You booked this experience
Make your trip unforgettable

Scottsdale Desert Classic Guided Hiking Adventure

47 Reviews 4.91 out of 5 stars Based on 47 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 98% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Scottsdale, USA
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 22 (0) days in advance.

3 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

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.

What's Included

  • Snacks
  • Carbonated beverages Soda/Pop
  • Bottled water
  • Gratuities
See 3 moreSee 2 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

18333 North Thompson Peak Parkway
Scottsdale, AZ 85255, USA

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

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.

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Scottsdale Desert Classic Guided Hiking Adventure?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (MST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-293530P7

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.91
47 reviews

Average 4.91 out of 5 stars based on 47 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
44
4 stars
2
3 stars
1
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 22 (0) days in advance.

Similar Tours & Activities

Grand Canyon Sedona Oak Creek Canyon Shared Tour from Scottsdale

Discover the stunning beauty of Arizona on a full-day adventure that takes you to the Grand Canyon and Sedona. Travel through the captivating landscapes of …More

Discover the stunning beauty of Arizona on a full-day adventure that takes you to the Grand Canyon and Sedona. Travel through the captivating landscapes of...

10 to 11 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (2)
from
$350

Grand Canyon Private Guided Tour

My Arizona Guide will whisk you away to Northern Arizona and The Grand Canyon. We will drive through Flagstaff and onto the Grand Canyon where we …More

My Arizona Guide will whisk you away to Northern Arizona and The Grand Canyon. We will drive through Flagstaff and onto the Grand Canyon where we...

10 to 12 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (23)
from
$250

ATV or UTV 2 Person Guided Offroad Desert Adventure Scottsdale

Experience one of the top-rated outdoor activities in Scottsdale with Desert Dog Offroad! For over 27 years, we’ve been Scottsdale’s go-to choice for unforgettable Sonoran …More

Experience one of the top-rated outdoor activities in Scottsdale with Desert Dog Offroad! For over 27 years, we’ve been Scottsdale’s go-to choice for unforgettable Sonoran...

2 hours Free Cancellation
4.9 (99)
from
$175

Small Group Antelope Canyon Day Trip from Phoenix

Hidden for centuries beneath Native soil, nature has built a cathedral for herself: a slot canyon still unsurpassed in its beauty, the perfect symphony of …More

Hidden for centuries beneath Native soil, nature has built a cathedral for herself: a slot canyon still unsurpassed in its beauty, the perfect symphony of...

14 hours Hotel pickup offered
4.8 (142)
from
$454

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

Pedal Bar Crawl of Old Town Scottsdale

Book anywhere from one to 14 seats on this two-hour pub crawl of Old Town Scottsdale, where your certified party bike captain will bring you …More

Book anywhere from one to 14 seats on this two-hour pub crawl of Old Town Scottsdale, where your certified party bike captain will bring you...

2 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (4,567)
from
$50

Sonoran Desert Jeep Tour at Sunset

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, …More

5.0 (2,791)

Sonoran Desert Jeep Tour at Sunset

5.0 (2,791)

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,...

2 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (2,791)
from
$160

Small-Group or Private Grand Canyon with Sedona Tour from Phoenix

Experience the scenic beauty of Arizona on this small-group or private day trip from the Phoenix-Scottsdale area. Visit one of the world’s wonders, the Grand …More

Experience the scenic beauty of Arizona on this small-group or private day trip from the Phoenix-Scottsdale area. Visit one of the world’s wonders, the Grand...

13 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.9 (2,560)
from
$169

1.5 Hour Stretch Limo Golf Cart Tour, Ultimate Old Town Exploration

Experience everything Scottsdale has to offer as we take you to see Scottsdale’s breathtaking scenery, numerous multi-million dollar art installations, Camelback Mountain, America’s Original Artwalk, …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Experience everything Scottsdale has to offer as we take you to see Scottsdale’s breathtaking scenery, numerous multi-million dollar art installations, Camelback Mountain, America’s Original Artwalk,...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.8 (353)
from
$65

What's Included

Activity name

  • Snacks
  • Carbonated beveragesSoda/Pop
  • Bottled water
  • Backpacks
  • Sunscreen
  • Cold beverages following the hiking adventure
  • Gratuities

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Report Product Issue

Activity name