Nature & Parks in Scottsdale
THE 10 BEST Scottsdale Parks & Nature Attractions
Nature & Parks in Scottsdale
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Nature & Parks
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Travelers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travelers across the globe.
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48 places sorted by traveler favorites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
Recommended Outdoor Activities (54)
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Sports Complexes • Arenas & Stadiums
South Scottsdale
Natural History Museums • Geologic Formations
Showing results 1-30 of 48
What travelers are saying
- Alicia S14 contributionsUnlike other guided tours, we didn't feel hurried. It is clear that the animals are cherished and well-cared for. Our guide, was interesting and knowledgeable, and it was clear that she enjoyed what she did. I like how they divided the group into two groups so we could go about freely, take in the animals, and listen to our guide's knowledge.Written September 30, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- moradevoraEnglewood, NJ37 contributionsWow! Blooming cacti all over. So many varieties. Magnificent. A trail with wonderful explanations. Many trails for all levels.Written May 28, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Lynn GTexas40 contributionsSo easy to access , lots of parking . All the employees were very friendly and more than happy to answer any and all questions. One of them told us that if a Butterfly lands on you .. it will bring you GOOD LUCK . A beautiful butterfly landed on my daughter’s hand and when we checked into our hotel later we got upgraded to a Suite on the top floor 🙌🏽 ( so…maybe ? )
The place was very clean and so many beautiful butterflies.
They also have another area that is reptiles and such that is included in the cost.
The Butterfly Conservatory was humid ( of course ) since it is outdoors but they let you go IN and OUT as many times as you want.
Be sure to watch the Butterfly movie before you go into the Conservatory. It was very interesting and we learned so much about butterflies. It was AMAZING!
We ate lunch at “ Johnny Rockets “ after ( 5 minute walk ) and it was really delicious!
Enjoy life and get out there and see stuff y’all 🤠Written July 25, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - ameluluHartland, WI193 contributionsExcellent trail for all levels as if it becomes too strenuous, you can turn around. It is well maintained and offers ample rest spots to take in beautiful views of the park, overlooks of golf course and neighborhood and to catch your breath if needed.
The trail offers educational signs about the desert creatures and landscape, plants etc. they have a jr ranger program for children (actually all ages 😊).
Be sure to take plenty of water and snacks, hiking sticks, etc.
My suggestion is if you don't want to do the full trail from end to end to avoid the long climb back to the visitor center, that you go as far as Grand View or Owl's Rest and then turn around.
This is a very popular trail with many visitors but there's plenty of room for all. If you don't like crowds while hiking this isn't the place for you.Written March 14, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Laura GRockville Centre, NY9 contributionsGreat hike but I lost an earring I've had since I was a kid! If you see a hoop earring please contact me!! Laura_gallo@mail.comWritten August 7, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ruthie Owen-MorenoTempe, AZ45 contributionsIf you want to see many sea life beauties, go to OdySea. We've been there with the grandkids even last month. It's one of thee largest aquariums and if you love sharks...they are there.Written July 16, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- NewsByScottPhoenix, AZ323 contributionsHad a French teen visiting us so thought this would be a great place to show her some Arizona critters along with other interesting creatures all while supporting a non profit! We did the private tour which a lot of people recommend and even though it is pricy I felt it was a good experience for the money especially since one in our group was non English speaking. We got to hold a variety of animals and were able to ask so many questions that probably wouldn’t have been possible if we did a public tour. Chelsea was super personable and clearly loves her job. Everyone we came across was equally pleasant. I do recommend a tour here as you will come away an appreciation of sanctuaries and hopefully thinking twice or three times before taking on a petWritten June 24, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- JR KVancouver, WA42 contributionsVery nice place for a little quiet time while walking along the canal
Easy access to old town, restaurants or shops..,, really cool at night time when it’s lit upWritten March 9, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Lorenzo8888Denver, CO129 contributionsOne of my favorite hikes in all of Scottsdale, it is easy to get to with loads of parking. Be sure to prepare properly and check the heat for our furry friends who are sensitive to the rocky terrain. Volunteers standing by on weekends to help with several different trails. As I mentioned, it is very rocky... so wear good shoes. Take water and leave dogs at home during the summer.Written September 21, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Grizwold12Calgary, Canada6 contributionsWe rented awesome mountain bikes in cave creek at spur rentals, then headed to the Pima Dynamite trail head. A lovely host suggested the basalt trail : axel to west express to broken spoke to hawknest trail.. a terrific mountain biking adventure. The trails were windy, rolling mini hills, and quite challenging in between the rocks on the way home… challenging .. but still considered moderate. Probably 2 hours +, and fairly level, thou lots of up and down. Great views and fantastic desert fauna! A great outdoor info center with maps at the trail head… lots of routes! Free as well, we would definitely return, probably a highlight of our cave creek visit!Written April 5, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- NoraatcSudbury, MA39,621 contributionsGateway Trailhead is part of McDowell Mountains Preserve and is an excellent easy hike in the afternoon (I am talking about January weather). There is plenty of parking and a visitor center, the trail is well marked and the path is groomed nicely. Beautiful towering saguaros look magnificent; especially in the sunset hours.Written January 13, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Deana B28 contributionsModerate difficulty but very reasonable hike until the last 0.2 miles, where you need boots and it,s a bit of a scramble. Easy to find and trail is well-marked. Great views at the overlook if you aren’t up to the steeper part but worth it if you are. Right now there is a lot of construction at the base on one side so choose another hike if that bothers you but there are enough awesome views that it won’t bother most people.Written April 19, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Cindy F2 contributionsBest park in Scottsdale! Eldorado park (Indian Wash Bend) 7 miles of wonderful beauty and everything you can think of to do.Written May 10, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- spajnkyCarmel, IN164 contributionsThis is such a nice, peaceful, walk and although I walked with friends, it is best enjoyed solo so you can enjoy the garden and its surroundings to its fullest.Written June 3, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- j r1 contributionSchanell is incredible. She listens & helps you find the perfect crystals that fit your life & what you’re going through!Written August 9, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
