Five Great Ways to Enjoy the Great Outdoors in Arizona

cycling

There’s an edgy kind of beauty to the Sonoran Desert. Spend some time in the 30,500-acre McDowell Sonoran Preserve outside Scottsdale and you’ll learn to love the giant saguaro cacti that look like trees in a forest and the sky that seems to stretch forever. Scottsdale is known for its upscale resorts, vibrant arts scene and incredible dining, but its outdoor adventures rank near the top for many winter visitors. Mild temperatures and sunny days, 299 days annually to be precise, provide plenty of opportunities to enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of the desert. Here are five great ways to get outdoors — including some outdoorsy things to do in Scottsdale for those who aren’t particularly outdoorsy or athletic.