Private Tour
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Experience the Scottsdale Classic Hiking Adventure in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. We’ll customize the hike to your mileage, terrain and grade preferences.
- Hike for about two hours.
- Explore the geology, plants, animals of the Sonoran Desert.
- Relax at an incredible viewpoint with trail snacks and beverages provided by - your guide.
- We approach every trip with fun in mind. Plus, our pro guides will show you secrets of the area that only a few know about.
- 2-3 hours on the trail
- Meet your guide at the trailhead
- Difficulty scale: Easy to strenuous—you choose the level!
We provide everything you need for your hiking adventure:
- Use of backpacks
- Sunscreen
- Bottled water
- Sports drinks
- Trail snacks
- Plus, cold beverages after finishing your hike.
Our number one priority is your safety. We guarantee a safe, enjoyable and memorable Sonoran Desert experience.
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Soda/Pop
Sunscreen
Bottled water
Snacks
Cold beverages following the hiking adventure
Backpacks
Gratuities
Experience the all-time classic hiking adventure in the Sonoran Desert of Scottsdale, Arizona! This classic guided adventure hike covers a classic loop hike in the McDowell Mountains of Scottsdale, Arizona. A local, certified, professional guide from Mad Desert Trekking will greet you at the trailhead and hike with you on a hiking adventure on an amazing route through the Scottsdale’s vast McDowell Sonoran Preserve, the largest city-owned preserve in the world at more than 30,500 acres. Experience the energy of the Sonoran Desert and see its unique geological features, as well as native flora and fauna that are found only in the Sonoran Desert. Discover the wide open desert, canyons, washes and mountain ridges. Ascend the switchbacks for incredible views of the Scottsdale, Phoenix, Valley of the Sun and much more. Hike to a mountain saddle for a perfect view of the surrounding McDowell Mountain range and see the Sonoran Desert stretch out for more than 60 miles to the west. Adventure Details: Experience the energy of hiking through the Sonoran Desert, the most diverse desert in North America. We love this beautiful trail … and we know you will, too.
40 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
JOHN A,
Feb 21, 2025
- Viator
Curtis was a great guide…full of knowledge and stories. He knows the area well, loves his job, and loves people. He also insured our safety through out the hike. We would 100% ask for him again as our guide.
Gillian R,
Dec 27, 2024
- Viator
The knowledge of our guide Jennifer was a welcomed addition to the trail experience.Her energy was great.
Chris C,
Nov 29, 2024
- Viator
We had a great hike. A great mix of easy with some elevation gain after mile 2. Jay was an awesome guide, his knowledge of the local flora and fauna was top notch and made the hike even better (and he took good pictures too) Highly recommend both Mad Desert and Jay
Tania S,
Nov 18, 2024
- Viator
Very nice hike in the Sonoran desert.. beautiful scenery with amazing cacti Our guide Liz was very good. She was very knowledgeable and friendly Learnt so much from her
Natalia P,
Mar 8, 2024
- Viator
Had a wonderful 7km hike with an amazing guide Jay around the Sonoran Desert. We were a small group of 3 friends and learned so much from Jay about different types of cactus 🌵 and what the nature had to offer. Really enjoyed the experience and felt very much in good hands and well reminded to hydrate. Lived how Jay had a bag of healthy and nutritious snacks for us, such a lovely touch 👍🏼 highly recommend!
Operated by Mad Desert Trekking