McDowell Sonoran Preserve Guided Hike Small Groups

The trails here stay quiet because the preserve limits who hikes them.

A guided hiking tour in Scottsdale's McDowell Sonoran Preserve where a professional guide leads small groups or private parties on trails chosen for accessibility and low visitor volume. Tours run about 2 hours and include bottled water, snacks and instruction on the desert's flora, fauna, geology and history. Solo travelers can join a pre-formed group or book privately. Groups under three should contact the office to arrange a departure.

The experience

McDowell Sonoran Preserve sits on the edge of Scottsdale and holds trails that don't fill up the way popular desert hikes do. The operator chooses routes for safety and accessibility as much as scenery, which means you're not scrambling over loose rock or navigating crowds. A professional guide leads the hike and talks through what you're seeing: the plants that survive on almost no water, the geology that shaped the ridges, the history of who lived here. The guide carries a radio and is trained in wilderness safety, and the ratio stays at one guide per eight guests so there's room to ask questions without holding up the whole group.

Each tour runs about 2 hours, long enough to move through the landscape without rushing but short enough to fit into a morning or afternoon. You get bottled water and snacks along the way. The hike itself is designed to be accessible to people with modest fitness levels, though you do need to be able to walk steadily for the duration. You can book as a shared group with other hikers or pay extra to make it private. Solo travelers either join a group that's already forming or pay the two-person minimum for a private departure. If you're coming with fewer than three people, call ahead to see what's available.

Summer and Fall/Spring options are available, each suited to the season. Bring close-toed athletic shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, sunscreen and a hat. The desert sun is direct and the ground reflects it. If you want to tip the guide, that's optional but appreciated.

What’s included

• Bottled water and snacks during the hike.
• professional safety-certified guide leading groups of up to eight.
• instruction on the desert's flora, fauna, geology and history.
• choice of shared group or private departure.

Options for this experience

2 options

SummerGuide in English · Available from 1 Jun 2027Meeting point is the trailhead, at 7:00am.

Fall/SpringGuide in English · 08:00, 11:00 and 14:00Departures at 8am, 11am or 2pm: Guests meet at the trailhead at their chosen tour time.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00, 11:00 and 14:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (4 and older) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12

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.

Good to know

Moderate physical effort

Operated by Cliff Creek Outfitters

Is this one for you?Book the shared group option if you enjoy hiking with other people and want a lower price. Choose private if you prefer a custom pace and smaller group. Summer tours run in the hottest months, while Fall and Spring departures offer milder temperatures. Pick the season that suits your comfort level and schedule.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

22 verified traveler reviews

5 ★22

4 ★0

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What's the fitness level needed for this hike?

The trails are designed for a wide range of abilities, including people with modest fitness levels. You need to be able to walk steadily for about 2 hours, but the routes are chosen for accessibility and safety rather than technical difficulty.

Does the guide teach about the desert while we hike?

Yes. The professional guide covers the Sonoran Desert's unique flora, fauna, geology and history throughout the hike, so you learn what you're walking through rather than just moving through it.

Can I book this as a private hike instead of joining a group?

Private hikes are available for an additional fee. Solo travelers can either join a group that's already scheduled or book privately at the two-person minimum price.

What's included in the tour?

Bottled water, snacks and a professional safety-certified guide are included. The guide speaks English and maintains a ratio of one guide per eight guests.

How crowded are these trails compared to other desert hikes near Scottsdale?

McDowell Sonoran Preserve limits visitor volume, and the operator specifically chooses low-traffic routes within it. The trails are selected for both scenic beauty and the fact that they don't draw the crowds of more famous desert hikes.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear close-toed athletic shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Long sleeves are recommended on cooler mornings. Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a camera. Medications and lip balm are useful to have on hand.