Experience Scottsdale - (Page 5) THE LIST Night-Vision Desert Tours Afraid of the dark? Then grab your blankie and skip ahead to the next item on “The List.” Otherwise, get ready to plunge into a whole new world as you explore the desert under the inky blackness of the night sky! Night-vision off-road tours by Jeep or Hummer, the perfect complement to their daytime counterparts, provide a fascinating glimpse into the nocturnal happenings of the Sonoran Desert. 3 Equipped with high-tech thermal imaging and night-vision scopes, you’ll spot coyotes, javelina, bobcats and other wildlife as your guide entertains you with stories of the desert after dark. Since most desert species are more active when the sun goes down, particularly during the summer months, night-vision tours offer excellent opportunities to see animals in action. And, if your guide offers to take you on a scorpion hunt, don’t pass it up! These common desert insects have exoskeletons that fluoresce under ultraviolet light and glow bright yellow with night-vision equipment. There’s no doubt about it – night-vision desert tours are the ultimate nighttime adventure story! 4 Play on the Salt River Get your feet wet with a rafting, kayaking or tubing trip down the Salt River! Located just east of Scottsdale, the Lower Salt River is a lush riparian area offering abundant wildlife and desert foliage. explore the great sonoran desert 5 Hike Camelback Mountain If you’re looking for a challenging hike that rewards you with miles-wide panoramic views of Scottsdale and the Valley of the Sun, Camelback Mountain is a “must-do” on your itinerary. Named for its resemblance to a dozing dromedary, Camelback Mountain is a well-known Valley landmark that was designated as an Indian reservation in the late 1800s, then fell into private hands during the 1940s. Thanks to the efforts of local citizens, including the legendary Barry Goldwater, a land exchange was formalized in 1968 that has protected the mountain from development and kept it open for public recreation. The two summit trails, Cholla Trail and the aptly named Summit Trail (Echo Canyon), are technically difficult, strenuous and best suited for experienced hikers. The Cholla Trail runs approximately 1.5 miles (one way) from the trailhead to the mountain’s saddle and offers an elevation gain of 1,200 feet. For many people, the saddle makes an excellent stopping and turn-around point. It offers breathtaking views of the Valley and distant mountain ranges. Adventurous souls will want to continue on to the final stretch of the Cholla Trail, which involves some climbing and occasional bouldering, and is best approached with a good measure of caution. The steep Summit Trail winds approximately 1.2 miles (one way) through spectacular sandstone rock formations and boasts an elevation gain of 1,264 feet. Railings have been installed on the steepest sections of the trail and are quite helpful. Like the Cholla Trail, the Summit Trail offers spectacular scenic vistas, as well as the opportunity to enjoy the mountain’s abundant flora and fauna. For more information on other exciting outdoor adventures, visit ExploreInScottsdale.com 5 http://www.ExploreInScottsdale.com
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