Scottsdale, located in the magnificent Sonoran Desert, is a premier vacation, meeting and group travel destination. The city has more than 60 world-class resorts and hotels, nearly 200 championship golf courses, luxurious resort and day spas, and mouth-watering restaurants that include both award-winning eateries and off-the-beaten-track gems. In addition, Scottsdale is home to an internationally renowned arts and culture scene with more than 125 art galleries and museums. Visitors to Scottsdale also can enjoy premier shopping, special events, beautiful year-round weather, and a multitude of outdoor adventures and activities including hot air balloon rides, off-road desert tours, horseback riding, rafting, hiking and more.

Scottsdale's Sonoran Desert: A Natural for Adventure

Hiking trails that span not only mountain ridges, but history itself. Hot air balloon rides that soar over saguaros, desert washes and scurrying coyotes. Jeep tours that plunge into rugged backcountry, proving the Wild West is still alive and well. If these attractions sound like experiences that would take hours to reach from some distant way station.think again. They are all located right in Scottsdale 's scenic backyard, the storied Sonoran Desert . Scottsdale possesses a natural advantage over other destinations because this sophisticated oasis is surrounded by a rich legacy of mountains, parks and wildlife, providing opportunities for urban adventure second to none. The result is that everyone from seasoned thrill-seeker to absolute novice can kick their adrenaline into overdrive with high-octane adventures as accessible as they are inviting. Following are just a few opportunities to experience Scottsdale 's wild side. Scottsdale Convention & Visitor's Bureau