Scottsdale Desert Tour: Stargazing & Night Navigation

See the Arizona night sky through telescopes and learn how ancient peoples navigated by the stars

An after-dark desert tour in Scottsdale combining sunset viewing, stargazing with telescopes and binoculars, and the astronomy traditions of Arizona's indigenous peoples. The 3-hour tour includes a short nighttime walk to spot nocturnal creatures, water and snacks, plus hotel pickup. All ages and fitness levels are welcome.

The experience

The tour starts with a sunset drive into the desert, timing your arrival at the stargazing site as daylight fades. Once the Arizona night sky opens up, telescopes and binoculars let you see the moon, stars and distant planets in detail. The guide walks you through the constellations that shaped navigation for thousands of years: the same stars that helped the Hopi, Pima, Apache and Navajo, as well as earlier peoples like the Hohokam and Anasazi, find their way across unknown terrain.

After the telescope viewing, a short walk with black lights and flashlights takes you searching for nocturnal movement: creatures that only emerge after dark. The guide points out the plants and animals of the desert ecosystem and their adaptations to nighttime life. Water, fresh fruit, nuts, snack bars and Arizona tea keep you fueled through the evening.

Hotel pickup is included, so you don't need a car to reach the desert site. The tour runs 3 hours total and is rated easy walking, making it accessible for families with young children (strollers and infant seats are available) and anyone regardless of fitness level.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and return.
• water, fresh fruit, nuts, snack bars and Arizona tea.
• telescope and binocular use.
• black lights and flashlights for the nighttime walk.
• live guide in English.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 17:00 and 17:30

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (under 13)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 8 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcome

Operated by My Arizona Guide

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want a guided walk that combines stargazing with Indigenous astronomy traditions and desert wildlife spotting, all at an easy pace suitable for families with young children.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 13).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What exactly will I see through the telescopes on this tour?

The telescopes and binoculars give you close views of the moon, stars and planets visible in the Arizona night sky on the evening of your tour. The guide also helps you locate constellations tied to indigenous navigation traditions.

How does the nighttime creature walk work?

After stargazing, a short walk with black lights and flashlights lets you search for nocturnal animals active only after dark. The guide explains what you spot and how desert creatures have adapted to nighttime life.

Do I need to arrange my own transportation to the desert?

No, hotel pickup is included with the tour, so you don't need a car. The guide will collect you and return you to your hotel after the 3-hour tour ends.

What does the tour include to eat and drink?

Water, fresh fruit, nuts, snack bars and Arizona tea are provided throughout the evening to keep you comfortable during the 3-hour tour.