We all dread the Arizona heat, but there are still a few more weeks before that flame-like weather to be in full swing. Appreciate our awesome AZ weather while you can with these exciting activities.

Locally:

Hike Papago Park! Different than the typical Camelback trail, Papago Park is a super cool mountain trail with breathtaking views of the valley. It’s fun and requires some rock climbing as well. Junior Marybeth Bonner says “Papago Park is a really fun spot to go to with your friends, especially at sunset. It is a really brief hike so it’s perfect for beginners!”

Visit the Uptown Farmers Market on Bethany Home and Central on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Madeline Warren says “It’s my favorite place to go on Saturdays with my family and friends! Check out my little sisters booth ‘Sticky Bizz’ for some fun slime making.” It’s a food-based Farmers Market with tons of local vendors and booths. The market moves indoors for the summer months of June-September.

Out of Phoenix

Take a road trip to Arcosanti just up north, just about an hour and a half outside of Phoenix. Its an architectural site with guided tours that show you around the grounds and give you the history of their unique project. Senior Ashten Wheeler says “I think that it’s very important for people to be educated on topics such as environmental awareness and how to care for our earth. Arcosanti provides amazing and unique ways to educate on agriculture, the environment, and architecture.”

If you’re up for an even further excursion, travel to Sedona and go on some of their beautiful hikes or swim in their streams and waterholes. Huckaby Trail, West Fork Trail and Cathedral/Templeton Trail are just three hikes that are accompanied by small swimming holes. Grab some friends and get in the car for an exciting adventure in Sedona.

Get outside before it heats up, and bring your friends, too! Although Arizona might be notorious for its sweaty summers, we proudly have some of the most beautiful weeks of the spring season.