The Sonoran Desert is widely considered the world’s most stunning desert in the world – and it’s certainly the most diverse – offering visitors endless up-close and personal experiences.
With a wide range of thriving plant and animal life, the Sonoran Desert is replete with ironwood trees, a multitude of cacti including towering saguaros, and sprays of desert flowers. Uniquely desert critters include Javelina (wild pigs), Gila Monsters (lizards), rattlesnakes, roadrunners and coyotes – though it’s rare to run into any of these as they prefer to avoid humans.
Greater Phoenix has a variety of multi-use trails. Nestled in the lower Verde River Basin is McDowell Mountain Regional Park, a 21,099-acre desert jewel. Elevations in the park rise to 3,000 feet and visitors along its 50 miles of trails enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Dozens of breezy trails seep through valleys and over hills, while challenging terrain puts even the heartiest to the test.
On Phoenix’s southern frontier is the incomparable South Mountain Park & Preserve, which at 16,500 acres, is the nation’s largest municipal park. This landmark is popular among hikers, bikers, and those who enjoy horseback riding.
Hiking is a way of life in Greater Phoenix. Take an early-morning trek up the steep, 1,000-foot rise to the top of Camelback Mountain in Paradise Valley, or undertake a gentler hike up Piestewa Peak. Both rises will reward walkers with expansive views of the entire region.
In Tempe, Papago Park is the perfect place to hike, bike, or picnic while surrounded by beautiful desert vistas. Papago Park’s paved and unpaved trails are a joy for riders of all ages.
If you prefer to soar above it all, tour the desert in a hot air balloon, ultra light or glider. Or, stay on the desert floor in a Hummer/Jeep in search of abandoned gold mines and other treasures. Driving enthusiasts get their thrill at the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving that offers lessons, racing and zipping around the track with a professional driver.
The adventures don’t stop when the sun goes down either. Arizona is one of the best places for stargazing, and Phoenix has numerous opportunities to look to the stars. The far reaches of the galaxy are explored at the state’s numerous observatories, planetariums and through telescopes on the patios and balconies of the resorts.
And finally, for those who wish to just relax and be pampered – visit an award-winning spa and enjoy both native and innovative treatments. The gamut runs from warm-stone therapies, invigorating massages, aloe vera body wraps, to aromatherapy and Sonoran Desert exfoliations.
Across Arizona Tours offers unique custom van and coach tours throughout Arizona, including Grand Canyon, Sedona, Apache Trail, Tucson, Monument Valley, and local city tours. Our certified, professional, and enthusiastic guides are the best in the Southwest. Our knowledgeable staff designs itineraries for any size group, from half-day to multi-day tours. Across Arizona provides prompt, unparalleled customer service. Please call our 24-hour reservation and information line with any questions or to request our informative brochure. 602.233.1813, 888.533.1813, www.acrossarizonatours.com
We offer exciting and educational half-day and full-day guided adventures throughout the Sonoran Desert including: hiking, mountain biking, road biking, kayaking and teambuilding events. We also offer bicycle rentals with free delivery and have 300+ bikes in our fleet ranging from comfort hybrid bikes to high performance road and mountain bikes. Multi-day trips throughout the Southwest including our private Basecamp in the Grand Canyon are available as well. Individuals and groups are welcome. 480.945.2881 or toll free 866.455.1601, www.aoa-adventures.com
If you're in the Phoenix area and looking for a desert sightseeing tour that's a departure from the ordinary, we have an adventure in store for you! Let Arizona Hummer Tours offer you the thrill of a lifetime. 602.692.7124, www.azhummertours.com
Arizona’s premier bison and Western collection. Exhibits include Buffalo Bill, Dances with Wolves, Bronze Room, Native American artifacts, the Flagg family collection and much more. Bison Museum is the perfect Western-themed venue for meetings, seminars, lectures, and parties. It offers a large conference room, party lounge, library/den and a spacious Western Town Pavilion with stage and banquet seating for 200. So get ready to party like it’s 1899! 16641 N. 91st St., Suite 101, Scottsdale, 480.837.8700, www.bisonmuseum.com
The Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving offers unique programs for every group. Experience the thrill of driving race-prepared vehicles with precision and safety. Group programs can include HOT LAPS with professional instructors, meetings and meals in the Bondurant Museum as part of an action-packed driving and racing course EXPERIENCE for groups of six to 100. Call today, 480.961.0143, 800.842.7223, www.bondurant.com
Casino Arizona, 101 & McKellips, offers visitors more than 100,000sf devoted to gaming, dining, and entertainment. Amenities include 998 slots, 50 blackjack tables, keno, and five unique restaurants, including fine dining at Cholla Prime Steakhouse & Lounge. The cabaret-style Showroom features Showstoppers Live, tribute to America’s greatest superstars, every Tuesday through Sunday. 480.850.7777, www.casinoarizona.com
Casino Arizona, 101 & Indian Bend, a sports-themed casino, features slots, a 45-table non-smoking poker room, blackjack, 3-Card Poker, Let it Ride, and keno. Catch all your favorite sporting events on the largest array of big screen TVs in the Southwest. 480.850.7777, www.casinoarizona.com
DETOURS OF ARIZONA offers guided tours of the entire southwest, with departures from Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Flagstaff. DETOURS' custom vans carry only 10 guests in leather captains chairs for the most comfortable ride and a personalized tour experience. Unique itineraries and exclusive tours have made us a favored tour partner with the area's top resort properties. Half- or full-day to 14-day itineraries are available. 480.633.9013, 866.438.6877 www.detoursaz.com
Experience THE ULTIMATE ADRENALINE RUSH at America's Largest Indoor Kart Racing & Entertainment Venue. F1 hosts events from supercharged teambuilding activities to formal company meetings, and features 45+ MPH karts, Trackside Bar & Grill, billiards, rock wall, and an arcade. We have five configurable conference rooms, and can accommodate groups from 10 to 1,000. Centrally located, close to Sky Harbor Airport. Changing Company Meetings, One Race At A Time. Phoenix, 602.302.7223, www.f1racefactory.com
We’d be honored to host your next corporate party or teambuilding event at Arizona’s finest outdoor venue, far enough away to escape the urban crowds, but only minutes from the finest resorts and hotels in the Valley of the Sun. We feature desert sites, rafting, trail rides, cattle drives, awesome entertainment, and spectacular views! Located on the 25,000-acre Fort McDowell Yavapai Indian Reservation, the Wild West Experience awaits you. Fountain Hills, 480.816.6465, www.fortmcdowelladventures.com
The Sonoran Desert is one of the foremost hot air ballooning areas in the entire world. Be sure to let your group experience why! Flights are daily at sunrise year-round. Included are roundtrip hotel transfers, one-hour flight, post-flight champagne ceremony, catered breakfast and a commemorative flight certificate. Fully insured, FAA certified and uniformed. Rated #1 hot air ballooning company in Arizona by Fodor’s Travel for the past ten years! Groups are our specialty since 1990. We look forward to seeing you in the air! 480.502.6999, 800.831.7610, www.hotairexpeditions.com
NO GROUP TOO LARGE! The largest privately owned resort-style day spa in Arizona featuring 2000sf of meeting space and facilities for over 25 spa services at one time. It is the ideal setting for teambuilding, corporate rewards, or spouse activities. Packages start at just $120 per person, including lunch, a massage, facial or manicure and use of the steam room, sauna, whirlpool, swimming pool, robes, lockers and sandals. Called "The Valley's best spa deal" by Phoenix Magazine. Loved by locals for its friendly island ambiance, world-class therapists and unmatched value. Conveniently located just north of the Scottsdale Fashion Square at 5115 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480.945.7066, www.thelamar.com
Laser Quest offers a unique interactive, fun environment for both social events and teambuilding activities. Choose The Quest for Success, our structured teambuilding workshop or the Ultimate Quest, for your larger more social teambuilding events. Laser Quest has locations in Phoenix and Mesa. Mesa, 2035 S. Alma School Road, 480.752.0005; Phoenix, 3335 W. Peoria Ave., 602.548.0005, www.laserquest.com
ATV 4-WHEELER and HUMMER H1 tours. Experience the timeless beauty of the Arizona desert. We tour through a variety of scenery such as classic saguaro cacti, sandy river bottoms and cool running creeks. View these sights navigating the terrain yourself, led by an outfitter with a four-wheeler, or take an effortless ride in a guide-driven Hummer. Whichever you choose, our goal is to provide a unique and memorable adventure with vehicle performance unrivaled in four-wheel-drive territory. We also specialize in Teambuilding and Cowboy Cookouts. 480.987.8335, www.theoutbacksafari.com
If your group is looking for something new and exciting, Phoenix Greyhound Park is the best BET in the Valley. Located at 38th Street and Washington, it combines exhilarating greyhound racing with delicious food for a complete entertainment experience. Each group party can be customized to fit different budgets and needs. Whether the group is 20 or 400, they are sure to have a winning experience. 602.273.7181, www.phoenixgreyhoundpark.com
Clay Target Shooting is an alternative and exciting form of corporate entertainment. Red Mountain Trap & Skeet provides the opportunity to mix business with pleasure. No experience is necessary to enjoy the recreational shooting sports of Trap, Skeet, 5-Stand and/or Sporting Clays. Red Mountain Trap & Skeet provides instruction and proper equipment for all participants in the outing. Shooting clay targets is fun! Call 480.990.9994 to make your Corporate Shoot reservations. 15001 E. Beeline Hwy., Scottsdale, www.redmtntrap.com
The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art [SMoCA] is the only museum in Arizona solely devoted to the art, architecture and design of our time. SMoCA has five galleries for changing exhibitions and its permanent collection, along with one of the few outdoor public “skyspaces” designed by renowned artist James Turrell. 7380 E. 2nd St., 480.8743.4666, www.smoca.org
Experience the rugged beauty of Arizona with Southwest Desert Adventures. Enjoy desert 4x4 Jeep tours with our fun and friendly “Cowboy Guides.” Get closer and explore the Sonoran Desert with guided hiking, eco tours and mountain biking. Get out on the water with activities such as parasailing, fishing, kayaking and more. Daily tours for families and specialty trips for groups/conventions including scavenger hunts, photo rallies, teambuilding, etc. Arizona’s favorite adventure team at your service. 480.962.6620, 800.962.6620, www.yellowjeeps.com
The Sonoran Desert – let Stellar Adventures help you experience this hidden treasure of the Southwest. We offer Arizona's most unique off-road adventure tours. Tame the rugged landscape on one of our unstoppable Hummer or guided ATV adventures. Knowledgeable guides will show the capabilities of these amazing vehicles and teach you about the secrets of the Sonoran Desert. Combo Tours available. Teambuilding and catering available. Serving the Valley of the Sun since 1997. 602.402.0584, www.stellaradventures.com
Thunderbird Artists’ events attract renowned artists, collectors, gallery owners, art dealers, publishers, designers, corporate clients, tourists, and art lovers far and wide. Our events are widely known as "a collector’s paradise"TM, second to none. Please join us and see firsthand why these events continue to receive rave reviews. October & February – Scottsdale 5th Avenue Fine Art & Wine Festival; November, January, February & March – Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival; January-March – Arizona Fine Art EXPO, Scottsdale; March – Fountain Hills Fine Art & Wine Affaire. www.thunderbirdartists.com
Catch the passion and excitement of Live Thoroughbred racing from early October through the beginning of May. In one of the few sports that combines equine and human talents, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of rooting your horse home to victory against a back drop of swaying palm trees and beautiful nearby, wrap-around mountain ranges. Enjoy our private, executive suites, daily prepared Turf Club cuisine, casual Clubhouse or enclosed and outside balcony Grandstand. Live racing Friday through Tuesday at 12:30 pm; simulcasting seven days a week, beginning at 9am. 19th Avenue just south of Bell Road, 602.942.1101, www.turfparadise.com
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