pedal boat

Tempe Town Lake and Tempe Beach Park

Tempe Town Lake, located adjacent to Downtown Tempe, provides a two-mile recreational haven for kayaking, rowing, jogging or picnicking. The heart of Tempe Town Lake is historic Tempe Beach Park, providing five miles of pathways and ample room for events.

80 W. Rio Salado Pkwy.
Tempe, AZ 85281

(480) 350-4311
Tempe Town Lake Walking Tour

Tempe Town Lake Public Art Walking Tour

This self-guided tour takes you along Tempe Town Lake and through the TCA to explore the city’s diverse collection of public art. The works seek to complement the natural and built environment through innovative place-making, installations, and infrastructure enhancements. Photo: Tree of Life by Marilyn Zwak

Tempe Town Lake

Bicycle

The Bicycle Cellar

Bicycle Cellar is Downtown Tempe’s Urban Bike Shop & Commuter Support facility! We offer full-service repair, new bikes, accessories and rentals. We also offer secure bike parking, showers, lockers and towel service for commuters (membership required). Open daily!

200 E. 5th St. Ste. #105
Tempe, AZ 85281

(480) 219-7225
two kids running through a splash pad

The Cloud at Kiwanis Park

The Cloud at Kiwanis Park has 5,000 square feet of water play, including loops, jelly sticks, misting sprays and pillars. The one-of-a-kind structure also provides shade from the summer sun, while featuring unique lighting and sound shows throughout the day. Open April through October.

Kiwanis Park
5233 S. Ash Ave.
Tempe, AZ 85283

(480) 350-5200
Trapezius in Tempe, AZ

Trapezius

Flying Trapeze for Kids and adults ages 4+. No experience is necessary. Whether you’re interested in a one-time class, birthday party, private event or a weekly workshop, Trapezius has it. Experience movement and fitness in a new way. TRAPEZIUS: Flight Mode Activated!

440 N. Scottsdale Rd.,
Tempe AZ 85288

(623)-275-3050
Tempe Marketplace Buzz and Bloom

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