If your vacation isn't just about relaxation, here are a few ways to burn calories, stay active and enjoy our desert location, from hiking to the Tempe Ironman Arizona.

Lace up your hiking boots or rent a mountain bike and explore the trails at Papago Park or South Mountain Park/Preserve. Novice or expert, you'll find a trail to suit your adventure level, even if you're preparing for the Tempe Ironman. 

Rent a kayak or paddleboard at Tempe Town Lake. The paddling will give you a workout and the silvery waters will keep you cool. If you're still full of energy, run around the pathways surrounding the lake - they cover nearly 5 miles. There are also numerous organized triathlons and fun runs held at Tempe Town Lake and Tempe Beach Park each year.

Tempe is a designated Bicycle Friendly Community with 165 miles of bikeways. There are several bike shops, such as Tempe Bicycle where visitors can rent mountain bikes or cruisers to explore the city on two wheels and even train for the Tempe Ironman.

Golf on the course that helped train golf professionals such as Phil Mickelson, Billy Mayfair and Grace Park. ASU Karsten Golf Course is a classic Pete Dye, Scottish links design. In addition to the remarkable golfing experience, ASU Karsten also houses the PING Learning Center, featuring the latest and greatest from PING, as well as an outstanding group of instructors.

Plan a trip around two of our most well-known tests of skill: the P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon & ½ Marathon and Tempe Ironman Arizona. The Marathon, held in January annually, begins in Phoenix, runs through Scottsdale and ends at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe. The 1/2 Marathon course starts and finishes in Tempe. Both courses feature bands and spirit squads to keep the motivation level high. One of the most grueling, yet inspiring events is Tempe Ironman Arizona, taking place in Tempe each November. Tempe Ironman combines a 2.4 mile swim at Tempe Town Lake, a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2 mile run, in succession.