Set on Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation land northeast of Phoenix, this resort combines comfortable accommodations with a full casino, golf, an equestrian center, and multiple restaurants. The Blue Sky Spa and multiple pools make it a popular escape from Phoenix — and the casino stays busy year-round.
Radisson Fort McDowell Resort & Casino sits on Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation sovereign land in the Sonoran Desert approximately 20 miles northeast of Phoenix and 12 miles east of Old Town Scottsdale, at 10438 North Fort McDowell Road. As a tribally owned and operated resort, the property provides an economic and cultural alternative to the corporate luxury resort landscape that characterizes Scottsdale's accommodation market, with gaming revenues benefiting Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation community programs. The resort offers 246 rooms spread across a low-rise complex with desert views; categories range from standard guest rooms to suites with separate living areas. We-Ko-Pa Golf Club — operated in partnership with the resort — offers two championship courses (the Cholla and Saguaro layouts) with sweeping McDowell Mountain views, consistently ranked among the top public-access desert golf experiences in the Phoenix metropolitan area. A full casino operates 24 hours daily with slot machines, table games, and poker, supplemented by multiple on-property dining outlets including Ahnala Restaurant & Bar. The Blue Sky Spa offers a range of massage, body, and facial treatments in a relaxed desert setting, and multiple pools — including a resort-style pool with waterfall features — serve guests year-round. An equestrian center provides guided horseback riding programs on desert trail loops through the surrounding Sonoran landscape. A dedicated entertainment pavilion hosts headlining concerts and shows throughout the year, drawing regional audiences beyond the overnight guest base and making the property a Phoenix-area entertainment destination in addition to a hotel.
Amenities
- Casino
- Golf
- Multiple pools
- Full-service spa
- Equestrian center
- Multiple restaurants
- Entertainment venue
Location
10438 N Fort McDowell Rd, Fort McDowell, AZ 85264
33.5971, -111.6914 View on map
Highlights
- We-Ko-Pa Golf Club's Cholla and Saguaro courses consistently ranked among the best public desert golf in the Phoenix area
- Full-service 24-hour casino with slots, table games, and regular headlining entertainment events
- Tribally owned property on Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation land, 20 miles northeast of Phoenix
- Blue Sky Spa, multiple pools with waterfall features, and desert horseback riding at the equestrian center
- Entertainment pavilion hosting major concerts and shows drawing regional audiences year-round
Tips for visiting
- We-Ko-Pa's Saguaro course is generally considered the more scenic of the two; book starting times early in peak season.
- Resort hotel rates here are often among the most competitive full-service options in the broader Scottsdale area.
- Horseback riding reservations at the equestrian center should be made 24–48 hours in advance during busy periods.
- Check the entertainment calendar before booking — concert nights significantly increase activity and noise levels at the resort.
- The drive from Scottsdale takes 20–25 minutes and avoids the resort fees common at Old Town Scottsdale properties.
Accessibility
Radisson Fort McDowell Resort & Casino provides ADA-compliant accessible rooms with roll-in showers and accessible public areas throughout the hotel complex. Pool areas and the casino floor are wheelchair accessible; the equestrian center's desert trail programs are on natural terrain and not accessible for wheelchair users.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the casino at Fort McDowell Resort open to all ages?
The casino gaming floor is restricted to guests aged 21 and older. The hotel, golf courses, pools, spa, and restaurants are open to guests of all ages.
What is We-Ko-Pa Golf Club?
We-Ko-Pa Golf Club operates two championship courses — the Cholla and Saguaro layouts — on Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation land adjacent to the resort. Both courses are open to the public and consistently earn high ratings from national golf publications for their Sonoran Desert setting.
How far is Fort McDowell Resort from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport?
The resort is approximately 25 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, a 30–40 minute drive depending on traffic. No hotel airport shuttle is provided; rideshare services are available from the property.
Does the resort operate tours or cultural programs?
The resort occasionally offers cultural programs connected to Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation heritage. Guests interested in cultural programming should inquire with the front desk about current offerings at the time of their visit.