After dark in Phoenix: What to do
Posted on 19-03-2023 10:09 PM
After dark in Phoenix: What to do
The best things to do in Phoenix after dark
Our favorite daytime activities in Phoenix can continue after dark, such as hiking, sightseeing, swimming and more. The only thing you need to know is where to look.
Moonlit Hikes
Stargazing
Tours
Dive-In Movies
Paddling
MOONLIT HIKES
The caption to the photo reads, "You totally got this! That's what I told myself after we split directions.". During the dark hike back down, I hiked alone. My car was about half a mile from the parking lot when I heard someone off the trail. Once I reached the parking lot and heard them again maybe a quarter mile up the trail, I hopped in my car and headed out. Epic city views were worth the trip.
The seasoned Phoenix hiker needs a break from the sun every now and then. Most trailhead parking lots at the City of Phoenix close by 7 pm, but trails remain open until 11 pm. For a nocturnal hiking adventure, grab a flashlight or headlamp and hit the trails.
Phoenix hiking spots such as Piestewa Peak in Phoenix and South Mountain are popular. There are a few nighttime hikes on select summer nights in Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area and Usery Mountain Regional Park that are guided, interpretive moonlight hikes led by rangers. Find out what events each park is hosting.
STARGAZING
The open desert and urban atmosphere of Phoenix are equally as appealing to us as the city lights. You can gaze skyward at the stars in our grand desert sky from the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, South Mountain Park and Preserve, Lost Dutchman State Park or Cave Creek Regional Park.
See the stars through a 16-inch diameter telescope at the Gilbert Rotary Centennial Observatory at the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch on Friday and Saturday nights.
ADERO Scottsdale, an Autograph Collection Hotel, is the place to be for a sky-focused retreat. Located on an elevated ridgeline, this Dark Sky Zone resort offers views of Arizona's famed Four Peaks and McDowell Mountain Range by day and stargazing opportunities at night.
Located in a canyon surrounding the resort, this hotel also maintains a sustainability trail with native plants. A concierge guides guests throughout the day and night through the desert's living ecosystem. There is also direct access to golf and biking excursions.
Eagle Ridge Drive, 13225, Scottsdale, Arizona
480-333-1900
TOURS
The Desert Botanical Gardens are hosting Flashlight Nights
How does the desert come alive at night? 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.
Several special events and pop-ups complement Flashlight Nights at the Desert Botanical Garden, including an evening farmers market and performances. Plan your visit here.
1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix
480-941-1225
Scorpion Scavenger Hunts
Our general recommendation is to avoid scorpions and their pincers, but we do recommend you look for these desert dwellers. Get a flashlight and black light to help you spot scorpions during summer evenings at some of the Maricopa County Regional Parks.
Check their event calendar for Scorpion Scavenger Hunts and other critter-filled activities under the Animals category. Also, check out Nocturnal Wildlife Hikes with Ranger Derik and Sunset and Full Moonrise Walks.
First Friday Art Walk
At downtown Phoenix's First Friday Art Walk, you'll find everything from small stages to boutiques in Phoenix to murals. It continues throughout the summer, with more than 70 art galleries, venues, and art-related spaces open to the public.
Roosevelt Row Arts District
Grand Avenue Arts District
DIVE-IN MOVIES
Playing in the pool or watching a movie are both great ways to cool off during the summer in Phoenix. You'll have your pick of dive-in movies at resorts throughout Greater Phoenix, including the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch, Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak, Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs, Arizona Biltmore and the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.
Night Splash at Golfland Sunsplash
The photo was taken by user golflandsunsplash, the caption was not provided by the user
@golflandsunsplash
For more information, consult the calendar. Skip the sunscreen and slide under the stars at Night Splash.
155 W Hampton Ave., Mesa
480-834-8319
PADDLING
Salt River paddling is an excellent daytime summer activity, but summer nights invite adventurers to paddle along the river. Make sure you book in advance and verify if equipment and/or guides are included.
Strobe Sport
2737 E Arizona Biltmore Cir UNIT 28, Phoenix, AZ 85016
Phone: (707) 878-7623
https://www.strobesport.com/