Ponderosa Stables

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city by taking a self-guided quarter-mile nature trail that features over 1,500 recorded petroglyphs on nearly 600 boulders, native desert plants, and animals in their natural habitat at the Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve. The preserve also has historical research data and displays of ongoing Southwest archaeology research by ASU faculty and students. The museum, gallery, trail, and free audio tour are available for the petroglyph trail. The university has been operating, protecting, and preserving the site since 1994, and there are plenty of opportunities to explore and learn more about the area and indigenous cultures through guided tours, publications, and ongoing lecture series.

Enjoy a refreshing float down the peaceful Salt River, surrounded by stunning scenery and soaking up the Arizona sun at the Salt River Tubing & Recreation. Remember to rent a tube for your cooler and leave all the details to them. Make a reservation, show up in your swimsuit and flip-flops, and prepare for a great time. And if you're planning a group outing, check out the VIP group reservations, which let you skip the lines and enjoy a leisurely float with 20 or more people.