You are likely here to ride your bike with us, but you may be traveling with a non-riding partner. Or, you may have friends that want to join you to enjoy the Phoenix weather. Maybe you also brought your mountain bike and wonder if there are any good trails. After your friend or SO tells you about their day, you may decide to extend your visit a few days. It is in that vein that I offer up some potential activities to enjoy while you're here. This is in no way all there is. But, this should get you thinking...

Note that this list was originally put together with Mid February as the timeframe of the visit. So some of the activities (sporting events, mostly) are based upon that timeframe. With that said, here are some possibilities in no particular order.

Hiking:
Camelback Mountain: This is a super popular climb up the iconic mountain. You can reach the summit from 2 different start locations.
  - Echo Canyon Trailhead:  is probably the most popular, and the most difficult to find parking. Plan ahead if you're going to do this hike. Trailhead: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Tiav9gWCjSVjAnadA
  - Cholla Trailhead: This is a longer and slightly less technical trail to the summit. There is generally enough parking available along Invergorden Rd, but you may have to walk quite a way just to get to the trailhead. Trailhead: https://maps.app.goo.gl/RYTfca6272AnWsFc8
Piestewa Peak: This summit hike is part of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, but I've separated it because the draw here is to reach the summit. If you're looking for a more mellow hike, see my next description. This is also an extremely popular hike, but there is a lot of parkig available and numerous other hiking trails in this enormous park. Summit Trailhead: https://maps.app.goo.gl/yMVqxGToeoJnhYqq8
Phoenix Mountain Preserve (PMP): PMP is the largest city park in the US. Pointing out where to hike could take many pages. I highlighted Piestewa Peak above. A trailhead that is close to the ride starts is the 40th Street Trailhead. It offers numerous mellow options as well as some steep climbs. You can hike to the Dreamy Draw area with a brand new pavillion with restrooms and water available. Trailhead: https://maps.app.goo.gl/uMM8K1Pr1dRBRMLF7
North Mountain: This is another hiking area close to the ride starts. There are numerous trails running thru this park. If you hike far enough, the 40th Street trailhead above can reach this trailhead. Trailhead: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BHojv3EBrCxD8eUr8 
McDowell Mtn Regional Park: Some of the Rouleur routes will take you right by this trailhead. The McDowell Mountain area holds some of the most lush Sonoran Desert available. These hikes can be a mellow or rugged as you like. Trailhead: https://maps.app.goo.gl/NKBt1JcGp6tprBaQ6 

Mountain Biking: The types of trails that riders may be looking for are so varied that I hesitate to point out specific ones. Instead, I list these trailheads which are wonderful examples of mountain bike areas to ride. The links are to the trailheads. Interested riders can check them out to find their next adventure.
Tom's Thumb: https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/toms/
Pima & Dynamite: https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/pima-dynamite/
Browns Ranch: https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/browns/
Phoenix Mtn Preserve: https://tinyurl.com/24tbhma9
Apache Wash: https://www.trailforks.com/route/apache-wash-trailhead-easy-loop/

Desert Botanical Garden (DBG): If you're new to the desert southwest, you will love seeing the types of plants that grow here. They also have regularly changing special events that I visit frequently. Check their web to get the latest schedule of events. https://dbg.org/

Musical Instrument Museum (MIM): I had the great fortune to visit MIM for the first time before their grand opening. I worked at Fender at the time, and we were given an advanced preview of this amazing museum. It contains a collection (which rotates) of about 1/3 of the owner's private collection. The instruments are owned by the former Target CEO and he wanted a venue to show them off. This is an astounding place to visit! They also hold concerts in a small venue there. Tickets are generally really hard to get. https://mim.org/

Phoenix Zoo: Yes, we have some non reptiles in the desert! February is the perfect time to visit, especially if you happen to have kids with you. The cool weather allows the animals to get out and roam, which then offers some great viewing opportunities. https://www.phoenixzoo.org/

Heard Museum: The Heard is a museum dedicated to the advancement of Native American art. You can learn about the American Indians from a first-person perspective there.  https://heard.org/mission-history/

OdySea Aquarium: See all of the native sealife indigenous to Phoenix. Oh, wait, I may have that wrong. Sometimes it's fun to see creatures that you'll never see in the desert. It's not Monterrey, but it is extremely nice!  https://www.odyseaaquarium.com/

Museum of Illusions: I've never visited here, but as an engineer, it looks like I would have a blast. Check out the web and see what it's all about. https://www.moiscottsdale.com/

Butterfly Wonderland: If you feel like chilling after a long day in the saddle, this may be your ticket. In addition to the web, there is a YouTube video describing some of features of the conservatory. https://butterflywonderland.com/

Great Wolf Lodge Water Park: This is likely more fun with kids or young adults. But they do have experiences available for adults, or those of us pretending to be an adult.  https://www.greatwolf.com/arizona/daypass

Golf: I'm not a golfer, but I ride enough in the area to know that golf courses are like a Circle K in Phoenix - they're on almost every corner. Choose your course and go chase the ball around all afternoon. Oh, and they bring you beer while you're out there swearing that you just lost another Titleist in that stupid pond! Pro tip: we don't have aligators.

Phoenix Open Golf Tournament: Will be held Feb 2-8, 2026. If you're a PGA fan, what could be better than scoring a ticket for the 16th hole! "The People's Open" is luring you to come a week early. https://wmphoenixopen.com/

Cactus League Baseball Spring Training: The 2026 schedule is not yet released, but it normally starts later in Feb. If you're a MLB fan, this is a chance to see your favorite team as they get ready for their year. Lots of teams play in and around The Valley. Check their web for schedule availability. https://cactusleague.com/schedule.php

Dining: You ride your bike, therefore I know that you love to eat. I love to cook, so I rarely eat out when I'm home. I won't be of any value in giving advice here. You can find any type of food you like. Google will be your friend.

Casinos: There are a number of them throughout The Valley. You can choose which one you'd like to donate your paycheck to by visting this Google map link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/y7wpbF6a4nM8Hcf3A If you win a pile of cash, please remember who sent you there.

Phoenix Suns Basketball: They will be playing a few home games in Feb. You can check out their schedule to see if your team might be coming to town. https://www.nba.com/suns/schedule

Shopping:
Desert Ridge Marketplace: The closest to our start location. Much of it is outdoors. https://maps.app.goo.gl/upgtGpYVsn1ZbgBZA
Scottsdale Fashion Square: Large Mall in Scottsdale. Numerous upscale stores are located here. https://maps.app.goo.gl/sMQwdfewqhQteVjB8
Scottsdale Quarter: Old Town Scottsdale. Mostly outdoors and in a vibrant area. https://maps.app.goo.gl/NHxSuLCLc9dX4jmH6
Kierland Commons: Another outdoor shopping and dining area close to our start location. https://maps.app.goo.gl/yWAjen8fWqRnv4uP8

Penske Racing Museum: Are you a race fan? This one is free. https://www.teampenske.com/about/index.cfm/52618/Penske_Racing_Museum

Westworld: Westworld hosts numerous equestrian events. Check their calendar for more information.
Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show Feb 12: https://calendar.westworldaz.com/u/8b2e99f0b7?utm_source=bewith&utm_medium=copy-url
Global Championships Arabian Tour Feb 13: https://calendar.westworldaz.com/scottsdaleaz_westworld/calendar

Cave Creek: Cave Creek is known for its unique blend of rugged Sonoran Desert landscapes, rich Western heritage, and vibrant arts and culture scene. It offers activities like hiking, horseback riding, live music, unique shops, and historic sites, all with a quirky small-town atmosphere. It's located in the foothils north of Phoenix and many of your rides will go near, or thru, this area. It's a fun place to visit. https://maps.app.goo.gl/g48mZbo8XDMtFNQ36

Taliesin West: Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home and desert laboratory. On our local rides, we've ridden to this home countless times. It's located in a really picturesque part of the Sonoran Desert.  https://franklloydwright.org/
Frank Lloyd Wright's last home built: If you feel like splerging on your digs, this is availabe to rent on AirBnB and VRBO. If you do rent it, you need to invite me over for a visit! Also of note, when we want to climb a stupidly steep hill, this home is located on the road we choose. https://normanlykes.com/

Questions? Send me an EMAIL
-Mike
AZ Randonneurs RBA