Now that the weather is cooling in the Okanagan, your favourite outdoor activities aren’t as enjoyable, or even possible, as they were in the summer. Staying active outside is no fun in the cold and rain, and now that the sun is setting earlier, the outdoor pastimes you love to do are cut much shorter than you’d like them to be. 

It’s time to take a trip down to a different desert valley; Phoenix, Arizona. In Phoenix, the weather is the perfect temperature to continue enjoying the hobbies that you’ve practiced all summer in Kelowna. Luckily, the Kelowna International Airport offers regular flights to the Valley of the Sun, so getting there is easy!  

You’ll be excited to find out that the average temperature in the fall is 25 degrees celsius. Phoenix sure sounds like a good idea now, doesn’t it? The internationally-known desert city has some of the most amazing hiking, golfing and exciting live sporting events to see.

Hike the desert valley

Similar to Kelowna, hiking is just a stone's throw away with mountains dispersed throughout the city. 

Strap on some hiking shoes and soak in the amazing red rock and desert flora. There are hikes of various skill levels for you to enjoy an urban yet ruggedly scenic style of hiking. Some of these hiking spots make excellent spots to view the sunset, just make sure to check the closing times of the parks.

For a more difficult hike, Camelback Mountain, located in Scottsdale, has some spectacular views. You can choose from either the Echo Canyon or Cholla trails; both will take you on beautiful routes to the top, however, Cholla has a steeper incline with no man-made assistance. Echo Canyon has metal-pole bars built to hang on to as you make the climb up to the peak.

Phoenix Mountains Preserve has trails from easy to expert level in difficulty, and the sign at the trailhead will help you decide which trail to hike. For a moderate hike with pleasant views, explore the desert canyon by hiking the Dreamy Draw Nature Trail.

The trail offers views of Piestewa Peak and Sonoran trees. An extra plus-the preserve is centrally located, so you won’t have to make a long drive out of the city to get to it.

Sometimes, it’s nice to just enjoy the serenity of nature without getting your heart rate up. Cruise through Desert Botanical Gardens, home to some of Arizona’s most beautiful desert flora. Observe art exhibits that are placed throughout the gardens and learn about the different types of cacti, trees and flowers from all around the world

Another park definitely worth checking out, not located in the metro area of Phoenix but definitely worth the drive, is Red Rock State Park. The park is a nature preserve that also offers a visitors center, classroom, theatre, park store, ramada and hiking trails.

This park is surely an outdoor lover's playground; climb upon the red sandstone and play in the desert canyon. You can also try mountain biking and horseback riding while you’re there!

Get your cheer on 

Sometimes rather than doing sports, it is a lot more fun to watch them! Grab a beer and a hot dog and watch an Arizona Cardinals Football Game. Join a crowd of 15,000 people in the State Farm Stadium and cheer on the home team as they score a touchdown.

There really is no other place to experience team spirit like an American college football game. The Arizona State Sun Devils play at the Sun Devil Football Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. College football games are definitely not just for college students; families and people of all ages love going to the games!

If hockey is more up your alley, an Arizona Coyotes Game at the Gila River Arena in Glendale, not far from central Phoenix, is tons of fun as well. The hockey season is just getting its start and it might be fun to experience Canada’s favourite game in America!

Hit the green

Phoenix isn't just desert, there is also lots of greenery to be found. So don’t forget to pack your golf clubs, Phoenix is home to some award-winning golf courses. There are 185 courses to choose from but don’t worry, we’ve got some excellent suggestions based on the beauty and unique game experience of the courses.

Troon North Golf Club is a true classic when it comes to the desert golf experience. With two 18-hole courses, immaculately groomed grass and fascinating cacti dispersed along the fairway, teeing off at Troon North is a golf enthusiast’s dream come true.

Another great golf course in the Valley of Sun is SunRidge Canyon Golf Club. Tackle the uphills and upscale landscaping with stunning views of the desert mountains. Your game will start off easy and then slowly become more challenging with steady elevation gains.

After your game, have a bite to eat as you watch a gorgeous sunset at Wicked Six Bar and Grill, a well-known and delicious restaurant in the valley.

A unique golf course, Boulders Golf Resort is a picturesque golf arena with massive boulders spread throughout the green. This range is internationally renowned for their North Course and South Course.

Take swings as you spot desert jackrabbits, coyotes or javelina during your play in the North Course. The South Course has golf holes that take you right through the boulders and up to “Boulder Pile” and “Rosie’s Rock.” When the sun sets, the boulders are elegantly lit, which makes for a romantic ambiance.

Well what are you waiting for? Because waiting until next season here in the Okanagan means give up your favourite activties for atleast 5 months! Whether you’re an expert hiker, golf player, team sports fan, or just wanting to get out of Kelowna and find refuge in more pleasant temperatures, Phoenix is the perfect destination for your next getaway!

WestJet runs non-stop flights twice per week from The Kelowna International Airport to Phoenix from Oct. 29th, 2018 to April 27th, 2019, on Mondays and Saturdays. Indirect flights with connections through Seattle, Calgary and Vancouver are also available at other times of the year. To find a full list of destinations and airlines at YLW, visit ylw.kelowna.ca.

The Kelowna International Airport (YLW) is Kelowna's gateway to the rest of the world. Serving 1.9 million passengers in 2017 each year, YLW is one of Canada's 11th busiest airports in Canada.

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