North Scottsdale was practically built for active aging. The corridor between the McDowell Mountains and Fountain Hills offers some of the flattest, most scenic paved paths in Arizona, a nationally recognized desert preserve with dedicated accessible trails, walkable Fountain Hills art and history stops, and a stretch of golf courses and open-air shopping villages within a few minutes of home.
The best part is how close everything is. From the McDowell Mountain area, you can be at a shaded park bench, an accessible desert loop, a boutique retail row, or an award-winning golf course in about ten minutes or less. That combination of scenery and convenience is exactly what makes staying active after 55 feel easy rather than effortful.
This guide rounds up 17 of the best things to do in North Scottsdale for active seniors, organized from the easiest, closest outings to fuller-day desert and Fountain Hills adventures. For each one, you will find a quick note on effort and accessibility so you can match the activity to your energy on any given day. Use the table of contents below to jump straight to what interests you, or read start to finish for a full itinerary of ideas.
Table of Contents
Easygoing Outdoors Close to Home
- Stroll McDowell Mountain Ranch Park
- Browse DC Ranch Market Street Center
- Take an Easy Desert Walk on the Bajada Nature Trail
- Loop the Easy Horseshoe Trail at Gateway
- Loop the Jane Rau Trail at Brown’s Ranch
Sonoran Desert Nature and Easy Hikes
- Hike the North Trail at McDowell Mountain Regional Park
- Visit the McDowell Mountain Regional Park Nature Center
- Join a Free Guided Hike with the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy
Arts, History, and the Fountain in Fountain Hills
- Watch the World Famous Fountain at Fountain Park
- Explore the Fountain Hills Public Art Walk
- Step Inside the River of Time Museum
Open-Air Shopping and Community Strolls
Golf and a Full Day at the Course
Easygoing Outdoors Close to Home
1. Stroll McDowell Mountain Ranch Park
McDowell Mountain Ranch Park is a friendly neighborhood park with paved multi-use paths, shaded seating, and desert views that make it easy to fit a walk into your morning without leaving the community. The park is open from sunrise to 10:30 p.m., so early risers and sunset walkers both have room to enjoy the space.
- Effort and accessibility: Low. Paved paths with shade and benches.
- Getting there: 15525 N. Thompson Peak Parkway, minutes from home.
Learn more: City of Scottsdale Parks
2. Browse DC Ranch Market Street Center
Only about a mile north, DC Ranch Market Street Center is an open-air neighborhood hub with restaurants, cafes, and boutique shops connected by flat, walkable promenades. It is an easy stop for a light stroll paired with lunch, coffee, or an unhurried afternoon of window shopping.
- Effort and accessibility: Low. Flat, paved outdoor walkways with plenty of seating.
- Getting there: About 1 mile north of the community.
Learn more: DC Ranch Market Street
3. Take an Easy Desert Walk on the Bajada Nature Trail
If you want the beauty of the Sonoran Desert without the strain, the Bajada Nature Trail at the Gateway Trailhead is the perfect introduction. This half-mile, flat, ADA-accessible loop features educational placards about desert plants and wildlife, plus views you would normally have to hike for. The Gateway Trailhead has restrooms, parking, and shade, and the same trailhead is your jump-off point for the rest of the Preserve’s easier loops.
- Effort and accessibility: Low. Wide, packed surface, ADA-accessible, with trailhead amenities.
- Getting there: Gateway Trailhead, about 2.5 miles east of the community.
Learn more: McDowell Sonoran Conservancy
4. Loop the Easy Horseshoe Trail at Gateway
For a little more distance from the same convenient Gateway Trailhead, the Horseshoe Loop is a 1.7-mile easy loop with lovely cactus and mountain scenery. There are no steep sections, and the trailhead offers the same restrooms and shaded parking as the Bajada Trail, making it easy to combine the two on a single visit.
- Effort and accessibility: Low to moderate. Flat, well-marked loop with no steep sections; trailhead amenities.
- Getting there: Gateway Trailhead, about 2.5 miles east of the community.
Learn more: City of Scottsdale Preserve
5. Loop the Jane Rau Trail at Brown's Ranch
Named for one of the Preserve’s founding volunteers, the Jane Rau Trail is a short, flat interpretive loop at the Brown’s Ranch trailhead. Wide crushed granite, gentle grade, and interpretive signage make it a favorite for a relaxed morning desert walk with plenty to read along the way.
- Effort and accessibility: Low. Short, flat, interpretive loop with signage.
- Getting there: Brown’s Ranch Trailhead in North Scottsdale.
Learn more: City of Scottsdale Preserve
Sonoran Desert Nature and Easy Hikes
6. Hike the North Trail at McDowell Mountain Regional Park
For a little more distance without steep climbs, the North Trail is a 3.1-mile easy loop at McDowell Mountain Regional Park, with rolling desert terrain, saguaros, and long views back toward the McDowell range. Pair it with a short stop at the Nature Center to make a comfortable half-day outing.
- Effort and accessibility: Low to moderate. Well-marked, moderate loop with no steep sections.
- Getting there: 16300 McDowell Mountain Park Drive, Fountain Hills.
7. Visit the McDowell Mountain Regional Park Nature Center
The park’s Nature Center is a welcome shady stop with exhibits on Sonoran Desert wildlife, plants, and geology. From November 1 through April 30, it is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, and from May 1 through October 31 it is open 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closed Sunday.
- Effort and accessibility: Low. Indoor, accessible facility with restrooms and parking.
- Getting there: Inside McDowell Mountain Regional Park in Fountain Hills.
8. Join a Free Guided Hike with the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy
The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy offers dozens of free guided hikes and educational walks between October and April each year, held at trailheads across the Preserve. Most walks are short, unhurried, and interpretive, with knowledgeable stewards stopping often to talk about desert plants, wildlife, and history.
- Effort and accessibility: Low to moderate. Short, easy pace with frequent stops; contact the Conservancy in advance for accommodations.
- Getting there: Various trailheads across the Preserve.
Arts, History, and the Fountain in Fountain Hills
9. Watch the World Famous Fountain at Fountain Park
Fountain Park is a 64-acre lakeside park in Fountain Hills built around one of the tallest fountains in the world. The fountain runs for 15 minutes every hour on the hour from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, wind permitting, and the paved perimeter path is a scenic, flat loop with plenty of benches and shade.
- Effort and accessibility: Low. Flat, paved paths and lakeside benches.
- Getting there: 12925 N. Saguaro Boulevard, Fountain Hills.
Learn more: Fountain Park, Town of Fountain Hills
10. Explore the Fountain Hills Public Art Walk
Fountain Hills has quietly built one of the most walkable outdoor art collections in the East Valley. The Public Art Walk winds through Centennial Circle, the Avenue of the Fountains median, and the Community Center and Library grounds, all connected by flat sidewalks and shaded seating.
- Effort and accessibility: Low. Flat sidewalks and benches; free to enjoy.
- Getting there: Downtown Fountain Hills, near the Community Center
Learn more: Experience Fountain Hills: Public Art
11. Step Inside the River of Time Museum
For a short, cool break from the sunshine, the River of Time Museum tells the story of the Lower Verde River Valley, Fort McDowell, and the founding of Fountain Hills through friendly, walkable exhibits. It is a small museum by design, easy to see in an hour, and a great pairing with a fountain visit next door.
- Effort and accessibility: Low. Indoor, accessible, with benches for resting.
- Getting there: 12901 N. La Montana Boulevard, Fountain Hills.
Learn more: River of Time Museum
Open-Air Shopping and Community Strolls
12. Wander Kierland Commons
Just west of the Scottsdale Airport, Kierland Commons is a walkable, main-street style shopping village with high-end retail, casual and upscale dining, and comfortable outdoor seating. It is one of the easiest ways to combine light exercise, lunch, and a browse into a single relaxed outing.
- Effort and accessibility: Low. Flat, walkable streets with abundant seating and shade structures.
- Getting there: 15210 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale
Learn more: Kierland Commons
13. Browse Scottsdale Quarter
Directly across from Kierland Commons, Scottsdale Quarter offers a slightly more contemporary open-air shopping and dining experience, with a central plaza, seasonal water features, and a mix of national brands and local favorites. Pair the two centers for a full afternoon of easy walking and browsing.
- Effort and accessibility: Low. Flat outdoor plaza with benches and shade sails.
- Getting there: 15279 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale
Learn more: Scottsdale Quarter
14. Catch an Event at WestWorld of Scottsdale
WestWorld of Scottsdale is the East Valley’s flagship event venue, hosting equestrian shows, arts festivals, auto and antique expos, and community events throughout the year. Grounds are large but level, with shaded pavilions and accessible seating at most events, making it an easy way to sample something new close to home.
- Effort and accessibility: Low to moderate. Level grounds with shade and accessible seating at most events.
- Getting there: 16601 N Pima Rd, Scottsdale
Learn more: WestWorld of Scottsdale
Golf and a Full Day at the Course
15. Play a Round at Grayhawk Golf Club
Grayhawk Golf Club is a Scottsdale favorite with two championship courses, an approachable practice facility, and a clubhouse that welcomes casual and serious golfers alike. Cart-friendly layouts and multiple tee options let you set the pace for a comfortable morning or afternoon on the course.
- Effort and accessibility: Low to moderate with a cart. Multiple tee options for every skill level.
- Getting there: 8620 E Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale
Learn more: Grayhawk Golf Club
16. Enjoy a Casual Round at McDowell Mountain Golf Club
Managed by Arcis Golf, McDowell Mountain Golf Club is a friendlier, less formal option that is easy to play year-round. Rolling desert-style fairways, forgiving landing areas, and a relaxed clubhouse make it a comfortable choice for a casual round with friends.
- Effort and accessibility: Low to moderate with a cart. Beginner-friendly layout with easy pacing.
- Getting there: 10690 E Sheena Dr, Scottsdale
Learn more: McDowell Mountain Golf Club
17. Tee It Up at TPC Scottsdale
For a bucket-list round, TPC Scottsdale is home to two courses and the famed Stadium Course used for the annual PGA TOUR event. Both courses offer forward tees, cart paths, and impeccable service, making it possible to enjoy tournament-caliber golf at your own pace.
- Effort and accessibility: Low to moderate with a cart. Forward tees and cart paths on both courses.
- Getting there: 8243 E Bell Rd, Scottsdale
Learn more: TPC Scottsdale
Making the Most of an Active Life in North Scottsdale
The beauty of North Scottsdale is that staying active does not have to mean a strenuous hike or a packed schedule. A quiet morning at McDowell Mountain Ranch Park, an accessible desert loop at Gateway, a stop at the fountain in Fountain Hills, or nine easy holes at McDowell Mountain Golf Club all count, and they are all close to home.
The best activity is the one that leaves you feeling confident, connected, and looking forward to the next outing. Mix and match from the list above based on your energy, the season, and who you would like to bring along, and you will never run short of things to do near McDowell Mountain.
See Life at Revel McDowell Mountain
Discover Your Next Chapter at Revel McDowell Mountain
Every activity on this list is even better when it is right outside your door. Revel McDowell Mountain is a vibrant independent living community built for active adults who want to make the most of everything North Scottsdale has to offer, from morning walks in the Sonoran Desert to afternoons at Fountain Park and easy rounds of golf just minutes away.
Here, staying engaged is effortless. Residents enjoy a full calendar of social events, on-site fitness programming, chef-prepared dining, and curated outings to many of the destinations featured above, all backed by a maintenance-free lifestyle that frees you up to focus on what you love.
Ready to see how close the good life really is?
- Explore the Revel McDowell Mountain Community and picture your next chapter.
- See Floor Plans at Revel McDowell Mountain and find the layout that fits your lifestyle.
- Tour the Amenities at Revel McDowell Mountain and see what daily life looks like.
- Contact the Revel McDowell Mountain Team with any questions about life in the community.
Come see why so many active seniors are choosing to call Revel McDowell Mountain home.
“If you’re considering independent living, Revel Scottsdale offers a unique approach that maximizes the benefits of this lifestyle. With resort-style amenities, restaurant-style dining, social events, and wellness programs, Revel allows seniors to live in comfort while enjoying the lifestyle of their choice.
Residents are free to form new friendships, pursue new interests, and create new memories in a vibrant, luxurious environment. “
What Our Members
Are Saying
Experience the Energy at Revel
At Revel, staying active feels natural, not scheduled. From movement and creativity to food, culture, and connection, the lifestyle supports active senior living in ways that feel personal and energizing. Whether you prefer quiet independence or lively group experiences, there is always something to look forward to.
