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We've compiled the best of the best in Side Trips Near Phoenix - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
One of the country's top resorts hides amid hill-size, 12-million-year-old granite boulders and the picturesque Sonoran Desert. Casitas snuggled against the rocks have exposed log-beam ceilings and curved, pueblo-style half walls. Each has a patio with a view, a wood-burning fireplace, and a spacious bathroom with deep soaking tub. The two golf courses are destinations on their own, and the on-site spa is one of the finest in the state.
A true desert oasis an hour north of Phoenix, this historic 1,100-acre ranch set in the heart of the Sonoran Desert offers private cabins and exclusive access to mineral hot springs. The staff offers directions for accessing the property via helicopter, which, in an area that has no dearth of luxury resorts, sets a new standard. The nightly rate covers all meals, service fees, and some activities including guided tours, although alcohol and spa services are excluded. Of note: the final 7 miles to the property are unpaved, and the resort recommends driving high-clearance vehicles.
This 20,000-acre property combines the guest-ranch experience with first-class amenities. Meals are served in the lodge's bright, festive dining room. Rooms are spacious and done in low-key Southwestern style. Some contain two queen-size beds and can be creatively configured through a system of adjoining doors to annex separate living rooms or sleeping quarters for children. Activities ranging from skeet shooting to archery to horseback riding are available.
