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Phoenix, Arizona Desert safaris

Our most recommended Phoenix, Arizona Desert safaris

Sonoran Desert: Sunset Jeep Tour with Tonto National Forest

1. Sonoran Desert: Sunset Jeep Tour with Tonto National Forest

Experience a world-famous Arizona sunset on a low-speed, off-road sightseeing tour of the Sonoran Desert via the Tonto National Forest. Your professional tour guide, a certified off-road driver, will tell you about the Sonoran Desert flora, wildlife, Arizona history, and Native American ethnobotanical practices. Hop aboard the Jeep and cruise past the Pass by Pinnacle Peak Park, a scenic 3,169-foot granite summit located in North Scottsdale, and Reata Pass, the last standing buildings of an old western town. Hear about these locations and their significance. At sunset, stop at a panoramic lookout point that overlooks the historic Great Western Trail. Feel free to exit the Jeep and walk around the scenic lookout. Whether you're interested in a couple of group photos or a full Instagram shoot with your camera, your guides are also great photographers willing to help. Depending on cloud conditions, the sky typically changes to various shades of pink, red, orange, and purple, all within the backdrop of the stunning Sonoran Desert.

Sonoran Desert: Guided 2-Hour UTV Adventure

2. Sonoran Desert: Guided 2-Hour UTV Adventure

Hop in, buckle up, turn the switch, and hit the trail in the toughest vehicle the Sonoran Desert has ever seen. The 4-seat UTV can be filled to capacity and can still climb trails, crawl boulders, and zip all over the desert without breaking a sweat. Whether you're craving adventure or simply want to enjoy some sightseeing at your own pace, this UTV is dialed in to deliver. With electric power steering, a thrilling V-Twin engine, and towing capacity to take everything with you, this exhilarating drive handles like a dream. 

Scottsdale: Half-Day Sonoran Desert Hiking Tour

3. Scottsdale: Half-Day Sonoran Desert Hiking Tour

Enjoy a guided hiking trip designed to be more than a simple nature walk. This hike is accessible to a wide range of abilities so that individuals of modest fitness levels, as well as more active ones, will enjoy themselves. Traverse trails chosen not only for their scenic beauty but also accessibility, safety, and low volume of other visitors. Experience the unforgettable Sonoran Desert as you've never seen it before. Hike the Sonoran Preserve, where there are a variety of trails available. Marvel at the natural beauty of the desert while getting in a workout that is great for hikers of all levels of experience.

From Scottsdale: Sonoran Desert & Tonto National Forest Trip

4. From Scottsdale: Sonoran Desert & Tonto National Forest Trip

Take a break from the streets of Scottsdale and get out of the city to discover the Sonoran Desert. Drive by jeep to the Pinnacle Peak neighborhood and see an old stagecoach station. Meet wild horses by the Verde River after walking through Tonto National Forest. Make your way to the Village at Pinnacle Peak to meet your friendly guide and group for the day. Jump in the jeep and admire the picturesque Arizonan landscape as you head towards the desert. Learn about local wildlife as your guide points out the different species you come across. Enter the Sonoran Desert and pass by a stagecoach station as you stroll around in the arid landscape with growing cacti and distant mountain peaks. Continue to the Tonto National Forest and begin walking along the winding tree-lined path. Find your way to the roaring Verde River to have the chance of watching wild horses playing on the riverbanks, before returning to Scottsdale.

Off-Road Segway Tour: Scottsdale, Fort McDowell

5. Off-Road Segway Tour: Scottsdale, Fort McDowell

Experience Arizona in this off-road Segway Tour in the Sonoran Desert; the most exciting adventure in the Scottsdale Area! Warm temperatures, blue skies, and breath-taking scenery create the most perfect oasis; you will be so glad you came out. Your tour operates by special permit on the Fort McDowell Native American Reservation and takes place off the beaten path on beautiful desert trails located near the Verde River at the base of Four Peaks Mountain. The Segway is perfect for the terrain and relaxed atmosphere of the Sonoran Desert. It allows you to experience the desert first-hand and offers the best wind-in-your-hair adventure to share with your friends and family. It is an experience that you will remember forever. Your guide will provide you with information about the Yavapai Nation, as well as the unique flora and fauna you are seeing; everything from the great saguaros to bald eagles and wild horses. Please dress in layers with closed-toe shoes. Includes Cone Zone safety training and the best Segway guides in The West.

Sonoran Desert: Guided 2-Hour ATV Tour

6. Sonoran Desert: Guided 2-Hour ATV Tour

After driving to the trail meeting point in the Tonto National Forest, hop aboard an ATV and set off on a guided excursion through the majestic Sonoran Desert. Discover the abundant flora and fauna inhabiting the Forest. Experience the thrill of navigating through seasonal creeks, sandy washes, rocky riverbeds, and rugged desert trails as your guide leads you across 25 to 30 miles of desert trails. While steering your fully automatic ATV through the Arizona wilderness, you will encounter this forbidden frontier which has remained largely untouched over time.

Phoenix: Sonoran Desert Guided Hiking Adventure

7. Phoenix: Sonoran Desert Guided Hiking Adventure

Meet your local guide at the trailhead and begin your adventure along a scenic route through a protected region of the Sonoran Desert. During the course of your hike, discover unique geological features, as well as native flora and fauna that are unique to the area. Experience the incredible mountains up close and personal. Ascend the switchbacks for incredible views of the Valley of the Sun, Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Camelback Mountain. Hike to a mountain saddle for a perfect view of Piestawa Peak and the surrounding desert mountain range. See the Sonoran Desert stretch out for more than 40 miles to the west.

Scottsdale: Half-Day Sonoran Desert Mountain Bike Tour

8. Scottsdale: Half-Day Sonoran Desert Mountain Bike Tour

Savor the trails, flora, and views that are located in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area, nicknamed the "ride center" by the International Mountain Biking association. Take in breathtaking views of the rugged terrain of the Sonoran Desert with an expert guide. Your expert local mountain biking guides will help to make your tour an outstanding experience while you pedal along the trail best suited to you, whether gravel paths or serpentine single-track, all offering sweeping views of the surrounding Arizona mountains and desert landscape.

Sonoran Desert: Beginner ATV Training & Desert Tour Combo

9. Sonoran Desert: Beginner ATV Training & Desert Tour Combo

Discover the Sonoran Desert on an ATV tour with personalized training. Get to grips with your ATV on a beginner course full of bumps, turns, and hills before heading out into the wilderness on the Centipede Tour with a local guide. Begin your day with a go on the beginner Sidewinder ATV Training course. Start with a safety briefing before learning how to drive an ATV on the Sidewinder course, designed to mimic the bumpy roads of the desert. Once you've got the hang of it, head out into the desert on the adventurous Centipede Tour. Follow your local guide deep into the Sonoran Desert, through canyons, and over mountains on a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Marvel at the breathtaking views of the Bradshaw mountains and see the local wildlife as you drive through the desert. Throughout your tour, learn about the Sonoran Desert wildlife and history and desert survival techniques from your guide.

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Other Sightseeing Options in Phoenix, Arizona

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What people are saying about Phoenix, Arizona

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 5 reviews

Our guide, Missy, was excellent. I am an intermediate mountain bike rider and my wife is more of a novice. Missy was able to accommodate us both. The trail we road on was challenging, but doable and the views were incredible. The bikes were in great shape and snacks and drinks are provided. I was most impressed with Missy’s professionalism and knowledge of the area. I would definitely recommend taking this tour.

Tim and Jason are amazing. We had a blast on the Segways and learned so much while wheeling through the desert. We had family from 12yr to 80yr and we ALL had a blast. Very organized, very fun....worth every penny!! Book this tour asap!

We had such a fun time with our guide Tim. He was more than helpful celebrating my Mom's 85th Birthday. Highly recommend for a fun time ! Thank You!!!

We had the greatest experience with Jon as our guide!!! Every detail was thought through and we made a memory of a lifetime!

Great bike ride and lots of information about the beautiful Arizona Desert.