With over 300 days of sunshine per year, Phoenix is the ideal location for outdoor activities with dry warm fantastic year-round weather.
Mild winters make Phoenix a year-round destination.

Only ½ mile from the hotel is Phoenix Mountain Preserve which provides excellent terrain for hiking and mountain biking.
Within 10 minutes, enjoy Camelback Mountain for hiking and viewing the entire Valley.
The city’s location lends itself to hot air ballooning, cycling, golfing, rock climbing, bouldering, geocaching, bird watching, fishing, horseback riding and much more.

There are over 140 outdoor activities in Phoenix but the most popular outdoor activities are golfing, hiking, horseback riding, hot air balloons and scenic day trips in to the nearby desert or to one of the nearby mountain towns.

Hiking/Biking Trails

• Dreamy Draw Park / Piestewa Peak (formerly Squaw Peak)

2421 East Northern Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85020
Ph (602) 262-6696
A half-mile from the hotel and surrounding the base of 2,608-foot Piestewa Peak, the Phoenix Mountains Park and Recreation Area and Dreamy Draw Park are gateways into diverse desert that offers everything from fantastic views to secluded valleys. Thousands of hikers each year hike the popular — and grueling — trail to the summit of Piestewa Peak. But you don’t have to fight crowds to enjoy the area — the area boasts dozens of miles of trails that allow you to enjoy the glory of the Sonoran Desert in relative solitude.

• Camelback Mountain

East McDonald Drive at Tatum Boulevard
Phoenix, AZ
Ph (602) 256-3220
Camelback Mountain, is the premier Phoenix landmark. Tilted layers of red rocks resemble a camel’s head and a reclining back. The “camel” can be seen on the left (west) end, lying on a much larger and higher mass (the “Camel’s” hump) of Summit elevation is 2704 ft (824 m) — the peak rises about 1600 ft (488 m) above the elevation of downtown Phoenix.

•The Trailhead Bike Shop and Café

6825 North 16th Street A9 Phoenix, AZ Ph (602) 264-2328
Rent bikes for exploring Phoenix and nearby mountain biking trails

Tours/Horseback Riding/Ballooning

• Red Rock Western Jeep Tours

928-282-6667 or 800-848-7728
“Western hospitality for over 24 years in Sedona”
Ask about our special negotiated rates with BEST WESTERN InnSuites Phoenix Biltmore/Scottsdale!

• Cave Creek Trailrides

623-742-6700 or 877-942-6700
Cave Creek Trailrides is offering horse trailrides to the recreating public providing outstanding customer service. We offer 1 hour, 1.5 hour, 2 hour, 3 hour and Sunset rides of 1 hour or 1.5 hour in length.
Ask about our special negotiated rates with BEST WESTERN InnSuites Phoenix Biltmore/Scottsdale!

• Aerogelic Ballooning

17822 N 10th Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85023
Ph (866)359-8329
Aerogelic Ballooning offers adventures anywhere in Arizona. An aerial tour along with postflight champagne and continental brunch.

• Arizona Desert Mountain Tours

6303 E Cochise
Scottsdale, AZ 85253
Ph (480) 860-1777
A wonderful world of adventure awaits you at Arizona Desert Mountain Jeep Tours. They cater to individuals, families, or groups. Being the oldest and one of the largest tour companies they can accommodate groups of 2 to 400 people!

• Open Road Tours

522 E Dunlap
Phoenix, AZ 85020
Ph (800)766-7117
Fax (602)997-2276
Open Road offers sightseeing and adventures including the Grand Canyon, Sedona, city tours and more. Let us design your vacation!

• Across Arizona Tours

3213 E Rosemonte Dr.
Phoenix, AZ 85050
Ph (602) 233-1813
Across Arizona Tours is dedicated to quality and to your complete satisfaction. Our staff is the most professional in Arizona. Our tours are conducted by the finest guides in deluxe vehicles.

• Adventure Jeep Tours

13626 S 32nd Street
Phoenix, AZ 85044
Ph (480) 510-5247
Drive a Jeep Rubicon through Arizona’s rugged and beautiful backcountry. Rentals and guided tours available. In either case you drive the most capable Jeep 4×4 ever produced.

• Vaughan’s Southwest Custom Tours

PO Box 31250
Phoenix, AZ 85046
Ph (800)513-1381
Fax (602)992-5596
Celebrating 21 years of Excellence! Scheduled one-day van tours. Grand Canyon & Navajo Indian Reservation, Sedona with Montezuma’s Castle and Jerome, Los Algodones (Mexico), Apache Trail with Dolly’s Steamboat, local city tour with Pueblo Grande Museum. Our knowledgeable staff awaits your call.

• Arizona Classic Jeep Tours

938 W Glenrosa Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85013
Ph (602) 264-8433
Sunset/sunrise tours, authentic Western cookouts, horseback rides. Custom group tours and catered events.

• Arizona Hummer Tours

2934 W Evans
Phoenix, AZ 85053
Ph (602) 692-7124
Arizona’s Best Hummer Adventure! Explore the Sonoran Desert, Indian ruins and turquoise mine. Descend Hummer Hill! Exciting, beautiful and informative all rolled into one.

BEST WESTERN Phoenix InnSuites Hotel and Suites Biltmore/Scottsdale is your sports connection–just a few miles on SR-51 to Downtown Phoenix Sports Events including US Airways Center (Basketball), Chase Field (Baseball).
Likewise, BEST WESTERN Phoenix InnSuites Hotel and Suites Biltmore/Scottsdale is also just a few miles on Northern Avenue to the Glendale sports activities including the University of Phoenix Stadium (Home of the Arizona Cardinals) and Glendale Arena (Home of the Phoenix Coyotes).
The University of Phoenix Stadium is the host of the Fiesta Bowl, Insight Bowl, BCS and other Regional National Championships.

• Chase Field AZ Diamondbacks – Baseball

Home of the Arizona Diamondbacks
401 E. Jefferson
Phoenix, AZ 85004
For ticket information call: (602) 514-8400

• US Airways Center Phoenix Suns Arena – Basketball / Arena Football

Home of the Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury, and the Arizona Rattlers
201 East Jefferson Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
For ticket information call: (602) 379-7800

• Jobing.com Phoenix Coyotes Arena – Hockey

Home of the Phoenix Coyotes
5800 W. Glenn Drive, Suite 350
Glendale, AZ 85301
For ticket information call: (623) 463-8800

• University of Phoenix AZ Cardinals Arena – Football

Home of the Arizona Cardinals
1 Cardinals Way
Glendale, AZ 85305
For ticket information call: (623) 433-7000

• Sun Devil Stadium – Football

Home of the Arizona State Sun Devils
500 E Veterans Way
Tempe, AZ 85281
For ticket information call: (480) 965-2381

• Phoenix Greyhound Park – Dog Racing

3801 East Washington Street
Phoenix, AZ 85034
Ph 602-273-7181
info@phoenixgreyhoundpark.com
Phoenix Greyhound Park has been a landmark in Phoenix area sports and entertainment for more than 40 years. It is a sure bet for night-time entertainment for nearly one million visitors each year who pass through the doors of the $17 million Grandstand or any one of its 35 off-track betting locations throughout the gate.

• Phoenix International Raceway – Nascar

Home of the NASCAR Nextel, Busch & Craftsman Truck Series Arizona Races & Indy Race League Arizona Race 125 S. Avondale Blvd.
Avondale, AZ 85323
For ticket information call: (602) 252-2227

• Turf Paradise Horse Racing

1501 West Bell Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85023
Ph (602) 942-1101
Turf Paradise imports simulcast signals from around the coutry to bring you, the racing fan, the best thoroughbred racing there is to offer. Simulcast racing is available at Turf Paradise seven days a week 364 days per year.

While the winter season is sure to be the perfect time to golf, summer is a great time for beginners as well as veteran golfers. The atmosphere is more relaxed; some courses relax their dress code. Also, because the courses are less crowded, players aren’t as likely to feel pressured to speed up their game and there are fewer eyes watching when you tee off. Plus, courses that are out of reach, either because of high green fees or scarce tee times, suddenly woo Arizona’s 500,000 golfers with drastically reduced rates and perks such as free golf balls, meals and unlimited practice time. Most courses drop their rates by as much as 75% in the summer.
Arizona has more than 300 municipal and resort courses that are open to the public. Here are some that are recommended by the locals:
Arizona Biltmore Country Club

• Adobe Course, 24th St & E Missouri Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85016, (602)955-9655, resort, 36 hole, 6428 yds, Par 72
• Links Course, 24th St & E Missouri Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85016, (602)955-9655, resort, 36 hole, 6300 yds, Par 71
• El Caro Golf Club, 2222 W Royal Palm Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85021, (602)995-2117, public, 18 hole, 3330 yds, Par 60
• Legacy Golf Resort, The, 6808 S 32nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85042, (602)305-5550, public, 18 hole, 6780 yds, Par 71
• Lookout Mountain GC at Tapatio Cliffs, 11111 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85020, (602)866-6356, 18 hole, 6611 yds, Par 72
• Cave Creek Golf Course, 15202 N 19th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85023, (602)866-8076, public, 18 hole, 6876 yds, Par 72
• The 500 Club, 4707 W Pinnacle Peak Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85310, (623)492-9500, public, 18 hole, 6867 yds, Par 72
• Club West Golf Course, 16400 S 14th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85045, (480)460-4400, public, 18 hole, 7057 yds, Par 72
• Dove Vly Rnch GC, 33244 N Black Mountain Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85327, (480)473-1444, public, 18 hole, 7011 yds, Par 72
• Encanto Nine Golf Course, 2300 N 17th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85007, (602)262-6870, public, 9 hole, 3420 yds, Par 60
• Encanto Park Golf Course, 2705 N 15th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85007, (602)253-3963, public, 18 hole, 6386 yds, Par 70
• Foothills Golf Club, The, 2201 E Clubhouse Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85048, (480)460-4653, public, 18 hole, 6968 yds, Par 72
• Lakes At Ahwatukee, The, 13431 S 44th St, Phoenix, AZ 85044, (480)893-3004, public, 18 hole, 4019 yds, Par 60
• Maryvale Municipal Golf Course, 5902 W Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85033, (623)846-4022, public, 18 hole
• Ocotillo Golf Resort, 3751 S. Clubhouse Dr, Chandler 480-917-6660
• Palo Verde Golf Course, 6215 N 15th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85015, (602)249-9930, public, 9 hole, 1820 yds, Par 30
• Papago Golf Course, 5595 E Moreland St, Phoenix, AZ 85008, (602)275-8428, public, 18 hole, 7068 yds, Par 72
• Phoenician, The, 6000 E. Camelback Rd, Phoenix 480-423-2449.
• Raven Golf Club at South Mtn, 3636 E Baseline Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85040, (602)243-3636, public, 18 hole, 7078 yds, Par 72
• TPC of Scottsdale, 17020 North Hayden Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, Ph (480) 585-4334
• Troon North Golf Club, 10320 E. Dynamite Blvd., Scottsdale 480-585-7700
• Villa de Paz Golf Course, 4220 N 103rd Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85037, (623)877-1172, public, 18 hole, 6140 yds, Par 72
• Vistal Golf Club
  18-Hole Championship Course, 701 E Thunderbird Tr, Phx, AZ 85040, (602)305-7755, public, 27 hole, Par 71
  9-Hole Par 3 Short Course, 701 E Thunderbird Tr, Phoenix, AZ 85040, (602)305-7755, public, 27 hole, Par 27
• WeKoPa Golf Club, 18200 E. Ton Vee Circle, Fountain Hills 480-836-9000
• Wigwam Golf Club, 451 N. Litchfield Road, Litchfield Park 623-935-9414
• Wildfire Golf Club
  Faldo Championship Course, 5225 E Pathfinder Dr, Phx, AZ 85054, (480)473-0205, resort, 36 hole, 6846 yds, Par 71
  Palmer Signature Course, 5225 E Pathfinder Dr, Phx, AZ 85054, (480)473-0205, resort, 36 hole, 7145 yds, Par 72

Trying Your Hand at Summer Golf? Then, Here are a Few Tips:
Start Early. Although courses open near sunrise and golfers are still headed out to play near sunset, many veteran summer golfers avoid early morning because overnight watering creates humidity and damp turf. Others prefer the early-morning tee times to beat the heat.
Hydrate. This isn’t the time for a beer or margarita. Enjoy Gatorade and Bottled water available in clubhouses.
Shade. Look for courses, such as Arizona Biltmore, that have long stretches of fairway lined with mature shade trees.

Use sunscreen and reapply often. You’ll either sweat it off or towel it off as the day goes on.
Bring towels to wet and drape over head and shoulders along the back nine.
Dress for the heat. New fabrics used in golf attire absorb sweat, protect against ultraviolet light and keep you cooler. Wear hats and sunglasses.

The Phoenix Open is a nationally televised golf tournament, a part of the PGA Tour, held at the Tournament Players Club (TPC) of Scottsdale, Arizona around the last weekend in January.
The Phoenix Open began in 1932 but was discontinued after the 1935 tournament. The rebirth of the Phoenix Open came in 1939 when the vision of a dedicated golfer, Bob Goldwater, Sr. convinced fellow Thunderbirds into running the event.

The 4-day attendance of the tournament is usually around 500,000.
The most popular hole for spectators to watch is the 16th hole due to the “Amphitheatre” atmosphere of the hole, created by the stands erected every year before the tournament.
The hole could be described as “one big party”, with many students from the nearby Arizona State University. Poor shots at the 16th hole receive boos, because the hole is very easy by the PGA’s standards. Good shots, however, are cheered for loudly.

In addition to the golf, there is a concert/party held in the Scottsdale area called the Birds Nest, at which music artists like Huey Lewis and the News play.
This is the best attended golf tournament of every calendar year, and in 2008 the FBR Open set a PGA Tour single day attendance record with over 170,000 fans in attendance on Saturday, Feb. 2, as well as a tournament week attendance record of 538,356 fans.

The Thunderbirds are still highly active in the organization of the FBR Open. Portions of the proceeds are used by the Thunderbirds to fund Special Olympics activities in Phoenix.

For Phoenix Open tickets, information and more, visit wastemanagementphoenixopen.com.

Download the PDF schedule + training teams and ticket info : Cactus League Schedule 2014

2014 CACTUS LEAGUE SPRING TRAINING TEAM

GLENDALE
CHICAGO WHITE SOX & LOS ANGELES DODGERS
CAMELBACK RANCH GLENDALE

GOODYEAR
CLEVELAND INDIANS & CINCINNATI REDS
GOODYEAR BALLPARK

MARYVALE
MILWAUKEE BREWERS
MARYVALE BASEBALL PARK

MESA
CHICAGO CUBS
CUBS PARK

PEORIA
SAN DIEGO PADRES & SEATTLE MARINERS
PEORIA SPORTS COMPLEX

PHOENIX
OAKLAND A’S
PHOENIX MUNICIPAL STADIUM

SALT RIVER
Arizona Diamondbacks & Colorado Rockies
SALT RIVER FIELDS AT TALKING STICK

SCOTTSDALE
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS
SCOTTSDALE STADIUM

SURPRISE
KANSAS CITY ROYALS & TEXAS RANGERS
SURPRISE RECREATION CAMPUS

TEMPE
ANGELS BASEBALL
TEMPE DIABLO STADIUM