Guadalupe ArizonaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Guadalupe, Arizona.
1. Our Lady of Guadalupe Church
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS SITE
Our Lady of Guadalupe Church is the town's main draw and only real tourist attraction, consisting of two churches - one offering services in English and Spanish, the other in Yaqui. During Lent, the church becomes the center of celebrations featuring the distinctly Yaqui deer dance, where ceremonial processions stream across the large field in front of the church. Visitors are welcome to watch these colorful traditions, though photography is prohibited during these special events.
2. Biehn Colony Park
LOCAL COMMUNITY PARK
Biehn Colony Park serves as a recreational space for the local community of Guadalupe. The park offers visitors a place to relax and enjoy outdoor activities in this small Arizona town. Families often gather here for picnics and community events throughout the year.
3. Mercado Mexico
AUTHENTIC MEXICAN MARKET
Mercado Mexico provides visitors with an authentic Mexican shopping experience in the heart of Guadalupe. Shoppers can browse through various traditional Mexican goods, foods, and crafts that showcase the town's rich cultural heritage. The market exemplifies the strong Mexican influence that permeates this small Arizona community.
4. El Tianguis
COLORFUL SHOPPING SQUARE
El Tianguis is a vibrant 22,000 square foot Mexican-style shopping square featuring colorful restaurants and shops offering unique imported products. Visitors can find distinctive items such as pickled cactus, made-to-order piñatas, authentic Mexican pottery, Yaqui art, and leather boots and saddles, some of which are unavailable elsewhere in Arizona. On weekends, shoppers can enjoy the additional ambiance of live music while browsing through this cultural marketplace.
5. Avenida Del Yaqui
CULTURAL MAIN STREET
Avenida Del Yaqui serves as the main street of Guadalupe where visitors can discover roadside fruit stands, numerous specialty shops, and one of the only authentic Mexican bakeries in the Valley. The avenue showcases imported pottery, artifacts, metal work, art, and other cultural items that reflect the town's rich heritage. Walking along this street provides insight into the unique blend of Yaqui and Mexican influences that define Guadalupe's character.
6. El Templo
TRADITIONAL YAQUI TEMPLE
El Templo is a traditional Yaqui temple that serves as an important spiritual center for the Yaqui community in Guadalupe. The temple represents the preservation of indigenous religious practices and cultural identity in this small Arizona town. Visitors interested in cultural heritage can appreciate the exterior architecture, though should be respectful of its active religious significance to local residents.
7. Guadalupe Cemetery
HISTORIC BURIAL GROUNDS
Guadalupe Cemetery, located at Beck and Ellis in Tempe, serves as the final resting place for many members of the local Yaqui and Mexican communities. The cemetery offers visitors a glimpse into the cultural history and heritage of the people who have shaped this region over generations. Its location just outside Guadalupe proper makes it an easily accessible site for those interested in local history.
8. Desert Classic Trail
SCENIC DESERT HIKING
The Desert Classic Trail offers hikers and mountain bikers a scenic path through the beautiful Sonoran Desert landscape near Guadalupe. This trail provides both beginners and experienced outdoor enthusiasts with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and desert flora. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of Arizona while getting exercise on this popular recreational route.
9. Pima Canyon Trailhead
GATEWAY TO ADVENTURE
Pima Canyon Trailhead features a large parking lot, making it the perfect starting point for those wanting to climb the National Trail near Guadalupe. This well-equipped trailhead offers amenities including toilets, drinking water, and several shaded seating areas for visitors to prepare for their adventures or rest afterward. The area serves as a gateway to exploring the stunning desert landscapes that surround the region.
10. Fat Man's Pass
UNIQUE GEOLOGICAL FORMATION
Fat Man's Pass is a fascinating geological formation where two large boulders create a tight squeeze for hikers exploring the area near Guadalupe. Its name derives from the narrow width of the passage, challenging visitors to navigate through the slim opening between the massive rocks. This natural attraction offers both a physical challenge and an opportunity for memorable photos during desert hiking adventures.
11. Tempe Beach Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION AREA
Tempe Beach Park is the perfect spot for visitors to soak up the sun at Tempe Town Lake, just a short drive from Guadalupe. The park offers numerous amenities that allow visitors to picnic, bike ride, or rent a boat while enjoying the beautiful Arizona weather. As one of Tempe's most popular outdoor spaces, the park hosts various events throughout the year, including concerts and festivals.
12. Tempe Town Lake
URBAN RECREATIONAL WATERWAY
Tempe Town Lake is a manmade lake surrounded by facilities for recreational activities, music events, and town celebrations including Fourth of July and New Year's Eve fireworks. More than 2 million people visit annually to boat, fish, attend concerts, and enjoy a variety of festivals in this urban oasis near Guadalupe. The lake also stands as one of Tempe's premier development sites, combining natural beauty with urban amenities.
13. Firebird Lake
POWER-BOAT RACING VENUE
Firebird Lake is known for hosting exciting power-boat races that draw spectators from around the region, including nearby Guadalupe. The lake provides a thrilling venue for water sports enthusiasts to watch high-speed watercraft competitions in the desert environment. Visitors can experience the contrast of cool water activities amid the warm Arizona landscape at this popular recreational destination.
14. Salt River Recreation
DESERT WATER ADVENTURES
Salt River Recreation offers the popular activity of riding inner tubes down the Verde and Salt Rivers, providing a refreshing escape from the Arizona heat. This activity becomes especially popular during the hot summer months when visitors from Guadalupe and surrounding areas seek water-based adventures. The gentle current allows tubers to relax and enjoy the scenic desert landscape from a unique perspective on the water.
15. Saguaro Lake
DESERT OASIS GETAWAY
Saguaro Lake provides an ideal destination for boating and fishing enthusiasts looking to escape the desert heat near Guadalupe. The lake is surrounded by stunning desert landscapes featuring the iconic saguaro cacti that give the water body its name. Visitors can enjoy a full day of water recreation while taking in breathtaking views of the surrounding Tonto National Forest mountains.