Sonoran Desert Reptile Hunting: King Snakes & Gila Monsters

Search the desert floor for snakes, lizards and scorpions with tongs in hand

Reptile hunting in the Sonoran Desert is a four-hour activity where you search for snakes, lizards, amphibians and invertebrates in the desert and the Superstition Mountains foothills with a live guide. The Sonoran Desert holds more species of plants and animals than any other desert on earth, including King Snakes, Collared Lizards, Gila Monsters, multiple rattlesnake species and tarantulas. You'll use tongs and tweezers to safely observe and handle the creatures you find.

The experience

The Sonoran Desert near Scottsdale is the most biodiverse desert in the world, and a short drive takes you into terrain where you'll actively hunt for reptiles and invertebrates instead of watching from a distance. A guide leads the search across the desert floor and lower Superstition Mountains, stopping to turn over rocks, check under brush and scan the ground for movement. You handle tongs and tweezers to safely approach and examine whatever emerges: King Snakes, Collared Lizards, Gila Monsters, the region's multiple rattlesnake species, tarantulas and scorpions all live here, and which ones you encounter depends on the season and the day's conditions.

Hotel pickup is included, so you don't need a car or directions to the trailhead. The guide speaks English and knows where to look and how to read the terrain for signs of activity. Bottled water and snacks sustain you through the four hours, and the pace suits all fitness levels. You're walking and searching, not hiking steep terrain or covering long distances.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup.
• bottled water.
• snacks.
• tongs and tweezers for safe handling.
• live English-speaking guide.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Child (1 to 9 years)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats available

Operated by My Arizona Guide

Is this one for you?Pick this if you're staying in Scottsdale and want a four-hour hunt that leaves time for other activities. The desert pickup means you start searching for rattlesnakes and Gila monsters without backtracking to a trailhead first.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (1 to 9 years).

What kinds of snakes and lizards live in the Sonoran Desert?

King Snakes, Collared Lizards, Gila Monsters and multiple species of rattlesnakes all inhabit the Sonoran Desert, along with many amphibians. The region also hosts tarantulas and scorpions among its invertebrates, making it the most biodiverse desert in the world.

Do I need my own transportation to get to the desert for this hunt?

No. Hotel pickup is included, so you don't need a car. The guide will collect you from your accommodation in the Scottsdale area and drive you out to the hunting grounds in the Sonoran Desert and Superstition Mountains.

What equipment do I use to find and handle the reptiles?

You'll use tongs and tweezers to safely approach, examine and handle the creatures you find. The guide provides all the gear, and you learn how to use it properly as you search.