Are you a thrill seeker? Is adventure your middle name? If so, you’re probably always on the lookout for exciting new things to do—and in this case, Phoenix, AZ is the place for you! Phoenix is an ideal destination for adrenaline junkies of all ages. It offers a wide array of activities that’ll get your heart pumping so you never have to experience a single dull moment while you’re visiting.
In this article, we will dive deep into the amazing activities offered by this incredible place so you can plan the best thrill-filled getaway yet!
Thrilling Activities in Phoenix
Wondering what kinds of heart-pumping activities you might find in beautiful Phoenix, AZ? Get ready because this place really does have something for all of the adrenaline junkies out there. Whether you prefer flying high or zooming through the desert, you’re going to find an amazing adventure in this awesome place.
Hot Air Balloon Rides over the Sonoran Desert
One of the best thrilling adventures in Phoenix? Hot air balloon rides! Yes, we’re totally serious. There are a few different companies that offer hot air balloon rides over the beautiful Sonoran Desert, and there is nothing quite like the feeling of defying gravity as you float gently over this gorgeous landscape.
Off-Roading Adventures in the Tonto National Forest
If you’re looking for something a bit closer to the ground, we recommend checking out the options for off-roading in and around Phoenix. In particular, we recommend the various off-roading spots in the Tonto National Forest. The Desert Vista OHV Area is under an hour from the city and features routes for beginners as well as those looking for a challenge.
Hiking and Rock Climbing at Camelback Mountain
Hiking and rock climbing are also fantastic options for adrenaline junkies visiting Phoenix. Camelback Mountain is the crown jewel of the area and provides opportunities for both. If you want a strenuous but rewarding hike, we recommend the Echo Canyon Trail or the Cholla Trail. When it comes to climbing, any of the routes listed here could be fun to try.
Mountain Biking at Brown’s Ranch
Many people carry their bikes to Phoenix in search of awesome mountain biking opportunities. Luckily, this is definitely something you’ll find in the area. We especially enjoy the biking trails at Brown’s Ranch. The Brown’s Ranch Perimeter Loop is an intermediate ride with a few technical challenges—but nothing too hard—and the views are incredible.
Skydiving in Nearby Eloy
Have you always wanted to experience skydiving? Your visit to Phoenix is your chance to give it a go. Besides the iFly indoor skydiving option in Phoenix itself, you can also try outdoor skydiving over the desert in the nearby town of Eloy. Here, you’ll find Skydive Arizona, the largest skydiving center in the world.
RVing: The Ultimate Adventure Base
Of course, you will need someplace to sleep off the excitement in between adventures. This is where an RV rental comes into play.
RV camping is the ideal option when on a thrill-seeking getaway because it allows you to park right in the middle of the fun, so you can cook, shower, and rest as soon as you finish adventuring and then get up and do it all over again day after day. On top of that, it’s easy to move an RV from one place to the next, meaning you can easily enjoy a variety of thrilling activities during your vacation.
We love that RV camping adds to the fun by making your lodging an adventure in and of itself while still providing all the comforts of home (including a place to cook entire meals, so you can avoid leaving the site of your adventure just to get food).
Best Places for RV Camping in Phoenix
One of the best things about RV camping in Arizona is the fact that you can find amazing boondocking in the middle of the wilderness, and this is our favorite way to make one’s camping trip a more adventurous one. That said, if you’re looking for a more comfortable camping experience, you can also find campgrounds that are surrounded by exciting outdoor fun.
New River Road Dispersed Camping
For those looking for a boondocking adventure, we recommend New River Road Dispersed Camping. This spot is located in State Trust Land and you will need to acquire a permit to stay. That said, it is well worth the small fee. The camp spot is located just 45 minutes outside of Phoenix and offers all the beautiful, wide open wilderness you could possibly want to explore.
Lost Dutchman State Park Campground
Located about 45 minutes outside of the city, Lost Dutchman State Park is a gorgeous place that really showcases the desert scenery.
Here you’ll find 134 campsites, some dry and some with partial hookups. Each one features a picnic table and fire ring, and the restrooms include showers. There is also a dump station available onsite.
We especially love that there are places to hike and bike in the park, meaning adventure is never far away!
White Tank Mountain Regional Park RV Camping
Last but not least, we must mention White Tank Mountain Regional Park RV Camping. This park features 40 campsites, and most will accommodate RVs up to 45 feet in length. All sites offer water and electrical hookups as well as a picnic table, grill, and fire ring. There are restrooms with flush toilets and showers available, and a dishwashing station makes cleaning up a breeze.
While in the park, be sure to enjoy biking, hiking, horseback riding, and stargazing!
Planning Your Heart-Pumping Adventure
Now that you’ve figured out lodging for your thrill-seeking adventure, the next step is to plan the details of your trip. Making sure you pick out the right rental RV, packing the right gear, and making reservations in advance will ensure your trip goes off without a hitch, as well as helping you avoid the wrong kind of adventure.
Choosing the Right RV
First things first, you will need to pick out an RV. Choose your RV with your adventures in mind. Make sure there is enough space and cargo capacity to store any gear you might want to bring along. If you’ll be mountain biking, you might want to consider an RV with a bike rack or a toy hauler. An outdoor shower is handy for cleaning off after each adventure and before you walk inside.
If you plan to go boondocking, make sure the rig is equipped to drive on rough roads. A good battery bank, a generator, solar panels, and/or large water tanks are also nice to have when boondocking.
Of course, you’ll also need to keep in mind the number of sleeping spaces you require, as well as any other amenities that are important to you!
Packing Adventure Gear and Essentials
Obviously, you will need to bring the right gear along for all these thrilling activities in Phoenix. Be sure you pack a good pair of hiking shoes, any climbing gear you might need, your bike and helmet if you plan to ride, and don’t forget to grab the sunscreen!
The gear you need will of course be specific to the adventures you’re hoping to take. In order to make sure everything is packed, we recommend making a list of everything you’ll need to enjoy your thrilling activities.
Want to try something new or don’t want to pack all of your gear? Don’t worry! There are rental places in Phoenix!
Making Reservations
If you plan to take a guided tour or participate in any activity that requires a reservation, be sure to make your reservations as far in advance as possible. The most popular activities do get booked up and you definitely don’t want to miss out!
On top of activities, you’ll also want to make sure the RV you want is booked well in advance, and if you plan to stay in a campground, your campsite should be booked before you head out as well. Keep in mind, Phoenix is a very, very popular spot for RVers, so RV campsites do fill up on a regular basis!
Creating an Itinerary
By now you probably have a pretty good idea of what you want to do and where you want to stay, but how will you put it all together into a trip that makes sense? We recommend sitting down and creating an itinerary before you head out so you can be sure to fit in everything you want to see and do.
Your itinerary should of course include plenty of amazing adventures. That said, we highly recommend you schedule in time for rest and relaxation as well. After all, you’ll want to give yourself time to fully enjoy the amazing RV and campsite you picked out, and you certainly don’t want to stay so busy you get worn out before the trip ends.
Safety and Precautions
Obviously you will want to stay safe while experiencing some of the most thrilling activities in Phoenix. This means you will need to plan ahead and be willing to pay attention to details, even while you’re busy having fun. Be sure to use the tips below to stay safe as you go out adventuring.
Ballooning Safety
If you plan to go on a balloon ride, there are a couple of things you’ll want to keep in mind. First, it’s important that you pay attention to the weather forecast. For safety, your tour guide will cancel in case of inclement weather, but already knowing that bad weather is a possibility will give you a chance to make a “Plan B.” Besides, it’s nice to know what to expect in terms of temperature so you can dress accordingly.
Other than that, our biggest piece of ballooning safety advice for beginners is simply to listen to your guides. Do exactly as they say and your ride will be as safe as it can be while still providing all the thrills you’re looking for.
Off-Roading Safety
Hoping to go off-roading? The safety rules for off-roading in Phoenix are the same as anywhere else. You should always, always go out with at least one other vehicle. Be sure to stick to beaten paths—this is actually a rule in Tonto National Forest—and if you’ve never been off-roading before, take a guided tour to learn the ropes.
Keep in mind, off-roading requires a properly equipped vehicle, so you definitely don’t want to head out in your regular daily driver.
Rock Climbing Safety
The most important things you can do to stay safe while rock climbing? 1) Take the right gear, 2) know how to use it properly, and then 3) put it to use!
If you’ve never climbed before or are still a beginner, get an experienced guide to go with you and help you learn the ropes. Never attempt to climb anything if you are at all unsure of yourself or the rock. It isn’t worth the risk!
Mountain Biking Safety
The most obvious piece of safety advice when riding a bike is to wear a helmet. This is good advice. Heed it!
Additionally, we recommend choosing a trail that matches your skill level and taking an experienced cyclist along if you are new to the sport. No matter your level, always stick to the trail and carry a map and compass so you can find your way back to the trailhead.
Skydiving Safety
What about skydiving? Well obviously, there are all kinds of safety precautions you’ll want to take when jumping from a plane. That said, as long as you choose a quality skydiving tour company and make sure to listen to all of the information they give, you will be good to go. Clearly, you don’t ever want to try skydiving without a professional helping you do so safely!
General Safety Tips
In addition to the safety tips above, there are a few general desert safety tips that you will want to keep in mind no matter which thrilling activities in Phoenix you choose. The most important ones? Always tell someone where you plan to go and when you’ll be back before you head into the wilderness. Also, make sure you wear sunscreen and a hat to protect your skin from the sun, and carry plenty of water so you can stay hydrated.
Local Adventure Resources
New to the world of thrill-seeking adventures? Want to try a new kind of adventurous activity? If you’re unsure of yourself or are brand new to an activity, it’s always best to seek out the help of a professional. Luckily, Phoenix is home to plenty of tour companies, gear rental shops, and other adventure professionals that can help you get started.
Stellar Adventures: Guided Off-Roading Tours
Never been off-roading before? Not too sure about where to go or how to go about it? Stellar Adventures offers guided off-roading tours that are an absolute blast. UTV, ATV, and Hummer tours are available, and all of them will offer all the thrills you crave while taking you into the heart of nature!
Vertical Adventures: Rock Climbing Guides and Gear Rental
Those who want to do some climbing should check out Vertical Adventures. This awesome little company offers rock climbing rental gear for those who have climbing experience but don’t want to lug their own gear. They also have personal coaches and classes available for those who are new to the sport.
Rainbow Ryders: Hot Air Balloon Rides
Most people don’t have their own hot air balloon that they can whip out when they arrive at their destination. Fortunately Rainbow Ryders is willing to share. This company offers hot air balloon rides in several locations, including the Phoenix area. Their sunrise balloon ride puts you in the air to watch a spectacular sunrise over the desert!
Wild Bunch Desert Guides: Guided Hiking and Bicycling Tours
For guided hiking and mountain biking tours, turn to Wild Bunch Desert Guides. This knowledgeable group of people will help you experience the best of what the Phoenix area has to offer in terms of hikes and bike rides while keeping everyone safe. We highly recommend the sunset mountain biking tours, which are absolutely wonderful!
Skydive Arizona: Skydiving Experiences and Lessons
Last but not least, we must mention Skydive Arizona again. As mentioned before, this is the place to go for skydiving experiences in Arizona, and is even one of the best in the entire country. They offer professionally guided indoor and outdoor skydiving experiences as well as lessons for those who want to learn a bit more.
As you can see, there are tons of amazing thrilling activities in Phoenix, making it the ideal destination the next time you are craving excitement. Why not start planning your trip to Phoenix today? We’re certain you’ll have a blast exploring all of the ways to add some fun into your life!
