Top 5 Places to Hike or Chill Outdoors Near ASU
The best thing about living in Tempe may be how easy it is to find outdoor activities. College can be stressful and require long hours in front of a textbook or computer, so having a place to get outside recharge is important.
ASU students love how much there is to do in Tempe. Whether you’re someone who loves to hike, or you just looking for a shady place to sit outside and unwind with friends, Tempe has plenty of options for you.
5 Best Outdoor Spots and Hikes Near ASU
If you live at Paseo on University, you’re already in the middle of everything. ASU Tempe campus is within walking distance, and the city’s best trails and parks are just around the corner. That’s the wonderful thing about Tempe, you’re not far from your favorite outdoor spots.
Here are five places students flock to for fresh air, exercise and downtime.
Papago Park
Papago Park is one of those places almost every student ends up visiting at some point. It’s about a 10-minute drive from campus, and if you bike it’s even quicker than you’d expect because of the flat terrain. The trails here are short and easy, so you don’t need to be a hiker to enjoy it.
The highlight is Hole-in-the-Rock, a natural opening in the sandstone where you can climb up and look out over the city. A lot of students head there at sunset when the sky lights up and the red rocks start to glow. It’s the kind of view that makes you forget how close you are to downtown.
Papago is also one of the best parks near ASU if you just want a low-key walk or a place to relax. Bring a blanket, a snack, and maybe a friend, and you’ll see why it’s always buzzing with students.
Tempe Beach Park
Right along Tempe Town Lake, Tempe Beach Park is like the city’s backyard. It’s five minutes from campus and easy to reach by bike, bus, or just walking from Paseo on University. Students use it for just about everything—running, biking, paddleboarding, or just spreading out on the grass between classes.
On weekends, the park fills up with people at concerts and festivals, which makes it a fun spot if you want something more social. During the week, it’s a lot quieter, and you’ll see students stretched out with books or eating lunch by the water. It’s the kind of spot that works whether you’re looking for activity or downtime.
A Mountain (Hayden Butte Preserve)
A Mountain isn’t just near ASU—it’s basically part of campus. The trailhead starts right by Sun Devil Stadium, so it’s one of the easiest hikes near ASU you can find. The climb is short but steep, and at the top you get a full view of Tempe, the Salt River, and even downtown Phoenix on a clear day.
Because it’s so close, students use it for quick workouts, morning hikes, or even to catch the sunrise before class. You’ll almost always see people heading up and down the trail, which adds to the energy of the place. It’s a right-of-passage kind of hike that’s hard to ignore when you live this close to campus.
Desert Botanical Garden
Just a few minutes away from campus, the Desert Botanical Garden is like stepping into a different world. It does charge admission, but many students and parents find it to be a small price to pay for its shaded paths, desert plants and seasonal exhibits. This is where you slow down. It’s not a workout spot like A Mountain, it’s better for wandering, taking pictures, or visiting family. They have concerts and events which are surprisingly inexpensive for a student budget. It’s also great for photography, or if you’re looking for a quiet stroll that feels safe and close to campus.
South Mountain Park and Preserve
South Mountain is where you go when you want a real hike. It’s about 20 minutes from Tempe, and it has more than 50 miles of trails. Some are flat and easy, others are steep and give you sweeping views of Phoenix. Students often head there on weekend mornings to avoid the heat and to get in a longer adventure.
You don’t have to be an expert hiker to enjoy it, but you do want to bring water and maybe a friend. The park is huge, so you can always find a quiet trail if you’re looking for space. For students who need a break from the city but don’t have time for a long road trip, South Mountain is perfect.
Tips for Enjoying the Outdoors in Tempe
Living in Tempe means you have plenty of choices, but a few things make it easier to enjoy the outdoors:
- Go early or later in the day. Morning and evening are cooler, and that makes all the difference.
- Always bring water. Even short hikes like A Mountain can feel intense in the heat.
- Plan your shade. Tempe Beach Park and the Desert Botanical Garden both have covered areas to keep you out of the sun during the middle of the day.
- Bring a friend. It’s more fun and can be safer to explore with someone else.
- Try mixing it up. Go on short walks during the week and save longer hikes for weekends. Variety keeps it more interesting.
Where Campus Life Meets the Outdoors
Part of what makes Tempe such a good place to go to school is how easy it is to mix campus life with time outside. From sunsets at Papago Park to sunrise workouts on a Mountain, outdoor activities in Tempe AZ are always within reach.
If you’re looking for ASU off-campus housing that puts you close to all of this, Paseo on University is worth checking out. With amenities designed for student life and a location that keeps you close to campus and the outdoors, it makes enjoying everything Tempe has to offer even easier.