Escape the city with these Sonoran Desert tours located just a short drive from Phoenix. From rugged off-road ATV adventures in the Bradshaw Mountains to guided hikes and hot air balloon rides, these excursions offer an easy way to experience Arizona's iconic landscapes.
Free Cancellation Explore the Tonto National Forest on a rugged off-road Jeep tour ending with sunset views over the Great Western Trail.
Drive authentic military-grade Tomcars through the Sonoran Desert on a guided tour suitable for all ages.
Free Cancellation Explore rugged Sonoran Desert trails on a single-passenger ATV at the base of the Bradshaw Mountains.
Free Cancellation Drive a multi-passenger UTV through the Bradshaw Mountains on a guided tour of Arizona's iconic Sonoran desert.
Free Cancellation A guided, low-speed Jeep tour through the Tonto National Forest focusing on Scottsdale’s desert plants and wildlife.
Free Cancellation Drift over the Sonoran Desert and Phoenix landmarks in a hot air balloon, ending with a champagne toast.
Free Cancellation Explore the Sonoran Desert on a guided mountain bike tour tailored to your skill level with all gear provided.
Free Cancellation Explore the Sonoran Desert on a guided mountain bike tour tailored to your skill level with all gear provided.
Free Cancellation Explore the Sonoran Desert on a private guided hike through saguaro forests and mountain trails.
Free Cancellation Guided hikes through the McDowell Sonoran Preserve tailored to all fitness levels, focusing on scenery and solitude.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Sonoran Desert — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Exploring the Sonoran Desert from Phoenix offers an unforgettable dive into one of North America's most biologically diverse landscapes. Whether you are bouncing along rugged trails in an open-air Jeep, driving your own ATV through the Bradshaw Mountains, or floating above the giant saguaros in a hot air balloon, these tours provide a thrilling escape from the city.
Navigate the rugged terrain of the Tonto National Forest or Bradshaw Mountains. You'll ride in modified Jeeps or drive military-grade UTVs through dry washes and rocky trails.
Wander through dense forests of towering saguaro cacti, some of which are over 250 years old. These iconic plants define the classic American Southwest landscape.
Keep your eyes peeled for unique desert inhabitants. Guides frequently help spot desert bighorn sheep, javelinas, and a massive variety of native bird species.
Take to the skies in a hot air balloon for panoramic views of the Phoenix metropolitan area and the sprawling desert, complete with a traditional champagne toast.
Hit the trails with a private guide who tailors the route to your fitness level. Enjoy close-up views of the flora and fauna while getting a solid workout.
Booking a tour into the Sonoran Desert requires a bit of preparation to ensure a safe and comfortable experience. Here is what you need to know before securing your spot.
Options range from thrilling 2-hour ATV and Jeep rides to peaceful sunrise hot air balloon flights. Active travelers can also book private 2-to-3-hour guided mountain biking or hiking excursions tailored to their skill level.
Off-road Jeep and ATV tours are notoriously bumpy and jarring. They are strictly prohibited for pregnant travelers and those with back, neck, or cardiovascular issues. Hiking and biking tours require at least a moderate level of physical fitness.
Closed-toe shoes are mandatory on almost all tours to protect against sharp rocks and cacti. If you are booking a sunset tour between November and February, bring a warm jacket, as temperatures drop roughly 20 to 30 degrees after the sun goes down.
If you plan to drive an ATV or UTV, you must be at least 16 years old with a valid ID. For passenger spots on off-road vehicles, children usually need to be at least 4 to 8 years old, and car seats may be required but not provided.
Most tours do not include hotel pickup from Phoenix. You will need a rental car or rideshare to reach the meeting points, which are typically located 30 to 45 minutes away in areas like North Scottsdale, New River, or the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
Tour operators almost always provide bottled water to keep you hydrated. ATV and biking tours include all necessary safety gear, such as helmets, goggles, face masks, and gloves.
Most guided tours, including Jeeps, hikes, and balloons, offer a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. However, check your specific ticket, as some specialized ATV tours state that all sales are final.
| Off-Road Jeep Tour | Guided ATV/UTV Tour | Hot Air Balloon Ride | Private Hiking/Biking Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 2 hours | 2 - 3 hours | 4 hours | 2 - 3 hours |
| Best for | Sightseeing without driving | Thrill-seekers & drivers | Couples & photography | Active travelers |
| Includes | Guide, bottled water | Safety gear, bottled water | Champagne, fresh fruit | Guide, gear, snacks |
| Price from | $155 | $107 | $195 | $70 |
The Sonoran Desert National Monument and surrounding public BLM lands are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can explore the wilderness at your own pace at any time.
However, guided tours operate on specific schedules. Morning tours typically begin around 7:00 AM or 8:00 AM to take advantage of cooler temperatures. Sunset Jeep tours usually depart in the late afternoon, timing the ride to catch the golden hour. Hot air balloon rides require very early starts, often meeting well before sunrise.
The Sonoran Desert surrounds Phoenix, but the specific meeting points for tours vary. You will generally need a vehicle to reach them.
The absolute best time to visit the Sonoran Desert is from late October to mid-April. During these months, the weather is mild and comfortable, making it perfect for hiking, biking, and off-road driving.
Summer Warning: From late April through September, extreme summer temperatures frequently exceed 110°F (43°C). Strenuous outdoor activities during the day pose severe health risks. If you must visit in the summer, book the earliest morning tours available and avoid the midday sun entirely.
While the rugged backcountry is difficult to navigate for those with mobility issues, the desert still offers several accessible options for visitors.
Facilities in the deep desert are virtually nonexistent. If you are exploring the Sonoran Desert National Monument on your own, you must be entirely self-sufficient.
Protecting the fragile desert ecosystem and ensuring your safety requires following strict local rules.
There are no entrance fees or permits required to visit the Sonoran Desert National Monument. However, guided tours (like Jeeps, ATVs, and balloons) have their own ticket costs, and recreating on nearby state trust lands requires a state permit.
No, the Jeep tours are fully guided. You will ride as a passenger while a certified, professional off-road driver navigates the rugged desert terrain.
To drive a single-passenger ATV or a multi-passenger UTV on these tours, you must be at least 16 years old and present a valid ID. Younger guests (usually 4 and up) can ride as passengers in UTVs.
Closed-toe shoes are mandatory for almost all tours to protect your feet from rocks and cacti. Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing, sunglasses, and a hat. If booking a sunset tour in winter, bring a warm jacket as it gets very cold after dark.
No. Due to the extremely bumpy, jarring nature of the off-road trails, Jeep, ATV, and UTV tours strictly prohibit pregnant travelers from participating.
It is possible, as the desert is their natural habitat. If you encounter a rattlesnake on a trail, stop, give it plenty of space, and let it move away on its own. Guides are trained to keep you safe around local wildlife.
Most desert tours do not include hotel pickup. You will typically need to drive or take a rideshare to the operator's staging area, which is usually 30 to 45 minutes north of central Phoenix.
They are very bumpy. These are low-speed but jarring rides over unpaved, rocky, and uneven terrain. They are not recommended for anyone with back, neck, or cardiovascular issues, or those prone to severe motion sickness.
It is highly discouraged and often illegal. Drones are strictly prohibited at places like the Desert Museum and heavily restricted in city preserves. Tour operators generally do not allow drone flying during group excursions to avoid disrupting wildlife and other guests.
While tour operators provide bottled water during guided excursions, it is always smart to bring extra. If you are exploring the desert unguided, you absolutely must bring your own water—plan for at least one gallon per person per day.
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This off-road excursion takes you through the rugged trails of the Tonto National Forest, located just north of Scottsdale. You will travel in modified open-air Jeeps—either a 14-seat Gladiator or a 7-seat YJ—featuring sideways seating for better visibility. Along the way, your guide provides information on the Sonoran Desert’s flora and fauna, along with the history of the local Native American tribes. As the sun begins to set, the tour stops at a panoramic lookout point overlooking the historic Great Western Trail. The total duration ranges from two to three hours depending on the time of year; please confirm the exact return time with your guide at the start of the trip. This is a public tour where you will share the vehicle with other passengers. Scottsdale Adventure Tours is an authorized permit-holder through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Cave Creek Ranger District.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Since 2009, this guided tour has offered excursions through the Sonoran Desert in military-grade Tomcar UTVs. The trail system covers diverse terrain and varying elevations, with scheduled stops to allow passengers to switch drivers. Because of the vehicle's design, helmets and goggles are not required for adults, though federal law requires helmets for riders under 18, which are provided by the staff. Throughout the trip, guides lead interactive demonstrations on desert survival and provide information regarding local history and desert wildlife. The experience begins at a fully climate-controlled indoor facility featuring digital check-in, clean restrooms, and a safety briefing area. This tour is designed for families and groups, maintaining a perfect safety record across more than a decade of operation.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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This tour takes you through the desert landscape just north of Phoenix. You will ride along the base of the Bradshaw Mountains on established off-road trails while your guide shares information about the local environment and points out desert wildlife. The total experience lasts three hours. This includes a one-hour check-in period followed by two hours of safety training and trail riding. This booking is specifically for single-passenger ATVs, and all participants must be at least 16 years old. If you are looking for multi-passenger vehicles for drivers 16+ and passengers 4+, please search for our "Centipede Tour - Guided Arizona Desert Tour by UTV" instead.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Located just north of Phoenix at the base of the Bradshaw Mountains, this guided tour takes you through the heart of the Sonoran desert in a multi-passenger UTV. You will navigate rugged trails while learning about the local environment and watching for desert wildlife. For those interested in single-passenger vehicles, please refer to our "Centipede Tour" specifically for ATVs. The entire experience spans three hours, starting with a one-hour check-in period. The remaining two hours consist of a safety briefing, vehicle training, and guided trail riding. This schedule ensures you are comfortable with the equipment before heading out to explore the Arizona backcountry.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Explore the rugged terrain of the Tonto National Forest on a low-speed, bumpy sightseeing tour through the Sonoran Desert. You will travel in a 7-seat Jeep YJ led by a certified off-road driver. Throughout the trip, your guide will provide information about the local flora and fauna found along the scenic trails of the Scottsdale area. Scottsdale Adventure Tours is a permitted operator through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Cave Creek Ranger District and the Bureau of Land Management. Please be aware that there is a maximum weight limit of 275 lbs per person for all participants.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Take to the skies for a unique perspective of the Sonoran Desert landscape. From the balloon, you can spot native desert plants and wildlife before climbing to higher altitudes for panoramic views of the Phoenix metropolitan area. The flight offers a clear look at McDowell Mountain Regional Park, Camelback Mountain, and the skylines of downtown Phoenix and Tempe. These trips launch first thing in the morning, often referred to as a 'sunrise boots' departure. While the full sunrise typically occurs during the setup process, you will spend your flight time enjoying the early morning light over the valley. After landing, the experience concludes with a traditional celebration including a champagne toast and fresh fruit.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Join an experienced local rider for a mountain bike excursion through the Sonoran Desert landscape. Before starting, your guide will assess your skill level and provide a safety briefing on bike operation. This allows us to select trails that match your ability, ensuring the ride is both safe and engaging for your specific group. We provide all necessary equipment, including mountain bikes, helmets, gloves, and backpacks. To keep you comfortable on the trail, we also supply water bottles, plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen. The tour concludes with cold drinks provided at the end of the ride.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Led by an experienced rider, this tour takes you through the heart of the Sonoran Desert. You will navigate trails surrounded by towering cacti and mountain scenery, with routes selected specifically to match your group's riding ability. Before starting, your guide will evaluate everyone's experience level and provide instruction on mountain bike safety and handling to ensure a confident ride. We handle all the logistics by providing mountain bikes, helmets, gloves, and backpacks. Each guest receives water, snacks, and sunscreen for the trail, followed by cold drinks at the end of the trip. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned rider, the focus is on a safe, well-paced experience customized for your group.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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This private tour takes you into the heart of the Sonoran Desert, where you'll walk among giant saguaro cacti and across rolling desert foothills. The route is chosen to showcase the unique landscape and mountain views that define this region. Your guide is an experienced hiker who knows the local terrain and can tailor the pace to your preferences. Because this is a private outing, you can focus on the scenery and wildlife at your own speed without the pressure of a larger group.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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We lead guided hikes that bridge the gap between a casual walk and a strenuous trek. Our routes are chosen to be accessible for most fitness levels, ensuring that both casual walkers and more active hikers find the pace and terrain rewarding. Most of our trips take place in Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve, where the trail network allows us to customize the route based on your ability. We prioritize trails that are scenic and well-maintained but see fewer crowds, providing a quieter environment to see the desert landscape. While the preserve is our primary location, we also offer trips to other regional trails upon request.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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