Scottsdale Desert Classic Guided Hiking Adventure
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Experience the Scottsdale Classic Hiking Adventure in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. 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.
- 2-3 hours on the trail
- Meet your guide at the trailhead
- Difficulty scale: Easy to strenuous—you choose the level!
We provide everything you need for your hiking adventure:
- Use of backpacks
- Sunscreen
- Bottled water
- Sports drinks
- Trail snacks
- Plus, cold beverages after finishing your hike.
Our number one priority is your safety. We guarantee a safe, enjoyable and memorable Sonoran Desert experience.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What To Expect
Experience the all-time classic hiking adventure in the Sonoran Desert of Scottsdale, Arizona! This classic guided adventure hike covers a classic loop hike in the McDowell Mountains of Scottsdale, Arizona. A local, certified, professional guide from Mad Desert Trekking will greet you at the trailhead and hike with you on a hiking 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 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.
Options
Scottsdale Desert Classic Guided Hiking Adventure
What‘s Included
Soda/Pop
Sunscreen
Bottled water
Snacks
Cold beverages following the hiking adventure
Backpacks
Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
47 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great hike!!!
Kimberly G,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide was fantastic. He explained everything. He encouraged us to push ourselves. He had supplies. He took TONS of pictures and airdropped to us. The hike was fantastic.
Jennifer is the best
Tina S,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful hike and Jennifer is great. Educational experience Beautiful warm sunny day. Provided water
Great Desert Hike in Brown’s Ranch - Scottsdale
262maurao,Dec 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time with Doug Mangum our guide who was wonderful. Our hike was intermediate and we were able summit Brown’s Mountain, which had incredible views of the valley. Doug brought small backpacks and snacks and water for everyone. We enjoyed his engaging teaching style which was personable, warm, and funny as we learned about the various cacti, trees, wildlife, civilizations, and ranching history of the Scottsdale and Phoenix area.
Excellent custom hike.
bethbH8291WV,Dec 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Doug was an excellent guide. We had an amazing time. The hike was tailored to what we wanted to do. Doug shared all about the history of the area and was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. Would definitely do another hike when we are back in town.
Jay is a great guide. Educational, guide was well versed in the local flora and fauna. Highly recommend.
pbresler56,Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience! Jay was an amazing guide! Highly recommend. He let us and proceed backpacks, cold drinks and snacks.
Wonderful and educational afternoon!
Susan S,Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Doug was our tour guide. He was very personable, knowledgeable, and fun! We spent 3+ hours learning about the desert - plants, animals, and mountain ranges. We had a great time.
Great hike with Mad Desert Trekking
A2410TVdavidb,Aug 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had (another) great hike with Matt and MDT out of the TomThumb Trailhead in Scottsdale AZ. Matt picks the right level, distance and elevation for my age and the conditions. Also Matt is a fount of information about the desert he obviously loves and knows so well. His enthusiasm is contagious. Highly recommend this unique perspective in a large metropolis.
Hike in the Desert
paulfI1158TV,May 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was just an outstanding day in the Scottsdale Desert with Matt. He provided an excellent overview of the landscape and all the wildlife of the area. He interacted with all of us on the hike and he obviously enjoys his work. I would highly recommend it and would do it again if we were back in Scottsdale.
Sonora Desert
krispG4393QH,May 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really fabulous hike. Great scenery and a great guide. Brown Mountain in the Sonora Desert. Cardinals, desert flowers, and even a snake. Thanks, Curtis!
BEST GUIDED TOUR!
holly l,Mar 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This hike was such a wonderful way to explore the trails in Scottsdale! Liz was my guide and she was superb! Liz was so accommodating and pleasant! It made for a very memorable and enjoyable activity! I highly recommend this to everyone!
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Operated by Mad Desert Trekking