Sonoran Desert Life

SONORAN

desert life

Sonoran Desert influences can be found in virtually every aspect of life in Scottsdale, from recreation and architecture to the use of indigenous ingredients in our cuisine, spa treatments and skin care products. Check out all the ways you can experience the Sonoran Desert – even if there isn’t a saguaro in sight!

DESERT ARCHITECTURE

The rugged beauty of the Sonoran Desert has inspired generations of visionary architects who have left their mark on Scottsdale. From the earthen structures of Paolo Soleri’s Cosanti and the genius of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West (pictured) to urban gems like the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art by Will Bruder and Hotel Valley Ho, originally designed by Edward L. Varney, you’ll find innovative, desert-inspired architecture at every turn.

TARGET-STYLE GOLF The Sonoran Desert’s rolling foothills are the perfect backdrop for target-style golf. These thrilling course layouts use natural features as hazards to create forced carries over swaths of native vegetation and boulder formations to reach the island-style greens. Scottsdale is home to several bucket-list desert golf courses, including Troon North, TPC Scottsdale, Grayhawk (pictured), Boulders Club and We-Ko-Pa.

SONORAN-INSPIRED SPA TREATMENTS For centuries, Native American cultures have used indigenous Sonoran Desert botanicals for their healing properties. Today, you’ll find these same ingredients used in a variety of soothing spa treatments. Here are five to try:

The Spa at the Boulders’ Signature Clay Wrap is inspired by the Native American belief that the turquoise stone carries vibrations of protection, self-confidence and positive energy. After an exfoliation using revitalizing desert salts, a wrap of warm turquoise clay purifies and refines your skin.

A creamy scrub made with desert jojoba exfoliates your skin while prickly pear cactus gel soothes and hydrates in the Moisture Bound Body Wrap at Well & Being Spa at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess (pictured).

The River Stone & Birchwood Massage at the Spa at Talking Stick Resort uses warmed stones from the nearby Salt River and native wild chaparral oil to melt away stress and tension.

As part of the Spa at Camelback Inn’s Adobe Clay Purification treatment, a soft cactus-fiber cloth is used in the shower to remove the clay. This is followed by a soothing application of warmed juniper and sage oils.

And, just for the guys – Boss Lady Stacey’s signature “What a Prick” treatment at We Do Men spa uses REDMethod products, which are chock-full of natural desert goodness, including blue agave leaf extract, yucca extract and soothing aloe vera.

LOCAL FLAVORS

Scottsdale’s chefs love to take advantage of the region’s five robust growing seasons, year-round farmers’ markets and indigenous Sonoran Desert ingredients. Don’t miss these locally inspired treats:

At J&G Steakhouse at The Phoenician, the Chopped Salad features McClendon’s Select Arizona pecans tossed with frisée, arugula, avocado and blue cheese.

The Two Wash Ranch Jerk Chicken served at Mountain Shadows’ Hearth ’61 is sourced from – you guessed it – Two Wash Ranch in nearby New River, Arizona.

James Beard Award-winning chef Charleen Badman of Old Town’s FnB (pictured) incorporates grains and vegetables used for centuries by the area’s Native American tribes in her dishes.

Gertrude’s at Desert Botanical Garden also is no stranger to indigenous ancient grains, tepary beans and I’itoi onions. Their seasonally inspired cooking combines classic techniques with flavors from Native America and around the globe.

SKIN SAVERS!

Arizona Sun is a family-owned Scottsdale company whose products feature indigenous Southwest ingredients like sage, wild roses, cactus extracts and jojoba. Local favorites include Arizona Sun’s Water-Resistant SPF 30 Sunscreen, soothing Sunburn Relief gel and nourishing moisturizer.