Couldn’t make it to our live Scottsdale & the Sonoran Desert event? No problem, we have everything you need to catch up including a full recording and the answers to your questions right here…
Nearly 400 of you joined us live for a virtual tour of Scottsdale and the Sonoran Desert, and our expert speakers didn’t disappoint. We were transported to the charming Old Town of Scottsdale, delving into its history, culture, art and food scene. Next, we headed to the wild Sonoran Desert with a local guide who gave us a real insight into the flora and fauna. The evening of inspiration was rounded up by some travel advice from North America Travel Service before our speakers answered as many of your questions as possible.
If you were unable to join us live, then here is your chance to catch up on the full recording of the event and find the answers to your questions.
How do you get to Scottsdale from the UK?
There is a direct flight between Heathrow and Phoenix Sky Harbour which is the major international airport that serves the Scottsdale area. Getting from the airport to Scottsdale only takes around 30 minutes tops. The road system is extremely easy to follow. If you don’t want to fly from Heathrow, you can fly from other regions via another gateway such a Chicago, Denver, New York or Boston.
How do you get around?
You can get taxis and lifts, and we have golf carts to take you around the Old Town, but we would really recommend renting a car so you can get out to the desert and visit the wider region. We have a great rental service at Phoenix Sky Harbour Airport and also we have some hotels that have rental services on site. You can also reach the desert with tour operators such as Stellar Adventures.
Does Stellar Adventures do photography tours?
Just about all of our tours are photography tours. Every time there is a good view we stop and take pictures. It’s not a rushed tour and there is loads of time to stop and take pictures. During the tours, our guides will take lots of pictures which we upload to our website at the end of the day so our guests can download them. We don’t have tours specifically for photography but any of the tours can be a photography tour.
Is there camping tours for the desert?
We have companies that are able to provide camping tours and they offer one night or multiple-night tours.
What hotels would you recommend for a family?
We have a lot of different hotel options for families so it depends on the age of your children and what you are looking for. There are some hotels with water slides, beaches and kids programmes where they can learn about Native American Culture and the desert. We have lots of different options including three, four, and five star options throughout Scottsdale. You can find out more on where to stay for families here. You can also find some great ideas for what to do as a family in Scottsdale here.
When is the best time of year to visit?
May to early June and October to early November are both great times to visit as the climate is nice and the desert is beautiful. It’s also not too busy during these months. Keep in mind that it can get busy between December and Easter, and it can get cool in the evening in the winter. But any time is great in Scottsdale.
For flora and fauna, you should visit anytime between the middle of April and the end of May as that’s when the desert is in bloom and the animals are quite prevalent. October and November is also a great time for the desert because we have had our rain and the desert activates itself around rain so you watch the desert come alive. We get a lot of our rain in August and September, so October and November is a great time to see the desert and the weather is usually perfect then.
There is also something so special about winter in the desert. Christmas is really unique in Scottsdale as you get all of the cacti with Christmas lights and Santa hats, and we have loads of amazing events such as ice skating.
How is Scottsdale for people with mobility issues?
The whole area is very accessible and you can even do wheelchair hikes. Stellar adventures has taken multiple people with disabilities out on tours. Scottsdale as a whole is very accessible, whether you’re at one of the resorts, out in the desert or at the museums. As a destination we are very welcoming so there are plenty of options for everyone to get around the Old Town, the shops and the desert.
What would be your top tips for something to see or do?
Get out in the Sonoran Desert, whether as a tour or a hike. It is so unique, so magical and so special. Whether you do a hot air balloon tour, go kayaking, horseback riding, however you want to see it, just do it! If you’re going to come out to Scottsdale, make sure you get out and explore the desert because that’s what we’re all about.
Those who want to avoid a challenging hike should go for a walk in the Botanical Museum. It’s all flat and it’s absolutely beautiful.
There are some great gin, wine and beer tours you can do in Scottsdale.
Old town! It is so special because you’re in the heart of a city. You feel like you’re in the small town where everyone knows everyone and yet, you’re also in this huge city without being in a big city.
Scottsdale's official website is a great resource.
North American Travel Service is a great resource.
Downloadable maps and guides of the area.
Find out about the annual events
Scottsdale's Covid-19 travel information.
Book a tour with Stellar Adventures
Find out more about the Old Town.
Information on the Art District and the Art Walks.
Information on Scottsdale's art and culture.
"Jack Knife" by Ed Mell in the Old Town Arts District (Scottsdale Arts)
Incredible information and visuals. Wish we were back there!
Thanks so much for all your info. really appreciate the tips.
Awesome! Stellar Adventures - right up my street!
Thank you for this incredible tour.
Fabulous presentation tonight chaps. I love Arizona!
That was brilliant thank you Ken!
Thanks Ken. Intriguing! Now i am definitely heading for the desert.
Thank you so very much, such an interesting evening. We really enjoyed every part and hope to visit.
Another place to go on our list. Thank you!
I’m sold. I’ll be looking for a holiday provider for 2022 or 23.
Love the idea of winter in the desert!
Super interesting webinar!
Thank you all, looking forward to visiting and loving your top tips, too!
Very interesting and inspiring, thanks!
Thank you Lyn and everyone for another great Wanderlust webinar.
Thank you very much – cant wait to come!
Emily told us all about Scottsdale’s rich Native American and Western culture
Ken gave us a great insight into the desert
Ruby shared her top travel highlights for Scottsdale and the Sonoran Desert with us
The evening finished with a Q&A from our Scottsdale experts
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