Tucked away in the high Sonoran Desert just north of Scottsdale, The Boulders is renowned for a world-class resort experience that includes championship golf and tennis, a luxurious spa, and an exceptional level of service. But this extraordinary desert hideaway is also a threshold to a host of outdoor adventure activities that transcend traditional resort activities and begin right in The Boulders own 1,300-acre backyard, from helicopter tours and horseback riding to rock climbing and even desert fly fishing.
Rock Climbing: The surrounding high desert and striking rock formations provide the perfect environment for rock climbing. Designed for adventurous guests who love the thrill and a challenge, the clinics are taught by the Boulders’ professional guides and guests can learn a classic “crack” climb as well as a “face” climb. Two carefully selected routes are ideal for beginners or experienced climbers.
Desert Fly Fishing: Taught by the Boulders’ Orvis Certified instructor, guests ranging from children to adults, learn fly fishing techniques on the Club Lake at the golf course set amidst the beautiful desert flora and fauna. In addition to the serene setting and catching an abundance of fish, there are also plentiful sightings of colorful birds ranging from Red Northern Cardinals, Cactus Wren and Quail to Song Birds, Blue Heron, Red Tail Hawks and American Kestrels Falcons.
Grand Canyon & Sedona Flights: Guests staying at the Boulders don’t need to rent a car or drive to the airport. Private helicopters take off and land right from the resort’s own private helipad allowing guests to visit Arizona’s natural wonders such as the Grand Canyon and the magnificent red rocks of Sedona.
Horseback Rides: Since The Boulders “Windwalker Horseback” rides take place right at the edge of the resort’s property, guests don’t have to take a lengthy car ride to get to a remote horseback riding location. The nearby horse trails gently wind through an array of natural desert vegetation and hillsides giving the rider a panoramic view of the surrounding valley. The guided trail rides can accommodate both novice riders and experienced equestrians.
Desert Hiking: The Boulders experienced trail guide takes guests on natural hiking trails through the 1,300 acre resort property. Hiking trails bring guests to remote areas where baby bobcats are born or to see Native American petroglyphs and even a “matte” kitchen used by the ancient peoples. Trails are customized for both the leisure and the experienced hiker. The new “scramble” trail is a ¾ mile hike that winds through and around the boulder formations providing spectacular views without a vertical climb. The hike is recommended for ages 8 and up.
Hot-air Ballooning: Exhilarating hot air balloon rides take off right from the property, thanks to the wide open Sonoran desert at the Boulders, a perfect takeoff and landing spot. Flights are offered at sunrise and sunset and include breakfast.
Bicycle Tours: The Boulders professional guides offer several bicycle tours: Residential Bike Tours on the new comfortable Hybrid bicycles, is a leisurely ride ranging from one to two hours. A advanced “Road Bike Tour” on the new high-end carbon-frame road bikes, are carefully planned 30-50 mile paved bicycle routes with 70-mile panoramic views, desert lakes, cliffs, and some of Arizona’s most dramatic natural landscape!
Mountain Biking: Acres and acres of stunning natural mountain bike trails begin right at the Boulders Resort. Challenging single and double-track mountain bike trails provide an outdoor-adventure paradise amidst indigenous desert wildlife and towering saguaro cacti that dot the landscape with wildflowers that bloom in vivid shades of magenta, gold and lavender. This ride can be done with or without a guide.
For more information on these and other speciality programs, contact them at www.theboulders.com.
The Boulders – Luxury near Scottsdale
