The greater Phoenix area is one of the fastest growing in the United States- for a reason. The mild winter temperatures and low humidity makes outdoor activities a year round thing. There are many suburb cities which make up the region besides Phoenix proper and each is unique. There is Mesa, Scottsdale and Tempe, just to name a few. You can find fabulous golf courses sprinkled throughout the cities open all year long.
Phoenix is famous for being a hiker’s paradise. South Mountain Park, to the south of downtown, is the largest urban park in the nation and has a myriad of trails. Or, you can hike alonf the Summit Trail at Piestewa Peak. More challenging is Camelback Mountain, but fortunately they have rails to assist hikers up the paths. Even so, the two trails can be steep. But, the views from on top are worth the climb. Or, just drive up to Dobbins Point fro a panoramic view of the metropolis oasis in the desert with the mountains as a backdrop. At night when the city lights glisten in the desert warmth, it is breathtaking.
If you prefer to see the wildlife a bit more contained, head for the Phoenix Zoo just minutes from great hotel deals. Then wander through the Desert Botanical Gardens and see what flowers and plants are native to the area. At the University of Arizona Arboretum, dedicated to Boyce Thompson, you can see over 250 species of birds as well as wildflowers which burst to life in the spring .
A great day trip is to drive up to Apache Junction which is a bout an hour northeast of downtown Phoenix The road wanders through desert landscapes, past rivers and even a few ghost towns. You can visit Lost Dutchman State Park and stroll the Native Plant Trail to see spectacular rock formations in the Sonoran Desert. In the spring, poppies and other wildflowers burst forth along the Siphon Draw Trail. Guided hikes can be booked with the park rangers.