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5 Off-The-Beaten-Path Adventures Near Phoenix

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Stray from the beaten path with these five under-the-radar adventures near Phoenix.

Hike Through History

The Phoenix area is filled with petroglyph-dotted trails featuring art that dates back as far as 7,000 years. These rock carvings offer a glimpse into ancient civilizations along with a dose of hiking adventure. One of the top spots to check out petroglyphs near Phoenix is Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve, which is home to over 1,500 ancient petroglyphs along a half-mile trail. For a more strenuous hike, check out South Mountain Park and Preserve, where Holbert Trail, Mormon Trail, and Telegraph Pass offer a peek at a variety of petroglyphs along with a cardio challenge.

Ghost Towns

For a uniquely Western adventure, tour a few of Arizona’s secret ghost towns. The state is home to almost 300 abandoned towns, many of which were mining hot spots at their peak. Some close to Phoenix include Goldfield in Apache Junction, Vulture Mine in Wickenburg, and Pioneer Living History Village in North Gateway, but if you’re up for some driving, there are some epic ghost towns strewn about the state. Kentucky Camp south of Tucson, and Swansea  and Agua Caliente in the western half of the state, are a few hidden gems worth exploring.

Explore Arcosantis

We’ve traveled back in time. Now take a trip into the future with a mini-road trip to Arcosanti. Just an hour north of Phoenix, this futuristic city is a living experiment in arcology – a mix of architecture and ecology that looks like something out of a sci-fi movie. This amazing city, an experiment in sustainability that began in 1970 and is not even close to complete, is a must-visit. You won’t see architecture like this anywhere else. 

Climb Pinnacle Peak

Scaling the desert granite at Pinnacle Peak near Scottsdale is an unreal way to spend a day in central Arizona. Featuring bolted routes in a wide range of difficulties, this awesome area has a little something for everyone – from the newbie to the seasoned climber.

Hit the MTB Trails

Often overshadowed by the world-class singletrack in Sedona, Phoenix has some next-level mountain bike trails of its own. So skip the trip north to Sedona and hit the trails at home. From the feature-filled, technical terrain at Diablo North + South to the smooth desertscape at Hawknest, there’s a little something for every level of rider right here at home. If you really want to go big – and have the skills to back it up – the National and its punishing climbs and tricky rock gardens are a must-conquer.

Make Room for Awesome®

Make more room for the outdoor gear you love at StorQuest Self Storage on 51st Avenue in Phoenix. We have units in a wide range of sizes to help you make room for adventures of all sizes.

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