Family Desert Hike Phoenix: Kids Under 10 Free

Walk among saguaro cacti and rock formations with a guide who knows the desert.

A 90-minute private guided hike in the Sonoran Desert near Phoenix, suitable for families with children of all ages. Your guide leads you through desert trails past saguaro cacti, rock formations, canyons and mountain peaks, sharing knowledge of local plants, wildlife and geology. Kids under 10 hike free, and ages 11-17 get reduced pricing.

The experience

Ninety minutes gets you through a private desert hike built around what your family can handle. The trails vary in difficulty, so whether you're bringing toddlers or teenagers, the guide picks a route that works. You'll walk past the iconic saguaro cacti the Sonoran Desert is known for, see rock formations and canyons, and get views of mountain peaks. The guide is trained in trail safety, first aid and CPR, and knows the local flora, fauna, geology and history well enough to answer the questions kids actually ask.

Backpacks, sunscreen, bottled water and snacks come with you. After the hike, cold beverages are waiting. The whole thing is private to your family, so the pace and stops are yours to set. Your guide speaks English and leads the experience, not a group of strangers.

Public transportation options are nearby if you're staying in Phoenix or Scottsdale without a car. Kids under 10 hike free, and ages 11-17 pay reduced rates, which is the pricing structure that makes a family outing affordable enough to actually happen.

What’s included

• Backpacks.
• sunscreen.
• bottled water.
• snacks.
• cold beverages after the hike.
• live English-speaking guide trained in trail safety, first aid and CPR.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day8 departure times: the first at 05:30, the last at 18:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (10 to 17 years) · Child (under 10): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Mad Desert Trekking

Is this one for you?The hike starts near Phoenix and Scottsdale with public transit access, so families without a car can reach it easily. Private means your family sets the pace and stops without waiting for a group.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 17 years); Child (under 10): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Do I need my own transportation to get to the trailhead?

Public transportation options are available nearby. If you're staying in Phoenix or Scottsdale without a car, you can reach the hike using local transit.