Am I out of luck

Question

Hubby & I will be staying in a condo near Old Town end of March through April. I am mobility impaired due to MS. I use a rollator walker. We’ve never been to Arizona nor a desert location.

I would truly love to see desert views- mountains, cacti etc. Since I cannot walk very far, am I just out of luck or is there somewhere we could drive for a good view?

I am doing a ton of research (a planner by nature) so you will probably see me on here more as questions com up! Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated! Happy travels!

Answer

You are definitely not out of luck! Scottsdale and the surrounding Central Arizona area offer many ways to experience stunning desert scenery without extensive walking. There are plenty of accessible viewpoints and scenic drives where you can enjoy mountains, cacti, and desert landscapes from the comfort of your car or with minimal walking.

Scenic Drives and Accessible Viewpoints:

McDowell Sonoran Preserve: Drive the Gateway Trailhead area. While the trails can be uneven, there are short, paved or compacted paths and several pull-offs with great views of the desert and red rock formations.
Scenic Drive in the McDowell Mountains: Take a slow drive through this area, stopping at marked pull-offs to enjoy desert views without hiking.
Pinnacle Peak Trail Viewpoints: While the main trail is rocky and uphill, there are accessible spots near the parking area where you can see the iconic Pinnacle Peak and surrounding desert.
Desert Botanical Garden (Phoenix): Very accessible with paved paths and plenty of shaded seating. You can see hundreds of cactus species and desert flora without needing to walk far.
South Mountain Park Scenic Drive: A 16-mile scenic road with several lookout points. Most pull-offs have parking and easy access for those with limited mobility.

Tips for Accessibility:

Check each destination’s website or call ahead for accessibility info, especially for parking close to viewpoints and availability of benches or shaded areas.
Consider visiting in the morning or late afternoon to avoid high temperatures and direct sun exposure.
Bring binoculars or a camera with zoom to enjoy distant mountain views comfortably from your car.

With these options, you can still enjoy the beauty of the Arizona desert without needing to hike long distances. Many visitors with mobility challenges find scenic drives and accessible gardens provide a fantastic desert experience!