Boutique Hotels in Scottsdale, AZ

Steeped in Native American history, Arizona holds many clues still visible to its past today. The earliest settlers of Scottsdale were the Hohokam people, who lived in the area along the Salt River from approximately 300 BC to 1450 AD. Known for their savvy irrigation systems that are still visible today, they dug sophisticated waterways that got them through the harsh desert drought. These are still visible centuries later! You can learn more about this ancient tribe at the Pueblo Grande Museum in nearby Phoenix when staying at some of the best boutique hotels in Scottsdale.

Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities and something easy to do when staying at a boutique hotel in Scottsdale. The city offers many different hiking trails including Camelback Mountain, Pinnacle Peak Park and McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Hiking at these locations will give you a chance to see some of the best views in the city as well as desert wildlife.

Probably the most popular hike, Camelback Mountain, is the third-highest peak in the city. The hike itself is about 4 miles round trip and takes about 2 hours to complete. With two trails that lead up the mountain, you can choose your difficulty level. The Echo Canyon Trail is an easy trail that begins at the top of the mountain, winds through canyons and valleys, and ends on the back side of Camelback Mountain. The Cholla Trail is a steeper trail that takes hikers past rock cliffs and small waterfalls as it climbs to the top of Camelback Mountain. While the best boutique hotels in Scottsdale offer gorgeous mountain views you will be able to see some unmatched beautiful views of the city from this hike, but you'll also get to see some natural beauty as well. There are lots of cacti and flowers that grow on Camelback Mountain, which makes it a great place to take pictures or just admire the desert beauty.

If biking is more your style, then check out McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. There are several different trails here so you can choose which one fits your skill level best (or just go on all of them!). Desert Breeze Park and Cave Creek Regional Park where there are also trails for hiking and horseback riding as well as picnic areas with BBQ grills where you can enjoy lunch after your ride! For the diehard thrill-seekers, rock climbing is another popular outdoor activity because there are many places like Pinnacle Peak Park that offer climbing walls with varying degrees of difficulty so everyone can participate. And not to be missed, whitewater rafting on the Salt River near Phoenix! This 2 hour trip will take you through rapids among a jaw-dropping backdrop of red rocks, cacti and other desert vegetation.

Don’t forget our boutique hotels in Phoenix, Tempe, and Tucson.