Scottsdale Desert Classic Guided Hiking Adventure
Adventure Highlights
Experience the all-time classic guided hiking adventure in the Sonoran Desert, Scottsdale, Arizona!
The Scottsdale Desert Classic Guided Hiking Adventure is a guided adventure hike covering an exceptionally scenic loop route in the McDowell Mountains of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Scottsdale, Arizona. A local, certified, professional guide from Mad Desert Trekking will greet you at the trailhead and hike with you on a trekkiing adventure on an amazing route through the Scottsdale’s vast McDowell Sonoran Preserve, the largest city-owned preserve in the world at more than 30,500 acres.
Experience the energy of the Sonoran Desert and see its unique geological features, as well as native flora and fauna that are found only in the Sonoran Desert. Discover the wide open desert, canyons, washes and mountain ridges.
Ascend the switchbacks for incredible views of the Scottsdale, Phoenix, Valley of the Sun and much more. Hike to a mountain saddle—the high point of the loop—for a perfect view of the surrounding McDowell Mountain range and see the Sonoran Desert stretch out for more than 60 miles to the west.
Adventure Details
- Experience the energy of hiking through the Sonoran Desert, the most diverse desert in North America. We love this beautiful trail … and we know you will, too.
- Go at your own speed. We’ll customize the hike to your mileage, terrain and grade preferences.
- Hike for about two hours.
- Explore the geology, plants, animals of the Sonoran Desert.
- Relax at an incredible viewpoint with trail snacks and beverages provided by your guide.
- We approach every trip with fun in mind. Plus, our pro guides will show you secrets of the area that only a few know about.
MORE ADVENTURE | RADDER GUIDES | BIGGER EXPERIENCE
What to Expect
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Duration: 2-2.5 hours
- Meeting times: 8 a.m. | 11 a.m. | 1 p.m.
- Meeting location: Guide will contact you with meetup location
- Drop-offs: Uber and Lyft drop-off and pick-up service available
What to Bring
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Closed-toe footwear such as running, cross-training or hiking shoes. No sandals please.
- Long-sleeved layers for sun protection and in case it's chilly
- Sunglasses
- Hat or cap
What We Provide
- All Mad Desert Trekking adventures are lead by an expert, professional guide with either Wilderness First Responder or EMT certification
- Lightweight backpacks for each hiker to use
- Bottles of purified water
- Healthy trail snacks. We can accommodate dietary preferences.
- Any admission fees to parks or preserves
- Refreshments following your adventure
What's Not Included
- Gratuities for your guide. While it is at your discretion, we recommend a 20% tip for great service.
- Applicable sales tax
