Outdoor Adventures in Fountain Hills, Arizona

Explore the Sonoran Desert While Staying Close to Downtown Fountain Hills

Fountain Hills, Arizona, is a unique destination in the Sonoran Desert. With the surrounding McDowell Mountain peaks and Four Peaks, vibrant desert plants and wildlife, and clear views of the night sky, this is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The best part? You can experience all outdoor adventures that the northeastern part of the Sonoran Desert offers while staying close to a Downtown center with great dining and nearby sporting goods stores.

Fountain Hills is a designated dark sky community just 25 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. Plan to pack light (Arizona’s winters are mild, summers are dry, and spring and fall has the best weather) and stay a while to try kayaking or cruising on Saguaro Lake, night hiking in the McDowell Mountains for an uninterrupted view of the night sky, and horseback riding in Fort McDowell. Here’s your day-to-day itinerary to experience the best of Arizona’s outdoor adventures.

Jump to a specific outdoor adventure itinerary:

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Why Fountain Hills, Arizona, as Your Outdoor Adventure Vacation Destination?

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.

Plan Your Trip

McDowell Mountains in 1-4 Days

The McDowell Mountains surround Fountain Hills, offering a stunning, nearly 360 degree view of the red, blue, pink, and purple mountain peaks. If you’re staying in Fountain Hills, you’ll have mountain views throughout your trip. Your best entry point to the McDowell Mountains is McDowell Mountain Regional Park, a 21,099-acre park designed for outdoor adventure enthusiasts. Take in the massiveness of the desert with over 50 miles of multi-use trails, 76-designated camping areas, and other park amenities, like restrooms with flush toilets and showers.

Park hours

May 1 to October 31: 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM daily
November 1 to April 30: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily

Know-before-you-go information

Park entrance fees for this outdoor adventure excursion ranges from $3 per person to $55 for commercial buses.
- Purchasing the Day-Use Annual Pass for Maricopa County regional parks will provide a discounted daily entrance to McDowell Mountain Regional Park and other park locations in Arizona.
Tent and RV camping requires advanced reservations and range from $15 for a primitive camping site to $40 for a shaded camping site with water, electricity, shade, and restrooms.
- Expect to pay an $8 camping reservation fee and $10 for cancellations or modifications.
- Special pricing is available for group and youth campers.
Download the full McDowell Mountains Regional Park map to see the entrance station, campgrounds, picnic areas, and more.
The closest gas station is Chevron Fountain Hills.

Get Directions

Horseback Riding

Take in the beauty of the Sonoran Desert and make new memories on horseback. McDowell Mountain Regional Park offers over 40 miles of horseback riding trails and a horse staging area. Outdoor adventurers love horseback riding in the McDowell Mountains for the immersive and unmatched experience of the Sonoran Desert trails and the available landmark sightings.

Hiking

Whether you hike for the workout or wildlife, you’ll never want to leave McDowell Mountains’ 40+ miles of curated desert trails. Pick from 0.5-mile easy trails to 15.3-mile difficult trails on your outdoor adventure to see desert plants, creatures, water features, and historical markers. Some of our favorites include:

Dixie Mine Trail
- 5-mile out & back trail
- 462ft elevation gain
- Estimated 1 hour and 54 minutes to complete
- Views of wildflowers, desert landscape, and rocky terrain
- Dogs allowed
Thompson Peak Trail
- 9.3-mile out & back trail
- 2,119ft elevation gain
- Estimated 4 hours and 53 minutes to complete
- Views of the Sonoran desert, caves, and wildlife
- Dogs allowed
Pemberton Trail Loop
- 15.2-mile loop
- 830ft elevation gain
- Estimated 5 hours and 11 minutes to complete
- Views of rocky desert terrain and wildlife
- Dogs allowed

Birdwatching

See a range of birds interacting in their natural habitat in the McDowell Mountains. Nothing else is needed except for your binoculars, sturdy hiking boots or tennis shoes, and plenty of water! As McDowell Mountain Regional park is a preserved area that’s protected against private development, expect to see a large quantity of birds as well as Sonoran desert-specific species.

Some easy and short hikes that birdwatchers love on their Arizona outdoor adventure:

McDowell Mountain North Trail
- 2.9-mile loop
- 137ft elevation gain
- Estimated 58 minutes to complete
- Dogs allowed
Lousley Hill Trail
- 1.2-mile loop
- 285ft elevation gain
- Estimated 39 minutes to complete
- Dogs allowed
Nursery Tank Trail
- 0.6-mile loop
- 19ft elevation gain
- Estimated 11 minutes to complete
- Dogs allowed

Top sighted birds across the McDowell Mountains:

Mountain Biking

McDowell Mountain Regional Park offers over 40 miles of diverse mountain biking trails for beginners to experienced riders. See the beauty of the Sonoran Desert in all its different forms through smooth singletrack trails and challenging rocky trails where you’re immersed in the stones, sand, and wildflowers of the northeastern part of the Sonoran Desert.

Top-rated mountain biking trails for outdoor adventures:

Pemberton Trail Loop
- 60% singletrack, high-speed doubletrack back to the parking lot
- 15.7-mile loop
- 830ft elevation gain
Gooseneck-Pemberton Lollipop Trail
- 100% singletrack - mostly decomposed granite surface
- 15.1-mile loop
Shallmo Wash to Granite Trail
- Flat route with little uphill kicks between 5-6 miles
- 10-mile loop

Off-roading

Explore designated off-roading trails across the McDowell Mountains in your vehicle or a rented Jeep, Hummer, ATV, quad, buggy, or “C2.” McDowell Mountain’s views are unparalleled for off-road Arizona outdoor adventurers. One turn may reveal rugged canyons while the next reveals panoramic views of the Sonoran Deserts’ colorful vistas.

Where to rent your vehicle:

Stargazing

Stargaze, watch planets rise and fall, and explore the mystery of the night sky in the McDowell Mountains. Virtually everywhere in this mountainscape are unaltered views of the universe above us. Many outdoor adventure visitors come to Fountain hills exclusively for dark sky experiences as we’re one of the only designated communities near a major metropolitan area. Go camping, bring your telescope, or participate in a dark sky hike with Night Sky Tourist. If you're staying in Downtown Fountain Hills, you can also participate in our town’s occasional dark sky events which include educational seminars, group hiking/walking outings, and our annual Dark Sky Festival.

Camping

McDowell Mountain Regional Park offers 76 individual camping sites for outdoor adventurers. Whether you’re bringing your tent or RV, you’ll enjoy the privacy and serenity that the Sonoran Desert offers. Each of the camping areas offer unique views as well as a range of maintained amenities, including flush restrooms, running water, garbage cans, and more.

Kid-Friendly Activities

Unsure about visiting the McDowell Mountains with a full family in tow? This area may be the perfect place to bring your little ones. Stay in Fountain Hills for quick access to grocery stores, drug and convenience stores, and family-friendly restaurants. The entrance to McDowell Mountain regional park is 25-minutes from our town center.

McDowell Mountain Regional Park offers 88 picnic sites that include the following amenities:

Picnic table (first come, first serve)
Restroom
Playground
Barbecue grill

Choose any of our easy hiking trails ranging from less than a mile to four miles to immerse your family in the McDowell Mountain’s colorful and natural settings.

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:

Camping

If you’re a LEAVE NO TRACE outdoor adventure enthusiast who enjoys camping in near solitude or off-the-map, you’ll love your stay in Four Peaks Wilderness. Scout your camping grounds by following any of the 40-miles of hiking trails. Settle into the highlands for breathtaking views of all peaks, surrounding desert landscapes, and Four Peaks’ deep ridges and gorges, or stay in the grasslands for up-close-views of desert cacti, narrow canyons, and wildlife.

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:

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.

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.

Desert Canyon Golf Club

Desert Canyon Golf Club offers a 6,415-yard, par-71 championship course known for narrow fairways and canyons.

Eagle Mountain Golf Club

Eagle Mountain Golf Club offers panoramic views of rolling hills, canyons, and desert landscapes while you play on the 6,800-yard, par-71 emerald greens.

FireRock Country Club

FireRock Country Club is a private golf club (7,053-yard, par-72) with impressive views of the surrounding desert, mountain ranges, and manicured fairways. Become a member by visiting their website.

Sunridge Canyon Golf Club

Sunridge Canyon Golf Club features a challenging layout (6,823-yard, par-71) with dramatic elevation changes and stunning desert views.

We-Ko-Pa Golf Club

Located on Fort McDowell, We-Ko-Pa Golf Club offers two stunning golf courses with breathtaking views of the Sonoran Desert and its hills, canyons, and valleys.

Cholla Course: 7,225-yard, par-72
Saguaro Course: 6,966-yard, par-71

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 from 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM daily
- 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.

Get Directions

Kid-Friendly Activities

Fountain Park is the perfect destination if you’re looking for outdoor activities for kids. Take in the gorgeous colorful mountain and desert views while playing at our park, making music at the musical instrument park, or during the summer, splashing at Rotary.

Rotary Splash Pad

Open from the second Saturday in April until the last Sunday in September, your kids are bound to make fantastic memories under the sun at Rotary Splash Pad.

Hours: 9:00 AM - Sunset daily

Musical instrument park

Try out different instruments and explore your musical side at Fountain Hills musical instrument park!

Hours: Sunrise - 9:00 PM

Picnics

Enjoy a family picnic at one of the park’s many picnic areas, complete with tables and shade.

Fountain Hills Skatepark

Fountain Hills Skatepark is located in Desert Vista Park (a two-minute drive or 15-minute walk from Fountain Park) and is open to skateboarders, BMX riders, and inline skaters. This 6,400 square foot poured concrete skate park offers ramps, a three-sided box with rails, and plenty of curbs, bowls, and ledges.

Hours: 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM

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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

Dark Sky Areas

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.

Stay in Fountain Hills for quick and easy access to all outdoor recreation areas or camp directly in the McDowell Mountains by reserving your spot in advance. With our lineup of outdoor fun, you can stay a day, a weekend, or several weeks and find new activities to enjoy.
Plan Your Trip