Labor Day is one of the best holidays of the entire year. Not only can you enjoy a time off of work and school to relax with your family and friends, but you can check out some fun outdoor activities that mark the end of the summer. Although the end of the summer months is approaching and warm weather may be leaving, Labor Day is the last weekend when families can take advantage of the hot weather, long days, and bonding time.
Labor Day brings with it the end of carefree summer days and the promise of a new season ahead. For a holiday which is often spent outdoors hosting cookouts, picnics, and backyard sports, the sunny town of Scottsdale, AZ is an ideal destination for a Labor Day getaway! Savor the last wisps of summer by enjoying Labor Day events in Phoenix, where opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors abound. Leave your work behind and instead indulge in all that this desirable city has to offer!
Outdoor Things to Do in Scottsdale
Labor Day is one of the best weather weekends of the year! We can’t think of a better time to get outside, hit the trails, soak in the mountain peak views, and get in 10,000 steps during your holiday. Luckily for you, Scottsdale has dozens of hiking trails that are suitable for people of all ages, skill levels, and interests.
Hit the Trail for Labor Day in Phoenix
Scottsdale was once named by National Geographic as one of the nation’s top 15 hiking destinations, and it’s easy to see why. Over 400 miles of well-maintained trails are located in the area, so the biggest challenge is choosing which trail will hold your adventure on Labor Day in Phoenix. For maximum views that will require some effort to attain, check out the Pinnacle Peak Summit Trail. This trail is 1.75 miles (one-way) and will lead hikers to 2,889 feet of elevation, where you’ll be treated to expansive views of the valley. With an elevation gain of 1,300 feet, this is considered a moderate hike. Bring plenty of water and your camera for views at the peak and of quail, jackrabbits, cactus wrens, and roadrunners along the way!
Pinnacle Peak Park
Pinnacle Peak Park is one of the best hikes and parks in the entire Arizona state area. We love coming here during sunny days in September with the kids to enjoy nature, wildlife, and birdwatching in the wilderness. The highest trail point is located 2,889 feet, with a cumulative elevation gain of 1,300 feet over the entire duration of the trail. Featuring over 150 acres, this incredible trail contains interpretive displays the entire way, rock climbing routes, and picnic tables to rest for a picnic on a nice lunch break!
Gateway Trailhead
Gateway Trailhead is located in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve is, a picturesque trail located in the sustainable desert in Scottsdale, Arizona, featuring over 30,000 acres of open space. Considered the largest urban park in the entire country, this Sonoran Preserve features beautiful lands, 180 miles of trails, and popular family-friendly activities, like mountain biking, climbing, biking, horseback riding, and much more.
Inspiration Point
This beautiful hiking area in Scottsdale, Arizona, is located off the Gateway Trailhead, making for another fun day in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. This moderate hike is great for those who have hiked in the past and enjoy a nice workout before lunchtime. Taking usually just over 2 hours, with families with young kids completing the loop in 3 hours, this trail is ideal for a hot summer day. We recommend coming here early in the morning to avoid the crowds, get out of the midday sun, and enjoy the holiday weekend with your friends or family!
Toast the End to Summer
Raise your glass and toast the end to summer with a drink at one of Scottsdale’s bars and nightlife venues. From sipping a hand-crafted martini in their handblown glasses at AZ 88, to enjoying a craft beer and a game of cornhole at Wasted Grain, Scottdale’s nightlife scene offers everything from casual to trendy. For a swankier Scottsdale experience, head to The Mint, a 7,000 square foot space that was formerly a bank and now offers a sensory-filling experience from the moment you walk through its vault door.
Relax in Style
Scottsdale is known for its upscale spas, so be sure to treat yourself to a relaxing spa treatment while you’re here. Rejuvenate your skin with a turquoise wrap at The Boulders Resort & Spa or get a hot stone treatment at Well & Being at Willow Stream at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. When you stay in one of the Labor Day rentals offered by us at Scottsdale Rentals, it’s also simple to spend your days relaxing with family or friends. With outdoor living areas complete with spacious private hot tubs in many of our rentals, Labor Day in Phoenix has never looked better!
