Outdoor Adventures in Fountain Hills, Arizona

Arizona as a whole offers both breathtaking national forest adventures and captivating desert experiences, but you’ll find that Fountain Hills, Arizona, is a place that really offers it all. The stunning natural beauty in our piece of the Sonoran Desert and personal commitment to invigorating mind, body, and spirit, makes for a one-of-a-kind outdoor adventure.

If you’re a birdwatcher, you have multiple mountain ranges to explore to find the Gila Woodpecker, Gilded Flicker, and Abert's Towhee. Rugged outdoor adventurers can spend the morning paddleboarding at Saguaro Lake and the afternoon mountain biking in diverse desert terrain. Families can find an outdoor activity for everyone–from picnicking at parks with panoramic mountain views to horseback riding over the Verde River. Couples, groups, and solo-travelers can fill their nights with stargazing and night sky exploring.

No matter how long you stay, or who you bring, you can find a unique outdoor adventure to enjoy while staying close to Downtown Fountain Hills.

Four Peaks Wilderness in 1-3 Days

In Fountain Hills, you can see the jagged and dominating peaks of Four Peaks from many viewpoints, and a visit to Four Peaks Wilderness will reveal the raw beauty of Arizona’s backcountry. From rugged slopes to shadowed canyons, you can embrace the grandeur of this wilderness area through isolated hiking and camping. Four Peaks Wilderness contains approximately 60,740 acres of diverse landscapes and ecosystems for outdoor adventurers to explore. Use the Tonto National Forest map to navigate trails, peaks, ridges, and canyons. As this is a protected wilderness area, follow LEAVE NO TRACE and Wilderness rules.

Wilderness hours: 24/7

Know-before-you-go information

• Pick up a physical copy of the Recreation Opportunity Guide (20 pages) from the Mesa Ranger Station for insight into trail availability throughout the year.
• No group size larger than 15 people is allowed.
• No more than 15 head of pack or saddle animals of any type is enforced within this wilderness year-round.
• Four Peaks areas range from satisfactory to very poor conditions. Outdoor adventures should travel at their own risk.
• Motor vehicles, including ATVs and motorcycles, are not allowed.
• Download the online trail map for navigation.
• The closest gas station is Chevron Fort McDowell.

Get Directions

Hiking

Four Peaks Wilderness offers 16 different hiking trails that cover approximately 40 miles. Enjoy solitude in diverse desert foothills and pine-covered mountains. Outdoor adventurers, be aware: These trails range from satisfactory to very poor conditions. Come prepared to hike at length without modern outdoor amenities and limited trail markings. Dogs are allowed but you must follow LEAVE NO TRACE policies.

• Cane Spring Trail #77
• Alder Saddle Trail #81
• Alder Trail #82
• Soldier Trail #83
• Lower Soldier Trail #84
• Oak Flat Trail #123
• Four Peaks Trail #130
• Chillicut Trail #132
• Brown's Trail #133
• Pigeon Trail #134
• Oak Flat TH
• Mud Spring TH
• Mills Ridge TH
• Lone Pine Saddle TH
• Cotton Wood Camp TH
• Cane Spring TH

Birdwatching

Four Peaks Wilderness’ isolation and solitude creates the ideal spot for birdwatchers, wildlife observers, and mild outdoor adventurers. Bring your equipment on any of Four Peaks’ open hiking trails or find a campground to tuck in. Some birders make time to sightsee from different areas of Four Peaks by parking anywhere alongside the road in this wilderness zone. Find most desert species while visiting Four Peaks.

Top sighted birds across Four Peaks Wilderness:

• Gila Woodpecker
• Loggerhead Shrike
• Curve-billed Thrasher
• Brewer’s Sparrow
• Cactus Wren
• Black-throated Sparrow

Camping

Fort McDowell in 1-3 Days

Fort McDowell is 24,000 acres of Indian Community Reservation near Fountain Hills, Arizona. Explore the original homelands of the Yavapai people through hiking, horseback riding, biking, and other outdoor adventures. You’ll be fully surrounded by the natural desert landscape of Fort McDowell, including its rugged mountains, expansive vistas, and the Verde River. Fort McDowell, Arizona’s rich cultural heritage is apparent through the preservation of the area’s natural beauty.

Hours: The wilderness areas are open 24/7, but check online for hours related to specific businesses and attractions.

Know-before-you-go information

• Fort McDowell is part of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. Research, look out for, and be respectful of tribal lands, customs, and any posted regulations.
• Sign up with Fort McDowell Adventures for guided tours and unique Old West experiences.
• Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation's Tribal Museum/Culture Center is open Monday—Thursday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
• Utilize tools like AllTrails and fmyn.org for trail finding.
• The closest gas station is Chevron Fort McDowell.

Get Directions

Horseback Riding

Embark on an authentic desert experience with Fort McDowell Adventures. Fort McDowell offers a picturesque backdrop while you ride on horseback into the Verde River, around iconic saguaro cacti and native plants, and through part of the 24,000 acres of the reservation. In this guided tour for outdoor adventurers, all ages and skill levels will be supported.

Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Exploration Tour

The River of Time Museum & Exploration Center in Fountain Hills offers a ticketed experience for outdoor adventurers to see the beautiful Lower Verde Valley area and Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation's Tribal Museum/Culture Center. In this guided indoor/outdoor tour, you will learn about and experience the rich history of the Yavapai Nation indigenous people on Fort McDowell.

Cattle Drives and Wagon Rides

Witness the beauty and deep history of Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation in an Old West ride. Through Fort McDowell Adventures, you can book a cattle drive or wagon ride to explore part of the 24,000 acres of Fort McDowell.

Hiking

Immerse yourself in this slice of Sonoran Desert. Whether you seek a vigorous outdoor adventure or a peaceful wildlife encounter, you can access trails with varying terrain, distance, and difficulty level by hiking near Fountain Hills and Fort McDowell. Just south and Southeast of the roads that led you into town and Fort McDowell are curated hiking paths. We recommend the following for each skill level:

• Lower Salt River Nature Trail
  • 2.4-mile loop
  • 49ft elevation gain
  • Estimated 44 minutes to complete
  • Sandy, flat walking path with gorgeous desert flora lining your trial and a preview of the Verde River
  • Dogs allowed
  • Fee required
• Parker Pass via Dutchman’s Trail
  • 5.2-mile out & back trail
  • 511ft elevation gain
  • Estimated 2 hours and 1 minute to complete
  • Moderately challenging route with stunning desert, Verde River, and rock formation views
  • Dogs allowed
• Sycamore Creek OHV Trail
  • 11.4-mine point to point trail
  • 1,112ft elevation gain
  • Moderately challenging route that’s open to ATVs, off-roading vehicles, birdwatchers, and hikers, and known for its rocky terrain and fun water crossings
  • Dogs allowed

Golfing at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club

We-Ko-Pa Golf Club is located on Fort McDowell Indian Community Reservation. Choose from two award-winning golf courses set in the untouched Sonoran Desert for your Arizona golfing experience.The Saguaro and Cholla Courses offer an immersive game surrounded by mountain peaks and desert plants, and the 36-hole package offers the best outdoor adventure for golfers alike.

Wild West BBQ Outdoor Dinner

Expand your Old West outdoor adventure experience with a BBQ in the heart of Fort McDowell. Provided by Fort McDowell Adventures, families, teams, and groups can customize what’s included in their outdoor dining experience.

Saguaro Lake in 1-4 Days

Saguaro Lake is a desert paradise nestled within the Tonto National Forest, a short drive from Fountain Hills. Outdoor adventurers can step into Arizona's scenic beauty and enjoy all recreational water activities that can be dreamed of. This reservoir, formed by the Stewart Mountain Dam on the Salt River, provides a backdrop of stunning desert landscapes. You’ll be surrounded by the iconic saguaro cacti, rugged mountain terrain, and the tranquil waters of the lake.

Hours: Saguaro Lake is generally accessible throughout the day, but specific attractions and marinas may have varied hours. It's recommended to check online for current operating times of marinas, boat rentals, and tour operators.

Know-before-you-go information

• For boating, a Tonto Daily Pass ($8+ per day) and Watercraft Sticker ($4 per day) or Tonto Discovery Pass ($60-$80+ per year) are required.
• America the Beautiful Passes ($0-$80+ per year) are only accepted at the Picnicking Sites.
• Group events (including fishing tournaments) require a permit.
• Download the Saguaro Lake map to view roads and recreational sites.
• The closest gas station is Chevron Fort McDowell.

Desert Belle Cruise

See the different groves, colors, and plants that make up the Sonoran Desert’s Mountain and reservoir terrain on this narrated Desert Belle Cruise outdoor adventure. Cruises operate regularly, with schedules available online. During this outdoor cruise experience in the landscape neighboring Fountain Hills, you’ll learn about the lake's history, surrounding geology, and native flora and fauna.

Guided Water Activities

Several outfitters provide guided water activities on Saguaro Lake to new and experienced outdoor adventurers. These include kayaking tours, paddleboarding excursions, and pontoon boat rentals. Guided experiences offer safety instructions, equipment, and local knowledge. Stay on the lake’s shoreline to see unique parts of the desert landscape as you glide on the water or go deep into the reservoir to surround yourself with views and the blue water.

ATV-ing and Off-roading

The areas surrounding Saguaro Lake include scenic desert trails suitable for ATV and off-road vehicle use. Outdoor adventurers’ access to these trails is subject to Tonto National Forest regulations. Plan your off-roading trails for Saguaro Lake in advance to adhere to all safety standards.

Mountain Biking

The Hawes Trail System near Saguaro Lake offers over 100 miles of trails, including rugged downhill sections and flowy desert singletrack for outdoor adventure bikers. Take in the beauty of the Sonoran Desert while tracking down a path of varying difficulty.

Kayaking & Paddleboarding

Outdoor adventurers can experience the covered shorelines, and the serenity of Saguaro Lake while kayaking or paddleboarding. Various rental options and launch points are located at the lake’s marinas.

Salt River Tubing & Rafting

Downstream from Saguaro Lake, the Salt River offers opportunities for tubing and rafting—a fun and splashing experience for outdoor adventurers that visit Saguaro Lake and Fountain Hills, Arizona. Take in the cool water while zipping by iconic desert scenes.

Hiking

Hiking trails around Saguaro Lake offer stunning views of the reservoir, mountain ranges, and desert landscapes. Trails range in difficulty and length. Download your trail map before starting your desert hiking journey and carry sufficient water to combat the desert conditions. Some favorite viewpoints of experienced outdoor adventurers can be found on these trails:

• Butcher Jones Trail
  • 5.8-mile out & back trail
  • 639ft elevation gain
  • Dogs allowed
  • Fee required
• Salt River Viewpoint
  • 0.4-mile out & back trail
  • 42ft elevation gain
  • Dogs allowed

Birdwatching

Saguaro Lake and its surrounding habitats support diverse bird populations. Birdwatching opportunities for outdoor adventurers exist along trails and shorelines–make sure to bring your binoculars! Participants may observe waterfowl, raptors, and desert bird species.

Top sighted birds at Saguaro Lake:

• Cinnamon Teal
• Ruddy Duck
• American Coot
• Western Grebe
• Double-crested Cormorant
• Neotropic Cormorant

Stargazing

The low light pollution near Saguaro Lake and Fountain Hills makes this area suitable for stargazing and ideal for outdoor relaxation. On a clear night, visit Saguro Lake to observe rising and falling planets, celestial objects, and the mystery of the night sky. Bring items to make you comfortable, including a blanket and chair, and your iPhone, camera, video recorder, or telescope for high-definition night sky viewing.

Fishing

Is fishing your idea of the best outdoor adventure? Saguaro Lake is stocked with various fish species, including bass, trout, and catfish. Fishing is permitted with a valid Arizona fishing license. Enjoy the day under the sun at Saguaro Lake while fishing and previewing the surrounding desert landscapes.

Four Peaks Mine in 1 Day

The Four Peaks Amethyst Mine, located between the 3rd and 4th peak of Four Peaks, has been producing gemstones for centuries, shaping Native American arrowhead history, Spaniard artifacts, and modern exploration. When your group of outdoor adventurers visit the heart of the Mazatzal Mountains, you’ll be amazed by the rare and exquisite amethyst sightings, stunning natural beauty of the region, and the history of mine. Sign up with Four Peaks Mining for a helicopter ride up to the mine (6,200ft elevation), guided explanations of your sightings, and a chance to explore the inside.

Hours:

• Public tours: Available throughout the year; visit https://fourpeaksmining.com/pages/tour-the-four-peaks-amethyst-mine for information
• Private tours: Call 480-434-6074 to book

Sonoran Desert Golf Trail in 3-6 Days

Fountain Hills, Arizona, is located within the picturesque and challenging Desert Golf Trail. Home to the highest concentration of world-class golf courses in Arizona, you can fill up the whole week golfing in the scenic vistas, scattered canyons, and beauty of the McDowell Mountains and the Tonto National Forest.

Fountain Park and Near Downtown Fountain Hills in 1-3 Days

At the heart of Fountain Hills is Fountain Park, a vibrant community space with 29-acres of lake, 35-acres of walking and outdoor activity space, and an 18-hole championship disc golf course. Arizona outdoor adventurers can surround themselves with mountain views, sounds of the World Famous Fountain, and plenty of outdoor fun at Fountain Park and nearby areas.

Park hours

• Fountain Park is open 24/7
  • The World Famous Fountain goes off at the top of the hour for 15-minutes every hour, from 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM daily
  • The Rotary Splash Pad is open from the second Saturday in April until the last Sunday in September, from 9:00 AM to sunset
• The Desert Vista Skatepark is open from 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM daily
• Other outdoor areas near Fountain Hills, Arizona, have varying open hours

Know-before-you-go information

• Request a park ramada reservation 24-hours before your stay.
• Visit our Fountain Park parking map to see parking lots, allotted street parking spaces, and nearby bathrooms.

Disc Golf

Fountain Park’s 18-hole championship disc golf course offers a challenging game for outdoor adventurers with surrounding views of desert landscape, the McDowell Mountains, and Four Peaks. Walk through the entire park to complete the course.

Walking

The walking trail around Fountain Park offers stunning views of the World Famous Fountain, public-art sightings, and an immersive experience around desert plants, cacti, and flora. Stroll at your own pace and loop the park as many times as you want!

Public Art Walk

Fountain Hills is home to dozens of unique and diverse public art installations, and Fountain Park displays a large collection of life-size and larger-than-life art pieces. Go on the Public Art Walk to take in this collection, to take group selfies, or to simply enjoy beautiful works with the backdrop of the McDowell Mountains. Continue the Public Art Walk by venturing into Downtown and around the River of Time Museum.

Veteran’s Memorial

The Veteran’s Memorial at Fountain Park is a place of reflection and remembrance in a serene and calm environment. Surrounded by the McDowell Mountains, Four Peaks, and scenic desert views, you can honor those who served while enjoying the amenities of the park.

Annual Outdoor Events

Fountain Park is a 64-acre gathering space for locals and visitors. Participate in our annual outdoor events, including festivals, concerts, and holiday celebrations, near the World Famous Fountain. The park holds many events on the greenspace facing Downtown Fountain Hills and within the stage area.

View Upcoming Events

Fountain Hills, Arizona, is one of the only designated dark sky communities near a major metropolitan area. Outdoor adventurers can stargaze in nearby wilderness areas or simply enjoy the night sky from outdoor seating areas in Downtown Fountain Hills. In our community, you can watch planets rise and fall, stars emerge and twinkle in the night sky, and wildlife appear in the night hours.

Fountain Hills Botanical Garden

Discover the diverse flora of the Sonoran Desert at the Fountain Hills Botanical Garden. This peaceful retreat for outdoor adventurers showcases the scale of the desert’s plants, wildlife, and vegetation.

Lake Overlook Trail

Fountain Park Overlook Trail is a short and scenic hike for outdoor adventurers, perfect for hikers, bird watchers, and runners. See the Fountain in all its glory, Four Peaks of the Mazatzal Mountains, and the peaks of the McDowell Mountains.

• 2-mile loop
• 229ft elevation gain
• Estimated 49 minutes to complete
• Extend your hike with the 1.2-mile loop around Fountain Park
• Views of our dark sky community, the World Famous Fountain, and mountain peaks
• Dogs allowed

Experience Fountain Hills

If you want to be fully immersed in the Sonoran Desert with a variety of outdoor experiences that allow you to see wildlife, gorgeous Arizona mountain vistas, and uninterrupted dark sky views, plan a trip to Fountain Hills, Arizona. You have options when it comes to your outdoor adventures, including the McDowell Mountains, Four Peaks Wilderness, Fort McDowell, Saguaro Lake, the Sonoran Desert Golf Trail, Fountain Park, and nearby areas.