Scottsdale Desert Hiking: McDowell Sonoran Preserve guided tour

The McDowell Sonoran Preserve stretches more than 30,500 acres: the largest city-owned preserve in the world.

A guided hiking tour through Scottsdale's McDowell Sonoran Preserve where you choose the difficulty level and mileage, hike for roughly three hours with a certified local guide, and learn the geology, plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert. The guide provides backpacks, sunscreen, water, sports drinks, trail snacks and cold beverages after the hike. You meet at the trailhead and the route covers canyons, washes and mountain ridges with views stretching across the Valley of the Sun.

The experience

About three hours on the trail means you start and finish in a single morning or afternoon. You meet your guide at the trailhead in the McDowell Mountains and decide together whether you want an easy stroll or a strenuous climb with switchbacks: the hike customizes to your mileage and terrain preferences. A certified professional guide from Mad Desert Trekking leads the way and points out details only locals know: the unique geological features, native plants and animals found only in the Sonoran Desert, the canyons and washes carved into the landscape.

The trail ascends to a mountain saddle where views open across the McDowell range and the desert stretches west for more than 60 miles. Your guide carries backpacks, sunscreen and bottled water. You get sports drinks and trail snacks during the hike and cold beverages waiting at the end. The Sonoran Desert is the most diverse desert in North America, and the route lets you experience that variety (wide open spaces, ridgelines, the energy of the landscape) without needing to arrange transport or bring your own gear.

What’s included

• Use of backpacks.
• sunscreen.
• bottled water.
• sports drinks.
• trail snacks.
• cold beverages after the hike.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day10 departure times: the first at 06:45, the last at 14:00

Book up to8h before

AgesAdult (8 to 95 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

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

Moderate physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Mad Desert Trekking

Is this one for you?Small groups with a moderate fitness level get the most from the customizable difficulty. You hike at your own pace with a guide who adjusts the terrain and mileage to match your comfort, so you experience the desert without overextending yourself.

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Top questions

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 is the McDowell Sonoran Preserve like as a hiking destination?

The McDowell Sonoran Preserve is the largest city-owned preserve in the world at more than 30,500 acres, covering canyons, washes and mountain ridges in the Sonoran Desert. The trail passes through native plants and wildlife unique to this desert, and reaches a saddle with views across the McDowell range and the Valley of the Sun stretching west for more than 60 miles.

Can I choose how difficult the hike is?

Yes. The guide customizes the route to your mileage, terrain and grade preferences, so you can hike an easy loop or tackle strenuous switchbacks. You decide the level when you meet your guide at the trailhead.

What does the guide provide during the hike?

Your guide provides backpacks, sunscreen, bottled water and sports drinks during the hike. Trail snacks are included along the way, and cold beverages are waiting for you after you finish.

How long does the hike take?

The hike takes roughly three hours on the trail, so you can fit it into a single morning or afternoon in Scottsdale.

What will I learn about the Sonoran Desert on this hike?

Your certified guide shows you the geology, native plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert, which is the most diverse desert in North America. The guide also shares local secrets about the area that few visitors discover on their own.