Activities & Excursions through the Four Seasons

*Many activities, such as visiting museums, hiking, and exploring zoos and aquariums, are accessible independently and do not require Four Seasons arrangements.

Guided ATV/UTV, Jeep & Hummer Tours
Let experienced guides take you through the Sonoran Desert in an ATV, UTV, Jeep, or Hummer. You will experience spectacular views and fascinating desert scenery. Stops along the way will highlight desert plants, local wildlife, and historical landmarks. Take the wheel, ride along, or sit back and relax as the guides lead the fun and share their expert trail knowledge. Tour times vary depending on tour type.
Tour times: 8:00 am, 11:00 am, 2:00 pm, and 5:00 pm

Aerial Tours of Northern Arizona
Experience the excitement and amazing scenery as you take to the skies in an aircraft or helicopter. Your pilot will point out places of interest along the way.
Flights depart daily for either Sedona or Grand Canyon and Northern Arizona.
Length of tours: 45 minutes to 8 hours.
Tour times: 8:00 am, full day tours (times vary for shorter tours).

Guided Off-Road Bicycle Tours
Enjoy a private guided bicycle tour as you are introduced to both the natural landscape and desert flora of the Sonoran Desert. With the diversity of terrain, from beautiful desert roads to vast open desert trails brought to life in this special way, you can explore Arizona’s Sonoran Desert. Tours include instruction and bottled water.
Tour times: 8:00 am, 11:00 am, 2:00 pm

Guided Hiking Tours

Exploring on foot is the most intimate way to experience the beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Private hikes led by certified professional guides introduce you to local wildlife, desert flora, and the majesty of the terrain. Tour length: Varies depending on the length of the hike and size of the group.

Guided Horseback Trail Rides
Take the trails of City of Scottsdale in which a delightfully varied ride through a scenic landscape of desert terrain, washes, and mountain views offers a truly western experience. Trail rides are guided by professional wranglers. 1-hour to full-day rides available daily.

Guided River Adventures
Enjoy water rafting, paddling scenic venues, and encounters with Arizona’s diverse plants and animals as you float down the river. Only Lower Salt River rafting experiences offer a view of Arizona from this vantage point. You can also explore in a kayak, paddleboard, or guided raft tour for a more popular excursion Length: 2–3 hours. Tour times: 8:30 am, 1:30 pm

Fishing, Boat & Watercraft Rentals
Enjoy the scenery on one of Arizona’s local lakes, many of which are located less than 45 minutes away. There is a selection of boats to choose from, from powerboats to pontoon boats and sailboats. Guests may also explore lakes via personal watercraft, canoe, or paddleboard. Half-day and full-day rentals are available in many sizes of boats. Please contact concierge for pricing and availability for all activities.

Hot Air Balloon Flights
Lift your expectations to a balloon ride where the workings of the balloon are explained, while you rise in the air as the sun begins to rise. You’ll be amazed by the spectacular views of the beautiful sunrise or sunset. The flight may touch down to conclude with a traditional champagne toast and snacks. Flights are available October through April. Tour length: Approximately 4 hours.

Hiking 

Mesquite Canyon Loop
Length: 1.1 miles, Difficulty: Easy
Location: 8 minutes from the resort

Tom’s Thumb Trail
Length: 5.4 miles roundtrip (to the top of the lookout and back), Difficulty: Difficult

Trailhead: Tom’s Thumb Trailhead
Note: Tom’s Thumb is a well-known landmark in Phoenix, named after Ted Kreuser, a local rock climber in the 1960s. Located in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, this granite formation is famous for its resemblance to a thumb pointing skyward.

Marcus Landslide Interpretive Trail
Length: 3.0 miles, Difficulty: Moderately Difficult

Pinnacle Peak
Location: Trailhead leaves from the resort, just off the main drive
Length: 4.7 miles roundtrip from the resort; 3.5 miles from base of Pinnacle Peak; ~1 mile to the top and back, Difficulty: Moderate
Notes: At the top, hikers enjoy panoramic views of the McDowell Mountains, Camelback Mountain, and Four Peaks.

Granite Mountain Trailhead
Location: 10 minutes north of the resort
Notes: Named after Granite Mountain, a towering rock formation with stunning Sonoran Desert and Scottsdale views. Elevation ~1,300 feet, Difficulty: Moderately Difficult

Bootlegger / Saddlehorn Trail Loop
Length: 2.9 miles, Difficulty: Moderate

Granite Mountain Loop Trail
Length: 6.9 miles, Difficulty: Moderate

Lost Dog Wash Trailhead
Location: 30 minutes north of the resort
Notes: Named after a natural drainage, offering a scenic backdrop and views of Taliesin West by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Lost Dog Wash Trail to Taliesin Overlook
Length: 4.8 miles, Difficulty: Moderate

Sunrise Trail to Sunrise Peak
Length: 5.8 miles, Difficulty: Difficult

Lousley Hill Trail
Location: 15 minutes northeast of Four Seasons, off Dynamite Road and McDowell Mountain Park Driv
Length: 1.2 miles roundtrip, Difficulty: Difficult
Notes: Quick summit hike with spectacular views of the Superstition Mountains and Bartlett Lake.

Spur Cross Ranch Trails
Location: 30 minutes northwest of the resort, 4 miles north of Cave Creek on Spur Crossing
Lengths: Dragonfly 2.6 / Elephant Mountain 2.2 / Metate 0.8 / Spur Cross 5.2 / Tortuga 1.2
Difficulty: Ranges from Easy to Difficult
Notes: Features fascinating archaeological sites along Cave Creek (may flow during winter months).

Gateway Loop Trail
Location: 23 minutes south of Four Seasons, McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Length: 4.4 miles roundtrip, Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Notes: Great for kids, dogs, and beginners. Connects to other trails for flexible distance and intensity.

Browns Ranch Trailhead
Location: 7 minutes north of the resort
Notes: Named after the Brown family, former ranch owners who contributed to preservation efforts.

Browns Mountain Loop
Length: 3.9 miles, Difficulty: Moderate

Cholla Mountain Loop
Length: 8.7 miles, Difficulty: Moderate

Museums

Phoenix Art Museum
 The Southwest’s largest art museum, presenting world-class art in downtown Phoenix. Exhibitions are shown alongside a collection of more than 19,000 objects spanning American, Asian, European, Latin American, Western American, modern and contemporary art, photography, and fashion design.
Hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Cosanti Originals – Soleri Bells
Gallery and studio of Italian-American architect Paolo Soleri, his residence until his passing in 2013. Now an Arizona Historic Site open to the public.
Hours: Monday–Saturday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm; Sunday 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tours: Monday–Saturday 9:15 am & 10:45 am

Desert Botanical Garden
 Home to 50,000 desert plants nestled among the red rocks of the Papago Buttes. A landmark celebrating over 80 years in the Valley.
Open daily 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
Gertrude’s Restaurant: Daily 8:00 am – 8:00 pm

Musical Instrument Museum (MIM)
 The world’s largest museum of its kind with 15,000 instruments and objects from nearly 200 countries.
Open daily 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Beats Coffee Bar: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Café Allegro: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Taliesin West
Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home (1937–1959), now a school of architecture. Guests can tour guided or by audio.
Tours: Daily 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Tickets must be purchased in advance

Western Spirit: Museum of the West
 Celebrates the art, history, and cultural heritage of the American West, including Navajo chiefs’ blankets, cowboy gear, and Hopi pottery.
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday 9:30 am – 5:00 pm; Sunday 11:00 am – 5:00 pm

Heard Museum
Foremost showcase of Native American art and culture in the U.S. through exhibits, performances, and contemporary works.
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Attractions

Arizona Museum of Natural History
80,000 sq. ft. museum featuring 60,000 objects, 10,000 photos, and exhibits on archaeology, paleontology, geology, and art.
Approx. drive: 30–40 minutes
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm; Sunday 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Arizona Science Center
140,000 sq. ft. of interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and a giant-screen theater.
Approx. drive: 30–45 minutes
Hours: Daily 10:30 am – 4:00 pm

Butterfly Wonderland
Immersive rainforest experience with live butterflies, reptiles, and interactive exhibits. Located in the Arizona Boardwalk.
Approx. drive: 20–25 minutes
Hours: Daily 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Goldfield Ghost Town and Mine Tours
Historic town with shops, mine tours, gold panning, train rides, and live gunfight shows.
Approx. drive: 45 minutes
Hours: Daily 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Fashionable Luxury – Customized Shopping Experience
Private shopping at Scottsdale Fashion Square with champagne toast, VIP welcome bag, $50 gift card, and early access to three luxury stores.
Offered Thursdays and Fridays, 9:00 am – 11:30 am
Pricing begins at $125 per person

Children’s Museum of Phoenix
Hands-on, imaginative exhibits designed for open-ended play.
Approx. drive: 30–45 minutes
Hours: Daily 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Pangea: Land of the Dinosaurs
Indoor interactive dinosaur exhibit with 50 animatronic dinosaurs, prehistoric habitats, and activities. Located in the Arizona Boardwalk.
Approx. drive: 20–25 minutes
Hours: Daily 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

OdySea Aquarium
The largest aquarium in the Southwest with 2 million gallons of water and over 200,000 sq. ft. of exhibits. Located in the Arizona Boardwalk.
Approx. drive: 20–25 minutes
Hours: Daily 9:00 am – 7:00 pm

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
30-acre park with train rides, vintage carousel, shops, playgrounds, and museums.
Approx. drive: 25–30 minutes
Hours: Daily 8:00 am – 1:00 pm (June–Aug); 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (Sept–Jan); 9:00 am – 7:00 pm (Mar–May)

Pueblo Grande Museum
Located on a 1,500-year-old archaeological site of the Hohokam culture.
Approx. drive: 40 minutes
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday 9:00 am – 4:45 pm

Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center
Rescues and rehabilitates wildlife, offering sanctuary to animals unable to return to the wild.
Approx. drive: 15 minutes
Tours: Limited, must book in advance

Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium and Safari Park
215-acre zoo with over 600 species and 6,000 animals. Free shows, feeding stations, and interactive experiences.
Approx. drive: 50 minutes
Hours: Daily 9:00 am – 7:00 pm

Phoenix Zoo
Home to 1,400 animals across themed trails (Southwest, Africa, Tropics, and Children’s Trail). Conservation-focused with endangered species programs.
Approx. drive: 45 minutes
Hours: Daily 7:00 am – 1:00 pm (June–Aug)

Group Wellness

Hiking
Guided Pinnacle Peak Hike
Join our guide (guided until the Pinnacle Peak trailhead for 0.8 miles) for an intermediate-paced hike to recharge your body and mind. This scenic trail has a smooth tread with ups and downs and offers panoramic valley views. The hike is 2 ½ to 4 miles.
Price: $350
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Capacity: 20

Desert Bathing
Take in the beauty of the Sonoran Desert and deepen your connection with nature. Includes a brief guided meditation and a light hike incorporating yoga poses along the way.
Price: $350
Duration: 1 hour
Capacity: 20

Yoga

Yoga Flow
Relaxing and restorative yoga flow practice accompanied by views of the Valley on the resort’s outdoor lawns.
Price: $350
Duration: 1 hour
Capacity: 20

Yogalates
Combination of yoga and pilates, emphasizing core control and breathing while in motion. Suitable for all fitness levels.
Price: $350
Duration: 1 hour
Capacity: 20

Sound Healing

Sound Healing
Guided meditation with sound healing using musical implements to create healing vibrations. Helps disconnect from anxiety and stress.
Price: $350
Duration: 1 hour
Capacity: 20

Soul & Sound
A 45-minute flow yoga class combined with a restorative sound bath.
Price: $350
Duration: 1 hour
Capacity: 20

Tennis & Pickleball

Round Robin Mixer
Fun and interactive event with changing partners, led by onsite pros for a dynamic experience.
Price: $500
Duration: 2 hours
Capacity: Max 20 players

Tennis / Pickleball Clinic
Players learn to rally, serve, and incorporate basics of the game in a fun and encouraging environment.
Price: $500
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Capacity: Max 12 players

Float Fit
One part serious workout, one part serious fun. A total body workout performed on aqua boards in the pool, combining yoga and pilates moves.
Price: $350
Duration: 1 hour
Capacity: 5–10

Bootcamps

Desert Bootcamp
Circuit training around the resort targeting all body areas.
Price: $350
Duration: 1 hour
Capacity: 20

Rock Bottom
Lower body workout focusing on glutes, quads, and hamstrings.
Price: $350
Duration: 1 hour
Capacity: 20

Group Spin
Exhilarating stationary cycle class focusing on core muscles, balance, and stretching techniques.
Price: $350
Duration: 1 hour
Capacity: 20

Creative Workshops

Aroma Blend Bar
Create your own spa aromatherapy products with guidance from a spa alchemist (includes 8 oz product)
Price: $500
Duration: 1 hour
Capacity: 10

Candle Making Workshop
Learn the candle-making process and create your own custom scent (includes 8 oz candle).
Price: $750
Duration: 1 hour
Capacity: 10

Spa Experiences

Chair Massages
Back, neck, and shoulder chair massages by professional therapists.
Price: $200 per therapist/hour + 20% gratuity
Capacity: Max 2 chairs

Spa Registration
Spa coordinator available at registration to assist with individual spa scheduling.
Price: $350 for up to 8 hours

Personal Spa Treatments
Massages, facials, and body treatments tailored to individual needs.
Price: Treatment price + 20% gratuity
Duration: 60 or 90 minutes
Capacity: 14 treatment rooms (including 3 couples’ rooms)