There’s Nothing Prickly About Scottsdale in the Springtime
Published April 29th, 2023
Photos by Paula Worthington
In the middle of spring, a season when most snowbirds start to make their trek seasonal northbound, I prefer to dodge the unpredictable Canadian spring showers/snow/slush and board a southbound flight to Scottsdale, located adjacent to Phoenix, Arizona, to enjoy springtime in the desert.
While many might warn you of the desert heat as the season changes and temperatures rise, truth be told, while it can get toasty, you can also find refreshing desert breezes that make the weather nearly perfect. With a little planning, you can get in some excellent outdoor exploring without overheating.
Scottsdale is easily accessible from both the Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport, as well as the Scottsdale Airport.
Valley Ho Lobby
On my last visit, I checked in to the magnificent mid-century modern Hotel Valley Ho, a quick 15-minute drive from the Phoenix airport and in the heart of downtown Scottsdale.
First built in 1956, the hotel was a magnet for Hollywood celebrities who gathered around to sip cocktails around its central pool. It was designed by Edward L. Varney, an apprentice of Frank Lloyd Wright. The hotel passed through a change of owners and eventually it was purchased by a local developer in the 2000s.
After several years of restoration and $80 million invested in redevelopment, the Valley Ho was re-opened in 2005, complete with its original 50s splendour combined with a contemporary flair. A hotel tower was also added at that time, which had been part of the original design plans for the hotel.
Today, Hotel Valley Ho is a vibrant, contemporary and very cool Scottsdale destination in its own right, all while retaining its mid-century design elements, including more than a mile of original southwest-inspired concrete stones that perch the side of many of the balconies and railings. The guest rooms all have a roomy balcony or patio area, giving you the option to lounge indoors or out in the comfort of your own space.
The onsite restaurant, Zuzu, offers a lounge area as well as indoor and outdoor dining, with an impressive menu that includes a popular daily brunch served between 6:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. to help fuel your day.
When you’re ready to explore and venture out the hotel lobby, you’re within easy and quick walking distance to many of Scottsdale’s attractions, including Old Town, restaurants, shopping and galleries.
Speaking of walking, here are three great walks to include on your next visit to Scottsdale:
Uncover an evening urban oasis on the Scottsdale Artwalk
On select Thursday evenings, E Main Street in Scottsdale’s Arts District comes to life with its weekly Artwalk Events. Galleries swing open their doors, with many offering live music, refreshments and appetizers, encouraging visitors to explore a vast array of artwork for purchase, from contemporary, to southwest-inspired to abstract to traditional pieces.
After the artwalk, continue along the streets of Old Town Scottsdale towards the Arizona Canal Trail to find an array of patios, shopping and restaurants.
Explore Nature without leaving the city at the Desert Botanical Gardens
Desert Botanical Gardens
Conveniently located within the city, the Desert Botanical Gardens make you feel like you’re in the middle of the desert. The Gardens cover 140 acres and several kilometres of walking loops and trails (you can download the walking trail map here). Step onto the Sonoran Desert Nature Loop Trail or appreciate fragrant herbs on the Center for Desert Living Trail.
There are more than 50,000 plant displays within the gardens, and staff and volunteers throughout the premises share lesser-known facts about the plants, trees and botanicals that fill the space. General Admission tickets for adults are $29.95 USD, and early morning visits are recommended.
From the Botanical Gardens, it’s a quick walk over to Hole-In-The-Rocks, an unusual natural attraction in Papago Park.
Get your sweat on at Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Flanking the east side of Scottsdale, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve is a permanently protected desert habitat that gives you a glimpse of the wonders of the Sonoran Desert without having to venture hours outside of the city. With a number of access points and trails of varying levels of difficulty and distances, you can head out for a short walk or a longer adventure.
Ensure you pack plenty of sunscreen, wear a hat, and bring along a lot of drinking water – more than you think you’ll need. Take in the beauty of hundreds of flowers, cacti and other desert plants, along with sweeping views of the desert to the east and the city to the west.
In the second half of April through to June, the Saguaro cactus goes into bloom, providing showy pops of colour throughout the desert. The Saguaro is found exclusively in the Sonoran Desert and are a highly-esteemed species of cactus in Arizona. In fact, it’s a crime to cut one down if you have one on your property. No surprise, as a 10-year old plant might only be 1.5 inches tall, and over time, the Saguaro can grow to be between 12-18 metres tall.
Other spring bloomers include the prickly pear cactus, the jumping cholla (keep your distance from these!) and many others.
At the end of any of your walking adventures, enjoy an end of afternoon pool plunge or happy hour margarita. Feast on southwest classics like tableside guacamole at The Mission Old Town, or pick up a poolside read at local independent bookshop The Poisoned Pen.
Where do you like to explore in Scottsdale?
Paula Worthington
Paula Worthington is a storyteller at heart. By day she steers the ship at her communications agency, Worthington PR & Story, and also mentors the next generation of storytellers as an instructor in the public relations program at Mount Royal University.
She has been a freelance writer, photographer and contributor for a variety of publications for 15 years, with a focus on off-the-beaten-path experiences.
She's the author of wanderswild.com.