Things to do nearby: hiking, golf, horseback riding and more
The Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North sits at the foot of Pinnacle Peak with immediate access to Sonoran Desert hiking, two nearby Troon North championship golf courses, guided horseback rides, and a wide range of on‑site activities including three heated saltwater pools and a full-service spa. The resort provides gear for independent exploration (free bikes and hiking poles), priority golf tee times and a complimentary shuttle to Troon North, and a concierge who can arrange horseback rides and day trips.
In this guide
Hiking the Sonoran Desert: trails to try
Pinnacle Peak Park is the closest major trail area — the Pinnacle Peak hiking trail is a multi‑mile loop through saguaro-studded desert that offers panoramic views and is commonly reached within a short drive from the resort.
Other popular nearby trailheads include Tom's Thumb and Brown's Ranch. The resort provides free bikes and hiking poles for guests who want to explore nearby trails independently; the concierge can advise current trail conditions and parking.
- Pinnacle Peak Trail — scenic 4.1‑mile loop through saguaros (minutes from the resort).
- Tom’s Thumb Trail — a well-known climbing and hiking area a few miles away.
- Brown’s Ranch Trailhead — a popular, rated trail for hikers seeking a quieter route.
| Trail | Why go | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pinnacle Peak | Panoramic desert views and saguaros | Short drive; trail ~4.1 miles |
| Tom's Thumb | Rock climbing and rugged terrain | Accessible by car from the resort area |
| Brown's Ranch | Gentler desert scenery | Good option for quieter hikes |
Golf: Troon North and nearby courses
The resort sits adjacent to Troon North Golf Club, which features two Tom Weiskopf–designed courses. Guests receive priority tee times and the resort offers a complimentary shuttle to Troon North.
If you prefer other private or resort courses, Estancia and Desert Highlands are also commonly used by guests and are a short drive from the property. The concierge can arrange tee times and transportation.
- Troon North — two championship courses (priority tee times for guests).
- Complimentary shuttle service to Troon North available to guests.
- Estancia Club and Desert Highlands are reachable by short drive.
| Course | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Troon North – Pinnacle & Monument | Two Tom Weiskopf courses — resort guests get priority tee times and shuttle service |
| Estancia Club | Another nearby private/resort course commonly used by guests |
| Desert Highlands | Well-known north Scottsdale course within a short drive |
Horseback riding and desert tours
Horseback riding and guided desert tours are regular excursion options from the resort area. MacDonald's Ranch is a frequently mentioned stable that offers guided rides and is located a few miles from the property.
The concierge can book horseback rides, ATV or Jeep desert tours, hot air balloon flights, and day trips to Sedona or the Grand Canyon if you prefer a guided outing rather than exploring on your own.
- MacDonald's Ranch — commonly used for horseback riding (about a few miles from the resort).
- Jeep/ATV desert tours and hot air balloon rides — book through the concierge.
- Day trips available to Sedona and the Grand Canyon; guided departures commonly organized from the resort.
| Activity | How to arrange |
|---|---|
| Horseback riding | Concierge bookings; MacDonald's Ranch often recommended |
| ATV/Jeep tours | Booked through resort excursions desk |
| Hot air balloon | Concierge arranges morning flights with local operators |
On-site pools, courts and family activities
Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North has three heated saltwater pools: a large bi-level main pool, a children's pool, and a separate adults‑only pool that is connected to the main pool by a negative-edge waterfall. Per the resort, the pools are open 24 hours daily for overnight guests.
Active options on property include two tennis courts and four pickleball courts. There is also a supervised Kids For All Seasons program (ages 5–12) and a playground for younger guests.
- Three heated saltwater pools — family, children's, and adults-only sections.
- Pools open 24 hours daily for overnight guests (per resort site).
- Two tennis courts and four pickleball courts on site.
- Complimentary Kids For All Seasons runs daily for ages 5–12; playground on site.
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| Main & family pools | Bi-level main pool with family area |
| Adults-only pool | Separate, quieter area linked by a negative-edge waterfall |
| Children's pool | Shallow area for younger swimmers |
The Spa and fitness: recovery after a day outside
The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North is a 12,000‑square‑foot facility with 14 treatment rooms (including couples' rooms), separate men's and women's relaxation lounges, steam rooms, and a boutique. Signature treatments are desert‑inspired and include the Nopal Massage and the Pinnacle Facial.
The spa houses the 24‑hour fitness center with Pelotons and cardio/resistance equipment, and the resort offers more than 80 fitness and wellness classes a month such as yoga, spin, and Float Fit. The spa and fitness staff can recommend post‑hike or post‑round recovery treatments.
- Spa: 12,000 sq ft, 14 treatment rooms, separate relaxation lounges.
- Signature treatments include Nopal Massage and Pinnacle Facial.
- Fitness: 24‑hour gym with Pelotons; 80+ monthly classes (yoga, spin, Float Fit).
| Service | Typical offering |
|---|---|
| Massage & body treatments | Desert-inspired treatments such as Nopal Massage |
| Fitness classes | Yoga, spin, Float Fit and more — schedule varies monthly |
| Recovery facilities | Steam rooms and relaxation lounges in spa |
Dining and après-activity options near the resort
On-site dining covers a range of styles: Talavera is the resort’s Spanish steakhouse open for dinner Wednesday–Sunday; Proof (Proof, An American Canteen) serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner; Saguaro Blossom is the poolside restaurant for lunch and cocktails; Onyx Bar & Lounge offers cocktails and small plates; and Desert Orchard provides pastries and light fare.
After a day on the trail or the course, guests can return to outdoor dining terraces or the lobby bar areas. The concierge can confirm daily menus and current hours, and will make reservations for Talavera or Proof when requested.
- Talavera — Spanish steakhouse, dinner Wed–Sun, reservations available.
- Proof — all-day American canteen; breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner hours vary by day.
- Saguaro Blossom — poolside lunch & cocktails daily; outdoor seating.
- Onyx Bar & Lounge — cocktails and small plates with sunset views.
| Venue | Typical hours / service |
|---|---|
| Talavera | Dinner (Wed–Sun), Spanish steakhouse menu |
| Proof | Breakfast through dinner; weekend brunch |
| Saguaro Blossom | Lunch & cocktails by the pool |
Where to stay on-property for outdoor access
Casita-style rooms and suites are spread across low-rise buildings so many accommodations offer private patios or balconies and desert views. Room types at the resort include Premier Casita, Vista Casita, Standard Suite, 1 Bedroom, Suite, 1 Bedroom (Desert), Suite, 1 Bedroom (Reata), Room, Patio (FIRE PIT CASITA), Deluxe Casita Room, Deluxe Casita, and Room (Pure Wellness Casita).
Several suites and select accommodations include private plunge pools; contact the resort or your booking agent to confirm which room types have private plunge pools for your stay. In‑casita dining is available daily.
- Room options range from Premier Casita and Vista Casita to multiple one‑bedroom suite types and the Pure Wellness Casita.
- Select accommodations offer private plunge pools — check availability when booking.
- In‑casita dining and 24‑hour pool access for overnight guests.
| Room category | Notes |
|---|---|
| Premier Casita / Vista Casita | Casita-style guest rooms with patios or balconies |
| Standard Suite, 1 Bedroom / Suite, 1 Bedroom variations | One-bedroom suites with additional living space |
| Room (Pure Wellness Casita) | Wellness-focused room type; spa-oriented amenities may be available |
