Charge your phone
This experience runs through an app; bring a fully charged phone and a portable battery if you plan photos afterward.
City of Clues: An Audio-Driven Adventure Through Old Town Scottsdale
An app-led scavenger hunt that turns Old Town Scottsdale into a playable city — 90 minutes, big rewards
Continue ReadingThe morning sun slants low over Scottsdale’s stucco facades, turning the palms into long, slow metronomes. The air tastes faintly of citrus and dust; a canal glints to your right like a narrow promise. You tap the app, choose your persona, and the voice on your phone — part guide, part riddler — sends you off down a sidewalk that feels less like a route and more like the first stanza of a scavenger hunt. This isn’t a guided tour with a flag; it’s a game in which the city itself becomes the playground.
Duration1.5 hours (90 minutes)
Group Size1–6 Guests
LanguagesEnglish
Trail Wisdom
Trail Wisdom
Mind the heat
In summer, plan early morning or evening slots and carry water — downtown has shaded spots but little reprieve during peak heat.
Wear good shoes
Expect paved sidewalks and a couple of plazas; comfortable walking shoes will keep the game fun for 90 minutes.
Start in Old Town
Most puzzles are centered in Old Town Scottsdale—pick a central meeting spot like Civic Center Park or the Waterfront to maximize the route.
Local Knowledge
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- Marshall Way public art alley — smaller murals and sculptures off the main drag
- Scottsdale Civic Center’s rose garden and pond — a quiet nook for a clue check
Wildlife
Gambel’s quail, Desert cottontail rabbit
Conservation Note
Respect Scottsdale’s desert setting by staying on sidewalks and in public spaces; support local businesses highlighted in the tour to keep cultural tourism sustainable.
The area that is now Scottsdale grew from ranchland and citrus groves into a cultural hub across the 20th century, evolving into a center for arts and tourism.
Seasonal Guide
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for:Mild daytime temps, Blooming desert flora, Evening patios
Challenges:Popular tourist crowds, Higher hotel rates
Spring offers comfortable weather and flowering cacti—ideal for late-morning tours and post-game patios.
summer
Best for:Late-night patios, Poolside recovery, Low accommodation rates
Challenges:Extreme daytime heat, Shorter comfortable walking windows
Summer is hot; schedule tours for early morning or sunset and prioritize shade and water.
fall
Best for:Comfortable walking weather, Festival season, Clear desert light
Challenges:Breezes can be gusty, Popular event weekends fill bookings
Fall brings ideal temperatures and clear light—perfect for outdoor puzzles and photography.
winter
Best for:Crisp days for walking, Holiday lights and events
Challenges:Cool mornings, Occasional rain
Winter is pleasantly cool for daytime tours; dress in light layers for morning chill.
Photographer's Notes
Photographer's Notes
Shoot golden hour in Old Town for soft light on murals; use a wide-angle to capture plaza context and a 50mm for candid street portraits. For sunlit scenes, expose for highlights so desert skies retain color; carry a neutral density filter or use phone HDR sparingly.
What to Bring
What to Bring
Fully charged smartphone
EssentialRuns the app and serves as your map, clue hub, and camera.
Portable battery pack
EssentialExtends phone life for the tour and post-tour photos or calls.
Reusable water bottle
EssentialStaying hydrated is critical in Arizona heat.
Comfortable walking shoes
EssentialPaved surfaces reward supportive footwear for 90 minutes of walking.
Common Questions
Common Questions
What to Pack
What to Pack
Charged smartphone (runs the tour), portable battery (extends screen time), reusable water bottle (stay hydrated in the desert), comfortable walking shoes (paved urban terrain)
Did You Know
Did You Know
The McDowell Sonoran Preserve near Scottsdale protects more than 30,000 acres of Sonoran Desert habitat, making it one of the largest urban land reserves in the U.S.
Quick Travel Tips
Quick Travel Tips
Fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX); start the tour in Old Town Scottsdale; expect reliable cell service downtown; wear sun protection year-round
Local Flavor
Local Flavor
After the tour, head to The Mission in Old Town for upscale Latin plates and strong margaritas, or grab local brews at Goldwater Brewing Co.; stroll the Scottsdale Waterfront for evening patios and public art.
Logistics Snapshot
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airportPhoenix Sky Harbor Intl (PHX) ~15–20 minutes drive; Start
meetingOld Town Scottsdale (Civic Center Park recommended); Driving distance from central Phoenix: ~15–20 miles; Cell service: reliable in downtown; Permits: none required; Parking: metered street and paid lots in Old Town
Sustainability Note
Sustainability Note
Keep the experience low-impact: stay on sidewalks, pack out any trash, and support local businesses the tour highlights to ensure cultural and economic benefits remain in the community.
Topics