Outdoor Recreation in the Phoenix Area

The outstanding climate in the Greater Phoenix area and its majestic desert landscape make enjoying the outdoors the favorite pastime not just of the region’s residents, but also of the millions of visitors who come here every year. Owners of properties like Scottsdale, Arizona golf homes enjoy the added advantage of having outdoor fun options right in their own neighborhoods.

Scottsdale has long been a favorite destination of golf enthusiasts from all over the world. The city’s spectacular desert and traditional courses have drawn golf legends such as Tom Weiskopf, Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods, many of whom live here. Some of the most acclaimed courses include the Tournament Players Club of Scottsdale, Troon North Golf Club, We-Ko-Pa Golf Club, Gold Canyon Golf Club, Grayhawk Golf Club, and the Kierland Golf Club. Other excellent courses nearby are the Anthem Country Club, The Boulders Golf Club, and Rancho Mañana Golf Club.

From biking, hiking and horseback riding to golf, tennis and tubing, there are easily dozens of ways you can have fun in Phoenix’s great outdoors. Many love it here so much, in fact, that they often relocate here permanently and invest in Scottsdale, Arizona golf homes.

Mountain bikers generally head to the desert hills for the views, but there are also some popular recreational areas in the city – including Papago Park, Phoenix South Mountain Park (the world’s largest municipal park), and North Mountain Preserve.

If you’d rather do your sightseeing on foot, a recommended trail is up Camelback Mountain. The views from the top are simply incredible. Those not up for that admittedly grueling route can climb up to the lower Piestewa Peak (popularly known as Squaw Peak) instead.

Recreation areas are plentiful in Phoenix and include everything from nature preserves to man-made lakes to sprawling regional parks. Among the most notable are the White Tank Mountain Regional Park, McDowell Mountain Regional Park, and Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area. Those who would like to cool off can head to the Lake Pleasant Regional Park and Bartlett Lake. The latter is located in the vast Tonto National Forest, which is the country’s fifth largest national forest.

Phoenix Relocation and Green Realtor Kathleen Mazzocco can tell you more about the recreation options here, as well as the variety of choices in Scottsdale, Arizona golf homes. She can also provide you with resources and referrals to help you maximize your options in FHA and VA financing, as well as other government and lending programs.