Cosanti is just a short drive within Scottsdale, right off of North Scottsdale Road (turn left on Doubletree and go about a mile). It is easy to drive by since there is only a rusty metal sign inscribed
" Soleri" with zero signs for Cosanti. Set in a residential neighborhood, this is the civilized outpost of Soleri's project of Archeology - Arcosanti out in the desert.
The kids will enjoy the unique concrete buildings that look a 60s version of a Mars colony and the adults will love the cast bells. Be forewarned, the bells are expensive. The unpaved parking lot borders some trees where wild quail run around and desert ground squirrels have a warren which is amusing to watch for kids of all ages. The best buy is one of the unique purple and teal T-shirts with the 2 suns logo and Archeology script for only $20.
BEST of all is that Cosanti is 100% free, and if a family of four went to Taelsin West to see Frank Lloyd Wright's work, it would cost them
a total of $102 ($31 per adult and $20 child). The two experiences are not comparable however, as there is no volunteer tour guide cadre or sweeping vistas. However the price is right and it is minutes away from any hotel in Scottsdale.