Location: Scottsdale
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The 10 Best Nature & Parks in Scottsdale, Arizona (AZ)
Scottsdale has more spas per capita than any other city in the U.S.—so whether you’re looking for the latest medi-spa technology or a new-agey, bohemian vibe, there’s sure to be something for you. It's a good thing, too—after spending all day touring the beautiful desert, you'll be grateful for some pampering.
Restaurants in Scottsdale
1. Scottsdale Ranch Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
2. Arizona Territorial Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By Jkpiper001 - Fort Worth, United States
Myself and two companions were here for a conference and wanted to spend at least one afternoon doing something fun. Walker did not disappoint! He worked with us on our schedule, picked us up and returned us to our hotel. AND we had a fantastic time. The information he provided on our desert tour was fun, interesting, historical and I would love to do it all over again! A Most Excellent Adventure!!!
3. McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,114 reviews
Reviewed By 110edwardf
We visited the preserve on two different days from two different trailheads. Both Gateway and Lost Dog Wash trailheads had good parking, restrooms and trails. There were good maps and well marked trails in good condition. The trails were interlinked loops, so you could start on one but switch to another if you wanted to see different territory. For example at the Lost Dog Wash trailhead, we started in the Ring Tail trail. But at a junction at a choice to stay on that trail that had city views, but switched to Lost Dog Wash to hike into a different little valley with more birds, plants and cactus to see. WeSaw lots of people both days, but it didn’t feel crowded at all.
4. Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 503 reviews
Tours by appointment only. Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center is a non-profit rescue and rehabilitation facility specializing in wild mammals. Over 70% of the animals that come into our center are returned to the wild. For those that cannot be released, we offer a home for life in our sanctuary. We conduct guided tours of our sanctuary by appointment only. Reservations are required and can be made on our website under the Visit Us tab.
Reviewed By nf0x - Denver, United States
Fun and educational experience for all ages. Passionate and well informed volunteers lead you through this animal sanctuary for Arizona rescued animals. Up close opportunity to see and learn about a variety of animals. See Mexican Gray Wolves that the center plays a role in their repopulation in the southwest US. Tours are outdoors and in the shade.
5. Tom's Thumb Trailhead
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 393 reviews
Reviewed By ca847
Beautiful scenery. Fun walk in the heat. Trails are marked very well. Be sure to bring plenty of water and proper shoes.
6. Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 45 reviews
The Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is a statewide facility that includes a surrender facility, education program, summer camps and rescue and rehabilitation. Visit over 1700 reptiles in their natural habitat while expert guides describe origin, diet, and conservation status. Students may even interact with some critically endangered animals. See more than 230 venomous snakes in the Venom & Research Lab as well as alligators, crocodiles, Galapagos tortoises, Gila monsters, just to name a few.
Reviewed By Daryl0591 - Sanibel Island, United States
Must make appointment. Great to do with kids. Extensive collection of alligators, crocks, turtles and snakes. Took 2.5 hours.
7. The Bajada Nature Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By Kkoleary - Scottsdale, United States
This was a nice walk around 1 mile loop perfect for family outing. Very informative interactive signs showed us so much about the desert- geography of the wash, animals (insects, birds, and mammals), and plants. Easy walk for two year old.
8. Vista Del Camino Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By bpred754 - Phoenix, United States
I use to live right next to Vista Del Camino park and have been there several times. I would take my dog rollerblading through the park's paved paths. The paths are great for walking, running, and biking as well. The park also offers several other amenities such as a kid friendly splash pad, small dog park, Shelly Sharpe Disc Golf Course, and volleyball courts. The park is quite long, so I recommend using the Avem app to help find your favorite amenities.
9. Eldorado Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By bpred754 - Phoenix, United States
I used to live next to Eldorado Park and visited the park weekly with my German Shepherd. The park is full of amenities such as several playgrounds, fishing spots, baseball & softball fields, and even includes a skatepark. Eldorado Park also seamlessly merges into Vista Del Camino Park which gives you plenty of length for a nice run or bike ride. The park is fairly long, so I'd recommend using the app, Avem, to help you discover and find your favorite amenities.
10. Chaparral Dog Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 132 reviews
Reviewed By bpred754 - Phoenix, United States
I use to live right next to Chaparral Park, so I took my German Shepherd to its dog park more times than I can count. It is by far the best dog park I have been to. It has 3 large lawns (although 1 is usually closed to let the grass grow back in) for both active and passive dogs. There are always a lot of dogs there and it is very well lit at night! Chaparral Park also offers several other amenities and has a great walking path for you and your pooch. I'd recommend downloading the app, Avem, to see what other Chaparral Park amenities interest you.
