Rappelling Adventure in Scottsdale: Hike & Descend

4.98 (59 reviews) 98% rated it 5 stars
Free cancellationExcellent quality
  • Rappelling Adventure in Scottsdale: Hike & Descend
  • Rappelling Adventure in Scottsdale: Hike & Descend 2
  • Rappelling Adventure in Scottsdale: Hike & Descend 3
  • Rappelling Adventure in Scottsdale: Hike & Descend 4
  • Rappelling Adventure in Scottsdale: Hike & Descend 5
  • Rappelling Adventure in Scottsdale: Hike & Descend 6
1/6
Duration4h
GroupUp to 8
Live guideEN · ES
Book up to12h before

Climb up, then lean back and descend a desert wall

Rappelling Adventure in Scottsdale is a half-day morning activity where you hike to the top of a desert formation and rappel down with a professional guide, helmet and ropes. The guide speaks English or Spanish and leads groups of at least two people. Minimum moderate fitness is required. The activity is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries.

Compare the 12 alternatives

Camelback E-Bike & Hike Tour in Scottsdale: 2.5 hoursCamelback E-Bike & Hike Tour in Scottsdale: 2.5 hoursEvery day · 10:00 and 13:30 · From age 12★ 4.95 (162)2h 30mENUS$ 135View ›Sonoran Desert Private Guided Hiking Tour near ScottsdalePrivateSonoran Desert Private Guided Hiking Tour near ScottsdaleEvery day except Tuesday and Thursday · First departure 08:00, last 15:00 · From age 10★ 4.96 (83)2hENUS$ 70View ›Indoor Skydiving Phoenix: 2 Flights in a Wind TunnelIndoor Skydiving Phoenix: 2 Flights in a Wind TunnelEvery day · First departure 08:00, last 21:00 · From age 3★ 4.56 (61)1h 15mENUS$ 119View ›Scottsdale Desert Hiking: McDowell Sonoran Preserve guided tourScottsdale Desert Hiking: McDowell Sonoran Preserve guided tourEvery day · First departure 06:45, last 14:00 · From age 8★ 4.91 (47)3hENUS$ 157View ›McDowell Sonoran Preserve Guided Hike Small GroupsMcDowell Sonoran Preserve Guided Hike Small GroupsEvery day · 08:00, 11:00 and 14:00 · From age 4★ 5.00 (22)2hENUS$ 129View ›Tom's Thumb Guided Hike Scottsdale: Desert Views SwitchbacksTom's Thumb Guided Hike Scottsdale: Desert Views SwitchbacksEvery day · 08:00, 11:00 and 14:00 · From age 4★ 5.00 (1)2hENUS$ 129View ›Sedona Hiking Tour with Lunch and Wine Tasting from ScottsdaleSedona Hiking Tour with Lunch and Wine Tasting from ScottsdaleEvery day · 07:00★ 5.00 (88)12hENUS$ 375View ›Sonoran Desert Canyon Canyoneering: 150ft Rappel AdventureSonoran Desert Canyon Canyoneering: 150ft Rappel AdventureSat · 07:00 · From age 8★ 4.94 (16)6hENUS$ 280View ›ATV Riding in Scottsdale: Small Groups in Tonto National ForestATV Riding in Scottsdale: Small Groups in Tonto National ForestMon–Sat · 08:00 · From age 5★ 4.99 (1,688)2hEN · ESUS$ 179View ›Phoenix: Canyoneering Adventure with Rappelling & Water SlidesPhoenix: Canyoneering Adventure with Rappelling & Water SlidesNext departure: 6 Jan 2027 · From age 10★ 5.00 (95)8hEN · ESUS$ 388View ›ATV Riding in Tonto National Forest: 24 Miles of Desert TrailsATV Riding in Tonto National Forest: 24 Miles of Desert TrailsWed–Sat · 11:00 · Season until 31 Oct · From age 3★ 4.99 (417)2hENUS$ 179View ›Scottsdale Off-Road Jeep Tour: Tonto National Forest TrailsScottsdale Off-Road Jeep Tour: Tonto National Forest TrailsMon–Sat · 08:00 and 13:00 · From age 4★ 5.00 (1,290)2h–3hENUS$ 400View › Compare more experiences like this »
Explore more: Hiking Scottsdale »

The experience

What makes this different from a gym wall or an indoor setup is the Sonoran desert itself. You hike to your rappel point, taking in the landscape as you climb, then you're the one leaning back into the harness and controlling your descent down the rock face. A professional guide manages the ropes and your safety while you work through the technical side of the rappel. The whole experience runs about four hours in the morning, which means you're done by early afternoon and the heat stays manageable.

Helmet and ropes come with you. The guide provides bottled water and snacks during the half day. You'll want to wear active casual clothes. Nothing restrictive, nothing you can't move in. A minimum of two people per booking keeps the group small and the guide's attention focused. The guide speaks English or Spanish, so language isn't a barrier to understanding the setup or the safety briefing.

What’s included

  • Professional guide in English or Spanish.
  • helmet and ropes.
  • bottled water.
  • snacks.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 13:00
Book up to12h before
AgesAdult (10 and older) · Under 10: can't be booked
GroupUp to 8
Live guideEnglish and Spanish
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 yesterday

Good to know
Moderate physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Epic Adventures AZ

Is this one for you?Book this if you're coming with at least one other person and want a real outdoor challenge in the desert rather than an indoor climbing wall. The morning timing and four-hour length fit a half day without eating into the rest of your Scottsdale itinerary.

Traveler reviews

4.98
59 verified traveler reviews
5 ★58
4 ★1
3 ★0
2 ★0
1 ★0
Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

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.

What's the hike like before I get to the rappel point?

The hike takes you through the Sonoran desert to reach the formation where you'll rappel. The operator describes it as part of the half-day adventure, with photo opportunities along the way, though the exact distance and elevation gain depend on which site the guide chooses that day.

Do I need rappelling experience to book this?

No prior experience is required. The professional guide teaches you the technique and manages the ropes. You do need at least a moderate level of physical fitness to handle the hike up and the rappel itself.

Can I bring a camera or phone to take photos during the rappel?

The itinerary mentions photo opportunities, but the operator does not detail what you can bring or how to secure a camera during the descent. Ask the guide when you confirm your booking time.

Rappelling Adventure in Scottsdale: Hike & Descend

4h · EN · ES

from US$ 192 per person

4.9859 reviewsVerified traveler reviews via our booking provider
More experiences in Scottsdale »
Need help planning your next activity?