HOME Travel Guide Common Sense Travel
decorative font style
    Travel >> Holiday Travel >  >> Travel Notes

Scottsdale Unveiled: An Adrenaline Oasis in Arizona's Sonoran Desert

Scottsdale Unveiled: An Adrenaline Oasis in Arizona s Sonoran Desert

Fathom's Daniel Schwartz went to Arizona expecting a sleepy vacation. He got an adrenaline-filled jolt instead.

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona – Expert traveler that I am, I assume I'll know what a place is like without ever having visited. It's my job to know, right? But sometimes, I'm surprised by my actual experiences. I just got back from a five-day adventure in Scottsdale, Arizona, and the surrounding Sonoran Desert. In this part of the world, it's all about the retirement community and the easy living that implies, right? Maybe so, but this active traveler found himself pushed far beyond his comfort zone, sometimes head-first and with the scratches to prove it.

I was stunned by the greenery of the desert and the nuances of life in the Southwest. I was exhausted by the strenuous hikes and the close encounters on mountain bikes. I was surprised by the unexpected spiritual experiences.

These fifteen photos sum up my time in the Sonoran Desert.

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE

Yo Amo Mii Amo in Sedona
A Nature Lover's Guide to Arizona
The Most Romantic Hotels in the Western United States


Travel Notes
  • Greater Palm Springs: A Premier Hub for Diverse Film Festivals

    The Greater Palm Springs area is a renowned cinematic destination. Each January, the world-class Palm Springs International Film Festival draws global crowds, A-list celebrities, and Oscar contenders. Year-round, specialized festivals spotlight indigenous films, shorts, documentaries, avant-garde works, classic noir, and artistic cinema. Cinema Diverse: The Palm Springs LGBTQ Festival | September 22-25, 2016 The Palm Springs Cultural Center presents Cinema Diverse, a premier LGBTQ+ f

  • 20 Must-Do Activities in Tempe, AZ to Kick Off the New Year

    Photo Credit: @traveling_newlyweds As we usher in the New Year, explore these 20 top activities in Tempe, Arizona. Whether youre a longtime resident rediscovering the city or a visitor planning your itinerary, this curated guide—from outdoor adventures to cultural gems—will inspire your next outing, weekend escape, or annual Tempe experience. Perfect for Arizona travelers. 1. Visit the Desert Botanical Garden Experience the enduring allure of desert flora at the Desert Botanical Garden, featuri

  • -

    Arizona summers in Tempe bring intense heat, but with the right activities, you can stay cool, entertained, and comfortable. Discover our curated list of reliable ways to beat the scorch and enjoy the season. 1) Cool off at Tempes splash pads. The Tempe Marketplace Splash Pad, in the heart of The District at Tempe Marketplace, offers shaded seating for parents, nearby shops, and restaurants. Grab an iced drink or treat from spots like MoJo Yogurt or Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. Open daily 7 a.m.