McDowell Sonoran Preserve Tours and Tickets

Experience the best of Scottsdale on a classic hike through the beautiful McDowell Sonoran Preserve. We'll customize your hike to your preferences, discuss the geology, plants, and plants of the Sonoran Desert, and enjoy trailside snacks and beverages at a beautiful lookout. You'll meet your guide from Mad Desert Trekking at the trailhead, who has everything you need for your hike. We guarantee a safe, enjoyable, and memorable experience in the unforgettable expanses of theSonoran Desert.

Discover Arizona’s hidden gems from the sky on this epic 1 Hour Private Adventure Flight. Departing from our private hangar in Scottsdale, AZ (just 20 minutes from Phoenix), this exclusive helicopter tour showcases some of the most stunning and remote landscapes in the state. Fly low and fast through the iconic Four Peaks Mountain Range, over the winding Salt River canyons and lakes, and across the lush Verde River Valley. You'll also pass over the famous Fountain Hills Fountain—one of the tallest in the world. As the only high-end helicopter company offering this kind of cinematic, private experience from the Phoenix Valley, we deliver an unforgettable journey that feels straight out of a film. We fly for brands like Red Bull, National Geographic, and Apple TV—and now, for you. Accommodates up to 5 passengers or 850lb combined weight. No crowds, no rush—just you, your group, and the open sky.

Take a guided hike in Scottsdale’s Sonoran Preserve up to Tom’s Thumb, an iconic granite landmark. This is about a three hour hike, where your guide will take you through the desert, showing you the flora and fauna. You’ll see the saguaro cactus forest, and other amazing geological formations and beautiful views of Scottsdale.

Explore Arizona’s Sonoran Desert in a unique, eco-friendly way on this electric bike adventure. Ride premium Bosch and Yamaha mid-drive e-bikes built for both on- and off-road trails, offering comfort even to first-time riders. Enjoy stunning views of Black Mountain and the surrounding landscapes while learning about the local area. This safe, exhilarating experience makes desert exploration accessible, fun, and unforgettable.

E-bikes are the perfect way to explore sunny Scottsdale. After a safety orientation, get on an easy-to-use electric bicycle and find your way through the city for your own unique adventure. Options include visits to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Old Town Scottsdale, and everything in between. You'll have a map, helmet, and wheels to get you wherever you fancy.

Get off the beaten track and explore the wonders of the Sonoran Desert by bike with this guided half-day ride through the Valley of the Sun. Pedal through the scenic McDowell Mountains along a trail selected to suit your skill level, covering more ground than on foot and taking in the unique flora and fauna of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve along the way.

Join on us a great hike through the Sonoran Desert! The Gateway loop trail offers a fantastic moderate hiking experience that will get us back into the hills of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve providing great desert views and experience. On our hike, we will see a wide array of desert plants and cactus, sweeping views of the desert and overlook views of the city. Along the way we generally see lots of desert lizards and birds to add to the great scenery of our hike. This hike is great for the beginning to intermediate hiker and groups of varying capabilities.

Experience Scottsdale from our 14 passenger van. Our comprehensive Scottsdale city tour covers over 50 miles of historical and cultural sites. In addition to major landmarks, your Tour Guide will take you to sites where historical events occurred, such as the site where German soldiers dug a tunnel to escape a WWII prisoner of war camp.