The desert is a marvelous place to enjoy the outdoors and recreational activities. Many visitors go to the desert to camp, hike and experience the unique environment only found in the American Southwest. There are several touring outfits that offer jeep tours, hiking, backpacking treks, and outdoor adventures throughout this unique and lovely area. But you needn't go far to enjoy spectacular views. Camelback Mountain, Squaw Peak and South Mountain are located right in town.
If you are in the mood for a day trip, there are several historical locales nearby. Casa Grande Ruins National Monument lies southeast of town. This enormous 4-story structure built around 1350 AD, is the largest pre-historic building in Arizona, and there is speculation that it served as an astronomical observatory. Beyond Mesa is Goldfield Ghost Town, an authentic 1890s town where you can tour an underground mine and see how settlers first managed to tame the Wild West.
At the northeast edge of Scottsdale is Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesen West, which served as the famous architect's winter headquarters. Now a learning cooperative for architects, this national landmark offers a variety of tours. Paolo Soleri, another architectural genius, has a workshop and headquarters near Scottsdale where visitors can see a scale model of Arcosanti, a futuristic city that Soleri and his students have been building for two decades. |
