Guides

Things to do in Phoenix by season: winter hikes, summer heat

What to do in Phoenix through the year: outdoor time in cooler months, a changed plan in summer heat, and how to read the forecast.

Phoenix needs a real seasonal change of plan. Cooler days can make room for desert walks and, for suitably prepared hikers, Camelback; excessive summer heat is a reason to choose indoors, not just carry on more slowly. Check the day's forecast and city notices before deciding. These five outings give you options without making a hike compulsory.

1. Papago Park on a cool winter day

Start with Papago if you want desert scenery without making a difficult summit the purpose of your visit. Hole-in-the-Rock gives you a short route to a natural viewing opening, while the canal and nature paths offer alternatives. Use a cool day to look around at your own pace.

Good to know

  • The city rates Hole-in-the-Rock as easy, but the trail includes dirt and steps.
  • Consult the official trail guide before choosing a route for children or anyone who needs a smoother surface.
  • Check trailhead and trail hours separately; they are not identical.
  • Reassess the plan if the day is unusually hot, even in a cooler season.

2. Camelback only when conditions suit

A cool winter day may be the right time to consider Camelback, but it doesn't change the difficulty of the climb. Echo Canyon's summit route is rated extremely difficult by the city. Choose it only if the route fits your experience, and be willing to leave without a summit attempt.

Good to know

  • Check current city heat restrictions and the forecast before travelling; follow all closure notices.
  • Echo Canyon Trailhead is open sunrise to sunset. Parking is especially busy in winter and spring.
  • Do not idle on nearby roads waiting for parking, and leave dogs at home: all Camelback trails prohibit them.
  • During excessive heat, choose an indoor outing rather than trying to make a difficult climb work.

3. Desert Botanical Garden in spring or fall

On a comfortable day, let the garden be your outdoor plan instead of a mountain climb. It gives you time to focus on desert plants without a summit goal. Spring and fall are planning ideas, not promises about the temperature, so keep the visit flexible.

Good to know

  • Check seasonal hours and current tickets on dbg.org; special events may require separate admission.
  • Onsite parking is free.
  • Read special closure notices before booking. If excessive heat is forecast, move your outing indoors instead.

4. Musical Instrument Museum in summer

Make music your main summer activity when the heat calls for an indoor day. The Geographic, Artist and Mechanical Music galleries give you plenty of choice without needing to add a long outdoor walk. Pick the galleries that interest you and leave room to linger.

Good to know

  • Open daily, with holiday exceptions listed on the museum’s visit page.
  • The standard admission ticket excludes the special exhibition; check the options before buying.
  • Parking is free and accessed from Mayo Boulevard. Plan the trip using the museum’s full address.

5. Heard Museum for a hot or unsettled day

The Heard gives you an indoor way to explore the Southwest through Native art and first-person stories. Start with HOME, where works in clay, fiber, metal and other materials connect with ideas of family, community and land. It is a useful choice when outdoor conditions don't suit a garden or hike.

Good to know

  • HOME is included in museum admission; check current ticket options.
  • The exhibition page lists summer Monday closures, so confirm your date before travelling.
  • During monsoon weather, check city updates before setting out. An indoor destination is not a reason to travel through unsafe conditions.

Quick tips

  • Read the forecast for heat risk and storm warnings, then check the city’s current trail restrictions. A trail being open does not make an excessive-heat hike a good idea.
  • During excessive heat, the city advises staying indoors. Limit unavoidable outdoor time, keep hydrated and take cooling breaks.
  • Monsoon storms can bring rapidly changing conditions and flooding. Follow city weather and road updates rather than relying on an earlier clear sky.
  • Want company? Check upcoming events in Phoenix on Socroo below and find someone to go with.

Upcoming events

Things to do in Phoenix (all year) Papago Park trail guide Camelback: Echo Canyon Trailhead Desert Botanical Garden Heard Museum: HOME Musical Instrument Museum Phoenix trail heat restrictions Phoenix monsoon resources