Scottsdale Desert Classic Hiking Adventure

Guided

Duration: 3 hours

Scottsdale • Phoenix

Features

Free Cancellation

Beginner Friendly

Small Group Sizes

Kid Friendly

Locally Owned

Instant Book

$210 Solo Adult

(1 person)

$145 Two-Three Adults

(Ages 12 and up)

$105 Four-Ten Adults

(Ages 12 and up)

$99 11-30 Hikers

(Ages 12 and up)

$89 31-50 Hikers

(Ages 12 and Up)

Description

Explore the McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale!

Experience the famous Sonoran Desert and McDowell Sonoran Preserve with a certified, expert guide on this guided hiking adventure! The expert guides are certified in Wilderness First Aid, as Wilderness First Responders or as EMTs, and are experienced in this terrain, ensuring your safety throughout the hike.

Covering a scenic loop route in the McDowell Mountains, part of the largest city-owned preserve in the world at more than 30,500 acres, you’ll be immersed in native flora and fauna only found in the Sonoran Desert! Along the way, you’ll encounter towering saguaro cacti, vibrant wildflowers, and medicinal creosote bushes, along with bustling wildlife such as roadrunners, jackrabbits, and perhaps coyotes or bobcats. Keep your camera ready for views of the wide open desert, canyons, washes, and mountain ranges.

With backpacks and snacks provided, all you need to bring is a good attitude and readiness for adventure! Ascend some switchbacks for views of Scttsdale, Phoenix, Valley of the Sun, and more! At the mountain saddle, the high point of the loop, rest with snacks and beverages provided by the guide and take in the panoramic views stretching over 60 miles west!

Duration of Adventure

3 hours

Location / Where to Meet

The guide will contact you with the meetup location

Ages & Requirements

Minimum age of 12 years old
A maximum of 10 guests
Difficulty is rated easy to moderate

What’s Included

Expert professional guide with first responder or EMT certification
A 3 hour hiking adventure
Lightweight backpacks for each hiker to use
Bottles of purified water
Healthy trail snacks
Sunscreen
Any admission fees to parks or preserves
Refreshments following the hiking adventure

Not Included

Gratuity - Never expected, but if you have a great experience, please consider gifting 10-25% to your guides!

What to Bring / Wear

Sturdy Hiking Shoes - Broken in/Used before with closed toes and grippy tread!
Hiking Socks & Gaiters - Comfortable socks to prevent blisters and small shoe gaiters are helpful to keep rocks and sand from getting into the shoe and causing blisters or cuts!
Comfortable Clothing - Make sure the clothing is moisture-wicking, lightweight, and fast drying! You may be sweating a lot in the desert heat! Also, the weather can change rapidly after so having a few easy to remove/add layers always helps.
Sun Protection - Brimmed hat, sunglasses, neck covering (may attach to hat), and UV deflecting long sleeve shirts can all help to combat the harmful and strong desert sun rays!
Required Paperwork & ID Cards- Signed medical form if required, waivers, license, etc.
Restroom Essentials - Extra toilet paper and hand sanitizer is a good idea!
Trekking Poles - These can help on uneven ground or strenuous hikes!
Cameras & Binoculars - Catch amazing pictures of the scenery and binoculars to spot wildlife from far away!
Snacks - These are provided but consider bringing your own if you have a food allergy, stomach issues to certain foods, or are particular about your food preferences!

FAQs

Can I take a Lyft or Uber to the trailhead?

A ride from Lyft, Uber or a cab can all work great depending on the trail chosen!

What happens if it rains?

Tours operate in rain or shine unless the weather forecasts call for risks or flash flooding. Feel free to bring extra rain gear to help you stay dry!

When is the best time to hike in Phoenix?

During the summer, to avoid extreme heat, the best times to hike are early mornings and evenings. The best time of year to hike is from October to April as you can avoid the heat of summer! Temperatures tend to be milder during the day with clear skies and lower humidity. Also, March to April is when the desert blooms with wildflowers!

Do you have other hiking options?

Please check out some of these other hiking options in the Sonoran Desert!

Check out Guided Hiking in Arizona!

ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Mad Desert Trekking

Cancellation Policy

To receive a full refund, travelers may cancel up to 48 hours before the experience start date in the local time zone. No refunds will be given after that time period.

Availability

April 2025

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Reviews

Location

Address

4925 E. McDonald Drive

Phoenix, AZ, 85018

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