Scottsdale Desert Classic Guided Hiking

Experience a customized hiking adventure in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Explore the Sonoran Desert, enjoy incredible viewpoints, and learn from knowledgeable guides. Safety and fun guaranteed!

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Gateway Trailhead - McDowell Sonoran Preserve - 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…
What's Included
  • Refreshing cold beverages post-hike
  • Complimentary sunscreen
  • Bottled water included
  • Assorted snacks provided
  • Carbonated drinks available
  • Backpacks supplied for convenience
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Join us for a unique hiking journey in Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve. We completely tailor the hike, adjusting mileage, terrain and grade to suit your needs.

  • Get ready to hit the trails for approximately two hours.
  • Discover the extraordinary formations and varied wildlife that the Sonoran Desert is famous for.
  • Enjoy thrilling scenery…
Location
Gateway Trailhead - McDowell Sonoran Preserve
North Thompson Peak Parkway
Your Mad Desert Trekking guide will meet you at Gateway Trailhead, 18333 N. Thompson Peak Parkway, Scottsdale, AZ 85255 in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Uber and Lyft will conveniently offer drop-off service to the Starbucks.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(38 Ratings)
5 stars
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1 star
Sara
Mar 16, 2025
Browns Ranch Hike - My cousin and I decided to meet 1/2 way and landed in Scottsdale. While we were here we opted to do several guided hikes, since neither of us are avid hikers and didn’t want to seem too out of place and ask too many strangers questions on the trail. After a ton of research and reading reviews we chose Mad Desert Trekking and sooooo glad we did. I spent a little time chatting with Matt about our goals and physical abilities and decided on 2 separate hikes on different days. Our second hike was a guided tour through a much larger desert north east of scottsdale. Jay was our new guide and as soon as we met him we felt like we struck gold again!! Communication was fantastic and we felt prepared for a longer hike with zero worries. We started off at a visitor center, and Jay explained to us exactly where our hike was going to take us. Within minutes we were learning about the terrain and the mountains around us. His catus knowledge was insane and honestly extremely interesting. There was not a question he couldn’t answer, and it’s exactly what we wanted, to learn about the area. The hike itself was on a wonderful kept, easy walking trail until the clime up to our viewpoint, but still easy enough footing to the top. We enjoyed a fantastic view, snacks and conversation at the top , accompanied by a visiting hawk. We were once again sad when the hike was over. Jay was really a fantastic guide. Any visitor looking for a guided hike will not be sorry they picked this company, class act all the way!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
John_a
Feb 21, 2025
Fantastic Guide Experience - Curtis was a great guide…full of knowledge and stories. He knows the area well, loves his job, and loves people. He also insured our safety through out the hike. We would 100% ask for him again as our guide.
Review provided by Viator
Martin
Jan 19, 2025
Great hiking guide - Henry was great very knowledgeable and personable. Would recommend him with 5 stars definately will request him next time we hike
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gillian_r
Dec 27, 2024
The knowledge of our... - The knowledge of our guide Jennifer was a welcomed addition to the trail experience.Her energy was great.
Review provided by Viator
Chris_c
Nov 29, 2024
Awesome hike - We had a great hike. A great mix of easy with some elevation gain after mile 2. Jay was an awesome guide, his knowledge of the local flora and fauna was top notch and made the hike even better (and he took good pictures too) Highly recommend both Mad Desert and Jay
Review provided by Viator
S3218pbchrisc
Nov 27, 2024
Awesome hike and experience! - Amazing hike! Jay’s knowledge of the area and flora and fauna made the hike very entertaining. Brown’s Ranch is a beautiful spot for a hike. I highly recommend Mad Desert Trekking and Jay specifically!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tania_s
Nov 18, 2024
Great hike exploring the Sonoran desert - Very nice hike in the Sonoran desert.. beautiful scenery with amazing cacti Our guide Liz was very good. She was very knowledgeable and friendly Learnt so much from her
Review provided by Viator
Odyssey603010
Oct 20, 2024
LIZ IS AMAZING! - Liz was an awesome tour guide! She is very knowledgeable about the trails. She adjusts her pace to align with her client’s skill level. A great personality, positive, and makes the experience full of fun! Would strongly recommend and would choose her again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
E7734ilchristiang
Oct 16, 2024
Jay is an exceptional guide. - I had an amazing hike. Jay is an exceptional guide. Very knowledgeable about the desert, animals, plants and history. And he really makes sure that you stay well hydrated.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Curiosity50554042860
Jan 12, 2025
Not worth the money - I felt this was overpriced. It was also somwthing i could easily done on my own -very little educational value also the guide was very nice
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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