Sonoran Desert Jeep Tour at Sunset
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Our rigorous Sunset Desert Jeep Tour is a bumpy off-road sightseeing tour through the scenic Jeep trails of the Tonto National Forest, north of Scottsdale, Arizona.
Experience a world-famous Arizona sunset (weather dependent) as our professional tour guides teach you about the Sonoran desert flora, fauna, and Native American history. At sunset, we will stop at our panoramic lookout point overseeing the historic Great Western Trail.
This is a public tour (not private). Public tour vehicles: Modified open-air vertical-row (sideways) seating Jeep Gladiator (14 seats) and Jeep YJ (7 seats).
Total duration of this tour ranges from 2 to 3 hours depending on the time of year. Confirm the exact end time with your tour guide before the tour.
Scottsdale Adventure Tours is a special recreation permit-holder through the U.S. Department of Agriculture: Cave Creek Ranger District.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Closed-toed shoes are mandatory.
This is a guide-led tour; guests will NOT be driving the Jeep.
From November to February, bring a coat or jacket. The temperature will drop ~20 degrees after sunset.
Our bumpy off-road Jeep tours are low-speed, jarring rides through rough terrain. Please ensure that every guest in your party understands that this off-road tour is a low-speed, bumpy ride through rough terrain.
Please carefully review our list of health restrictions and requirements. Due to safety concerns, we are unable to accommodate guests who do not meet the tour requirements.
Pregnant individuals are prohibited from participating in this high risk activity.
No Neck Problems.
Not recommended for passengers who get motion sickness.
Weight limit per seat: 275 pounds. Please contact our office at least 24 hours before the tour to make special arrangements.
Must be physically able to climb a step ladder to enter the lifted Jeeps.
Not recommended for passengers with any condition that could be aggravated by a rough, bumpy, and jarring off-road Jeep tour.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Bottled water
Warm clothing (October - March)
Closed-toed shoes (no sandals)
Tour Guide gratuity - contactless gratuity available through Venmo
What To Expect
Tonto National Forest
Our permitted Tonto National Forest trails are connected to North Scottsdale, Arizona. The trailhead is located 15 minutes northeast of our operations office.
Pinnacle Peak Park
Pinnacle Peak is a scenic 3,169 foot granite summit located in North Scottsdale, Arizona
Options
Sunset Desert Jeep Tour
Reviews
2,476 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Tantalizing Day touring Tonto National Forest
Cathy D,
Sep 5, 2025
- Viator
5.00Our driver/tour guide was awesome! Whitney was witty and very knowledgeable! The views were beautiful and breathtaking! Whitney had cold water for us and a surprise frozen treat as well.
Our off-road Jeep tour...
Jill M,
Aug 31, 2025
- Viator
5.00Our off-road Jeep tour through the Sonoran Desert was one of the absolute highlights of our Arizona trip! The experience blended adventure with education as we learned about the desert’s plants, wildlife, and history while exploring rugged trails. Along the way, we sampled prickly pear juice, tasted cactus, and discovered how tribes and animals have long relied on the desert to survive. The sunset views were breathtaking, and our guide made the evening both fun and memorable. As my son said afterward, “I learned more tonight than I ever could from a school textbook.” We returned windblown, a little dusty, and completely amazed. Highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Arizona!
Whitney is the best
Jeffrey W,
Aug 25, 2025
- Viator
5.00Absolutely an amazing experience. Whitney was an excellent guide and is very knowledgeable about the desert and all that lives in it. We love the relationship she has with the nature around her and we couldn't have asked for anyone better to guide us on the tour. And the sunset was breathtaking. If you have a chance to do this tour, do it! And if you get Whitney as your guide, you're guaranteed to have a great time.
Best tour ever
Emmanuel U,
Jul 28, 2025
- Viator
5.00Was the best tour. The guide was so funny and knowledgeable. He had the Catus fruit drink on hand and had stories for days
Unforgettable Sunset Adventure in the Sonoran Desert!
Kristen L,
Jul 26, 2025
- Viator
5.00I booked the Scottsdale Off-Road Jeep Adventure Tour for my 17-year-old son and me, and it was hands-down one of the highlights of our trip! From the moment we arrived to the final stretch under the desert stars, the experience was seamless, exciting, and absolutely stunning. What made this tour truly exceptional was our guide, Whitney. She was incredibly knowledgeable, energetic, and genuinely passionate about the desert landscape. She had a great way of blending fun with education—sharing cool facts about the plants, wildlife, and geology while keeping the ride adventurous and entertaining. The sunset views were breathtaking—riding through the rugged trails with the sky glowing in oranges and purples was something we’ll never forget. The Jeep was comfortable and well-equipped, and Whitney made sure everyone felt safe and had fun. If you're considering this tour—do it! Especially if you're traveling with teens or want to experience the Sonoran Desert in a way you never could on your own. Huge thanks to Whitney and the whole team for a truly memorable evening!
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Operated by Scottsdale Adventure Tours