Scottsdale in 5 days

Desert resorts, red-rock hikes and the American Southwest's best winter sunshine. Best time to visit: November-April. Average daily budget: $180 to $450 USD.

Day 1, Get oriented

Base: Old Town Scottsdale, Walkable grid of galleries, western saloons, wine tasting rooms and nightlife.

Morning: Hike Camelback Mountain. The steep 2.4-mile Echo Canyon climb rewards you with the best view in the Valley.

Afternoon: Explore Old Town Scottsdale, Walkable grid of galleries, western saloons, wine tasting rooms and nightlife.

Evening: Old Town gallery walk. Thursday night ArtWalk through one of America's oldest arts districts.

Eat: Sonoran hot dogs and tacos at Tacos Chiwas

Day 2, Iconic sights

Base: North Scottsdale, Luxury resorts, golf courses and trailheads beneath Pinnacle Peak and the McDowells.

Morning: McDowell Sonoran Preserve. 200+ miles of saguaro desert trails, from easy Gateway Loop to serious summit routes.

Afternoon: Explore North Scottsdale, Luxury resorts, golf courses and trailheads beneath Pinnacle Peak and the McDowells.

Evening: Taliesin West. Frank Lloyd Wright's desert winter home and architecture school, a UNESCO site.

Eat: Green chili pork and prickly pear margaritas at The Mission

Day 3, Local neighbourhoods

Base: South Scottsdale, Mid-century motels turned boutique, with dive bars and the best Mexican food.

Morning: Sunrise hot-air balloon rides over the Sonoran Desert, landing with champagne. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore South Scottsdale, Mid-century motels turned boutique, with dive bars and the best Mexican food.

Evening: The Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, one of the best museums in the Southwest. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Brunch at Farm & Craft or Snooze before a hike

Day 4, Day trip or nature

Base: Paradise Valley, Residential enclave of ultra-luxury resorts framed by Camelback Mountain.

Morning: Salt River wild horses at the Butcher Jones recreation area. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Paradise Valley, Residential enclave of ultra-luxury resorts framed by Camelback Mountain.

Evening: Cosanti, Paolo Soleri's experimental bell-casting studio in Paradise Valley. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Date shakes and citrus at the Sphinx Date Ranch

Day 5, Slow finish

Base: McCormick Ranch, Greenbelt lakes, paths and mid-range resorts popular with families.

Morning: Slow start: coffee in McCormick Ranch, then an unhurried walk before the heat or the crowds.

Afternoon: Explore McCormick Ranch, Greenbelt lakes, paths and mid-range resorts popular with families.

Evening: Dinner at Sonoran hot dogs and tacos at Tacos Chiwas, then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in McCormick Ranch.

Eat: Sonoran hot dogs and tacos at Tacos Chiwas

Hidden gems

Sunrise hot-air balloon rides over the Sonoran Desert, landing with champagne
The Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, one of the best museums in the Southwest
Salt River wild horses at the Butcher Jones recreation area
Cosanti, Paolo Soleri's experimental bell-casting studio in Paradise Valley

Getting around

You need a car. Scottsdale is spread out, public transit is minimal, and trailheads sit 20 to 40 minutes apart. Rental cars at Phoenix Sky Harbor are the norm; rideshare works well for Old Town nights out. The free Scottsdale Trolley loops Old Town, and the Indian Bend Wash greenbelt is great by bike in the cooler months.

Safety

Scottsdale is one of America's safest cities. The real risk is the desert: heat above 40°C from May to September, dehydration on trails and flash floods in monsoon season. Hike before 8am in summer, carry a liter of water per hour, and never touch a rattlesnake or jump a flooded wash. Pool safety matters with kids.

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