Looking for a weekend getaway that offers epic desert hikes, stunning sunsets, unique things to do, and peaceful lake views? Fountain Hills, Arizona, is the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and small-town charm. Nestled just 30 minutes east of Phoenix and surrounded by the McDowell Mountains and Tonto National Forest, Fountain Hills is a hidden gem with easy access to the best of the Sonoran Desert.
Whether you’re into hiking, kayaking, or just relaxing with scenic views, this 3-day Fountain Hills itinerary will help you make the most of your weekend in Fountain Hills.
This post contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I truly love. I was also hosted by Best Western during my time in Fountain Hills, all opinions are my own 🙂
Table of Contents
Weekend in Fountain Hills: Quick Itinerary
Here’s a sneak peek into what to expect during this weekend trip to Fountain Hills! You can of course customize it to fit your interests…I’ve included more ideas at the end!
- Day 1: Arrival, Tom’s Thumb, & Macdonald’s Farm
- Day 2: The Wave Cave (or other hike in the Superstitions), Pool, Old Town
- Day 3: Fountain Hills Lake Overlook Trail (or Sunrise Peak), Kayaking the Salt River, & Departure
Getting to Fountain Hills
Fountain Hills is about 35 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, making it an easy destination to reach for a quick weekend trip (I flew in from DFW on Friday morning and left late Sunday night, so only 1 day of PTO was needed).
A rental car is the best way to explore the area, especially if you plan to hit the trails and venture into the nearby mountains. No need for 4-wheel drive for this itinerary!
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Fountain Hills is between October and April, when the weather is sunny and mild—perfect for hiking and outdoor activities. Spring brings blooming wildflowers (we were a just a few days too early) and lush desert landscapes, while fall offers warm days and cooler evenings.
Where to Stay in Fountain Hills
Fountain Park Hotel – BW Signature Collection
- Address: 12800 N Saguaro Blvd, Fountain Hills, AZ
- Average Nightly Stay: $140–$180/night
This cozy, updated hotel is located right next to the iconic Fountain Park, where the town’s namesake fountain puts on a show every hour. You’ll be close to restaurants, coffee shops, and trails, with comfortable rooms, free breakfast, and a relaxing outdoor pool.
It’s right between Phoenix and the Superstition Mountains, making it the perfect home base for your weekend of adventures!
Psst: Be sure to check the city’s calendar for local events. When we visited, we were able to walk across the street to the park and join their Music Festival! It was the best time dancing all night with the locals!
Check current pricing and availability here!
3-Day Fountain Hills Itinerary
Okay! Let’s dive into all the details. Below you’ll find exactly how to spend 3 days in (and near) Fountain Hills, Arizona.
Day 1: Arrival, Tom’s Thumb, & Macdonald’s Farm
Morning/Early Afternoon:
After arriving at PHX (make sure to book an early morning flight to make the most of your time), grab your rental car and drive 40ish minutes to Tom’s Thumb. This is a 4-mile trek that is rated hard on Alltrails. It’s a steady climb, but I didn’t find any part to be too difficult.
It was a great way to stretch your legs after traveling and take in the beauty of the desert. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy from the top!
Afternoon & Evening
After your hike, head to Macdonald’s Ranch to experience a western-style horseback ride and cowboy cookout. You’ll get to take a 1-hour horseback ride on their desert trail and then pig out on steak (or chicken or veggie) and plenty of sides! (My mouth is watering just looking at that pic below!)
There was live music throughout dinner and smores for dessert!
Day 2: Sunrise Hike + Superstition Mountains
Morning:
Rise and shine and hit the road to head to the Superstition Mountains. There are countless trails to choose from, but we chose to search for the famous Wave Cave.
This moderate 3-mile hike leads to a unique cave shaped like a wave (clever name, right)—perfect for photos and taking in the views. It is pretty steep on the way up (and slippery on the way down) so be sure to wear shoes with good traction. I found it to be a bit harder than Tom’s Thumb.
It’s a busy trail, so I would get there early as there is no parking allowed on the street and the overflow parking is almost a mile away from the trailhead.
Important! The trail is on Arizona Trust State Land, so you will need to purchase a permit before hiking.
Afternoon:
If you are feeling motivated, you could tackle another nearby Superstition hike, like the Hieroglyphic Trail or if you are like me, you can head back to the hotel for a bit of pool/reading time.
Evening:
After a quick refresh and change of clothes, drive into Old Town Scottsdale (about 30 minutes) for dinner, shopping, and some ice cream!
We ate at Olive and Ivy, but you could also grab tacos or margaritas at one of the local favorites like The Mission or Diego Pops.
Alternative! If you don’t want to drive to Old Town, you could stay right in Fountain Hills and grab dinner at followed by a peaceful sunset at Fountain Park.
Day 3: Sunrise and Salt River Kayaking
Morning:
This morning you have several options depending on how much of a go-getter you are. If you are an early riser, you could head to the nearby Sunrise Peak for a sunrise trek.
Or, if you are looking for a bit of a slower morning, you could sleep in a bit and then take a lap around the Fountain Hills Lake Overlook Trail. This is an easy 2-mile loop around the lake. You could also play disc golf here if you are the frisbees…it looked like a tough course though!
Afternoon:
End your weekend with an unguided kayak trip with Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch. This tour takes you 6 miles down the lower Salt River. It was an easy trip with several rapids to navigate along the way. They will then pick you up at the end and shuttle you back!
The river was pretty busy with families swimming and fishing, so we weren’t sure we would see the famous wild horses, however, we saw so many right near the end of the trip. It’s truly a bucket list experience!
Evening:
Unfortunately, your weekend in Fountain Hills has come to an end. Head back to PHX for a late-night flight home. If you have extra time/days, check out some of the other ideas below.
Other Things to Do Near Fountain Hills, AZ
- Visit the Fountain Hills Botanical Garden
- Explore McDowell Mountain Regional Park
- Check out Fort McDowell Casino
- Hit the golf course at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club
- Take a scenic drive along the Apache Trail
- Browse local art galleries and shops in downtown Fountain Hills
You may also want to check out these slight variations to this weekend guide for more nearby ideas!
One Weekend in Fountain Hills, AZ Recap
Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, Fountain Hills is a perfect basecamp for exploring the natural beauty of central Arizona. With a packed weekend full of hikes, lake/river time, and desert charm—you’ll leave feeling recharged and ready to plan your next trip back.
- Fly in and out of: PHX
- Stay: Fountain Park Hotel – BW Signature Collection
- Advance Reservations: Cowboy Cookout at Macdonalds Ranch & Kayaking Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch
- More Arizona Adventures: Adventurous Things to do in Sedona, Dog-friendly Tucson, Weekend Trips from Phoenix
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