Scottsdale Desert Classic Guided Hike in Scottsdale, Arizona

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 away!

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.
- Visit Scottsdale’s most iconic landmark.
- Roundtrip miles: 5 | Elevation gain: 1,236 feet | Maximum elevation: 3,925 feet.
- Duration: 2-2.5 hours hiking time.
- Explore the geology, plants, animals of the Sonoran Desert.
- Relax at an incredible summit 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.

What to expect:
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Duration: 2-2.5 hours
- Meeting location: Your guide will meet you at a trailhead in the famous McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Scottsdale, Arizona
- Getting there: Uber and Lyft drop-off and pick-up service available, and parking is free

What to bring:
- Closed-toe footwear such as running, cross-training or hiking shoes with good tread and grip. 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 light 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.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.