Winter is gone and spring temperatures have sprung here in Tempe, Arizona. It’s time to get outside and enjoy the crisp air and sunshine. Tempe is a great place for outdoor fun in the sun, where you can enjoy everything from hiking, biking and other fun outdoor activities.
Hiking
Take a hike, literally! Tempe has some of the most picturesque hiking spots in the entire Valley. Sitting at the footsteps of Arizona State University Campus is Downtown Tempe’s very own butte, referred to as “A” Mountain. This hike is great for all skill levels and perfect for the entire family, including your furry friends. Make it to the top and enjoy 360 degree views of Tempe and neighboring cities, Phoenix, Scottsdale and Mesa and Chandler.
Just north of Downtown Tempe is Papago Park. Papago Park is perfect for adrenaline junkies and casual hikers. Enjoy 10 miles of hiking, biking and running trails. Trail heads are located near College Ave. and Curry Rd., Galvin Parkway just north of Van Buren and Mill Ave. and Curry Rd. For those who are looking for quick hike, and awesome photos for Instagram, take the quick trip up to Hole in the Rock in Papago Park. This popular spot is easy to hike to and is a great place to sit down, relax and snap a couple of great pictures, especially at sunrise or sunset.
South Mountain Park and Preserve is the largest municipal park in the country, with more than 16,000 acres and miles and miles of trails. It is just a few minutes from any Tempe hotel so you can easily go for a hike, a trail run or a mountain bike adventure on South Mountain’s picturesque trails. The Pima Canyon Trailhead is the closest to Tempe, near 48th St. and Guadalupe Rd.
Biking
If hopping on a bicycle is more your style, then pedaling your way through Tempe is just for you. Tempe is a Gold Bicycle Friendly Community with 175 miles of dedicated bikeways. Check out Tempe’s bike paths that range from city streets to desert paths. Downtown Tempe is very bicycle friendly and many of the local restaurants have convenient racks to lock your bike while you grab a bite to eat. The Crosscut Canal, which is a one-mile, non-motorized path connecting Tempe with the city of Scottsdale via Papago Park is a great choice for a scenic ride. Don’t have a bike? No problem. Rent a bike at The Bicycle Cellar in Downtown Tempe to explore the city on two wheels.
Boating
It might be a bit of a surprise that you can go out on the water in a desert city like Tempe, but it’s one of the most popular things to do. Tempe Town Lake, located at the north end of Downtown Tempe, is an excellent place to kayak, paddleboard, or just cruise along in an electric boat. Tempe Boat Rentals is located on the south shore of the lake, next to the Mill Avenue bridge. You can also rent kayaks and pedal boats from their sister company, Boat Rentals of America – Kiwanis Lake. They are located at Kiwanis Park in south Tempe.
Outdoor local attractions
Check out nearby outdoor attractions such as the Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Garden, both located in Papago Park, that attract thousands of visitors during this time of year. You can also enjoy local performances, shopping and entertainment at Tempe’s very own outdoor shopping center, Tempe Marketplace. Top off your outdoor experience with a refreshing drink and great food at one of the Tempe’s many outdoor patio restaurants, such as Postino Annex or Pedal Haus Brewery, both found in Downtown Tempe. While you’re in Downtown Tempe, stroll along the brick paved sidewalks while window shopping and enjoying the Arizona blue sky.
For more information about things to do in Tempe, visit our website or call (480) 894-8158.
