Water? In the Desert?
Phoenix was actually originally substantiated by the Papago Indians. They carved out canal systems from the Salt River that acted as both irrigation and a natural evaporative cooler systems to help tame this arid desert to an inhabitable place. Today many of those same canals are the paved water ways for continued farming, but most of the river was dammed into what is now the Tempe Town Lake (just a few blocks north of the Hotel).
WALK | Tempe Town Lake Trail Loop
COST: FREE | HOURS: Daily 24/7 | ATTIRE: SUNSCREEN! + shoes good to walk in | LENGTH: 5.5 mile loop
The Tempe Town Lake Beach Park is off of Mill Avenue and Rio Salado Parkway and it’s park has a paved path that runs from Priest Road to the west to Rural/Scottsdale Rd to the east — a 7.5 mile LOOP — and is frequented by 2.7 million walkers, joggers, bicyclists, rollerskaters, and recreational fisherman each year.
Along it’s path is the Tempe Center for the Arts, several volley ball courts, two marinas, multiple green belts, and several public artworks…along with a bride for the Valley Metro Rail — that is lit up with light installations at night. The trail can be taken into total or you can cut it down to a 1.5 miles off, if you cross the dam at the Tempe Center for the Arts (the white bridge).
FLOAT | Activities ON Tempe Town Lake
COST: $25-96 | HOURS: VARIES | ATTIRE: SUNSCREEN + something you are ok getting wet in | LENGTH: VARIES
Wanna make this trip a SPLASH? You could do Paddling Yoga ($25), learn to Paddleboard ($25), take an “Intro to Kayaking” class ($35), learn to row ($96)…or simply putter around on a paddle boat ($35)
COST: BIKE RENTAL: $10 | SEGWAY TOURS: $50 | HOURS: VARIES | SHOES: Closed toed shoes RECOMMENDED | LENGTH: Your heart’s desire
So who doesn’t love a good bike ride? Who has ever ridden a SEGWAY? Both would be amazing ways to spend an afternoon on the Tempe Town Lake. Bike rentals can be by the week — so no need to worry about rushing anywhere, or you can have segway tour effortlessly whisk you around Tempe (and/or Scottsdale). So many options!