Phoenix After Dark: Things to do
Posted on 19-03-2023 09:51 PM
Phoenix After Dark: Things to do
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Taking advantage of Phoenix's after-dark attractions
Our summer activities in Phoenix include hikes, sightseeing, swimming, and more. To find it, you just have to know where to look.
Moonlit Hikes
Stargazing
Tours
Dive-In Movies
Paddling
MOONLIT HIKES
User lightofarizona captions photo as "You totally got this!" after we split directions. In the dark, I hiked back down alone. A half mile or so from the parking lot, I heard someone off the trail. A quarter mile up the trail, I heard them again, so I hopped in my car and got outa there haha not going to do that again alone Epic city views Worth it!
Phoenix hikers need a break sometimes from the sun. Despite parking lots closing by 7 p.m. at most Phoenix trailheads, trails remain open until 11 p.m. Hit the trails at night with a flashlight or headlamp.
The Phoenix Mountains Preserve and South Mountain are two of the more popular hiking areas in the city. A ranger will lead a guided, interpretive moonlight hike at Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area and Usery Mountain Regional Park on select summer nights. Visit the park's calendar to see what events are planned.
STARGAZING
The open desert and urban atmosphere of Phoenix are equally as appealing to us as the city lights. There are several spots where you can gaze at the gorgeous desert sky, like Phoenix Mountains Preserve, South Mountain Park and Preserve, Lost Dutchman State Park, McDowell Mountain Regional Park, and Cave Creek Regional Park.
Get a closer look at the stars at the Gilbert Rotary Centennial Observatory on Friday and Saturday nights at the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch.
At ADERO Scottsdale, an Autograph Collection Hotel, you can immerse yourself in the sky. An elevated ridgeline provides views of Arizona's Four Peaks and McDowell Mountain Range by day and stars by night at this first Dark Sky Zone resort in the region.
This resort, named after the nearby canyon, also maintains an exclusive sustainability trail, which features indigenous plants. Concierge services guide guests through the living desert, including nearby trails. Golf offerings and biking excursions can also be accessed directly.
The address is 13225 N. Eagle Ridge Drive, Scottsdale, AZ
480-333-1900
TOURS
The Desert Botanical Gardens are hosting Flashlight Nights
When the desert gets dark, what critters come to life? Find out at the Desert Botanical Garden's Flashlight Nights, held each Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m. from July 13 to Sept. 3.
As part of Flashlight Nights, the Desert Botanical Garden offers a wide selection of special events and pop-up exhibits, including an evening farmers market and performances. Plan your visit here.
1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix
480-941-1225
Scorpion Scavenger Hunts
While we generally avoid scorpions and their pincers, we recommend that you actually search for some of these desert dwellers. Get an educational scorpion hunt going with a ranger at some of Maricopa County Regional Parks during the summer on select nights.
Scorpion Scavenger Hunts and other animal-filled events can be found in the Animals category of their event calendar. You can also go on nocturnal wildlife hikes, as well as sunset and full moonrise walks with Ranger Derik.
First Friday Art Walk
You'll find a wide range of creative expression at downtown Phoenix's First Friday Art Walk, from small stages and galleries to boutiques and murals. There will be more than 70 art galleries, venues, and art-related spaces open for tours throughout the summer as part of this pop-up event.
Roosevelt Row Arts District
Grand Avenue Arts District
DIVE-IN MOVIES
Cool off in Phoenix by watching a movie or swimming in the pool. Dive into dive-in movies in Phoenix resorts such as the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch, Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak, Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs, Arizona Biltmore and Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.
Night Splash at Golfland Sunsplash
The photo was taken by golflandsunsplash, but the caption was not provided by the user
@golflandsunsplash
Night Splash is available select nights after 5 p.m. See calendar for details.
155 W Hampton Ave., Mesa
480-834-8319
PADDLING
The Salt River is excellent for all-day summer recreation in the late afternoon, but in the evenings adventurers can set out in kayaks or paddleboards. No matter what you choose, make sure you book in advance and verify whether or not you will receive equipment and/or guides.
Strobe Sport
2737 E Arizona Biltmore Cir UNIT 28, Phoenix, AZ 85016
Phone: (707) 878-7623
https://www.strobesport.com/