Cheers to the Weekend: Outdoor Activities Near Fountain Hills

Beers, Bikes, and Hiking Trails

When your 9–5 life has you looking for a weekend escape, consider a day break to Fountain Hills. The variety of outdoor activities available near Fountain Hills allows locals and visitors to hike and bike on a scenic mountain trail, then relax and do some sightseeing at the World Famous Fountain. Thanks to Fountain Hills’ close proximity to Scottsdale, Mesa, and the surrounding Phoenix Metro area, you can extend your fun day trip by stopping in Fountain Hills. For a longer weekend escape with friends and family, consider staying the night in Fountain Hills and planning your itinerary around our town’s charming outdoor stops:

Hiking Near Fountain Hills & McDowell Mountains

Hikers of all abilities have their pick of picturesque trails in Fountain Hills.

• Beginner hikers will appreciate the Overlook Trail adjacent to Fountain Park, which skirts a residential neighborhood before opening into a panoramic view of the Superstition Mountains, Four Peaks, Mount Ord, and the Matzatzals. The 1.5-mile easy-moderate hike is great for young children and groups.
• More advanced hikers can venture to the Adero Canyon trailhead to hike the moderately difficult Ridgeline Trail. The 3.7-mile trail takes approximately 1.75 hours to complete—perfect for experienced hikers and motivated individuals.

Whether you’re looking for a quick walking route or an all-day adventure hiking near Fountain Hills, AZ, explore the numerous options for outdoor activities. Hiking in Fountain Hills is a favorite activity for locals.

Explore More Hiking Trails

Biking Trails Near Fountain Hills

If you’re looking for thrilling outdoor activities near Fountain Hills, mountain biking is a fun option, especially for those who like to stop and look around occasionally at the unlimited scenic views.

• Bikers have rated McDowell Mountain Regional Park’s Pemberton Loop as the most popular, followed closely by McDowell’s Sport Loop and Lower Shallmo Wash Trail. Our mountain biking trails near McDowell Mountains are great for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Popular with beginner to intermediate mountain bikers, the Pemberton Loop is a 15.7-mile trail with scenic views of Arizona saguaros and the McDowell Mountains. You can bike it clockwise or counterclockwise to experience different degrees of biking difficulty.

Road cyclists get the best of both worlds when they ride in Fountain Hills. The abundance of challenging hills and well-maintained bike lanes on most thoroughfares make road biking near Fountain Hills one of the most popular outdoor activities in Arizona.

• Cyclists have rated the Beeline Highway as a top road biking destination. The 50-mile ride is for experienced cyclists.
• For beginners, the Sonoran Mountains view loop offers well-paved surfaces and accessible transportation. The trail is 22.1 miles.

Find Biking Resources

Fountain Hills Park Hangouts

The parks, desert walks, and green spaces in Fountain Hills offer panoramic views and relaxing spaces for families, friends, and individuals to hang out all day. These outdoor activities near Fountain Hills require no planning:

• Visitors of McDowell Mountain Regional Park see deer, javelina, coyotes, and a multitude of bird species around the three ponds in the park.
• Fountain Park, home of the World Famous Fountain, gives visitors the option to stay and play or relax and eat. Participate in the 18-hole disc golf course or the children’s music park and splash pad (Rotary Centennial Park), or spend the afternoon in the shaded picnic areas or in Downtown Fountain Hills.
• Golden Eagle Park is open to locals and visitors. Play softball, tennis, basketball, or volleyball with friends and family.
• Reservations are being accepted for Four Peaks Park. Adjacent to the elementary school, this park is great for families who want to play basketball, tennis, pickleball, cornhole, or table tennis.
• Furry friends can visit and get some off-leash play at Desert Vista Park. Next door to Desert Vista Park is Fountain Hills Skate Park.

Find Park Details