4 minute read
Explore the Sonoran Desert
TOP 5 WAYS
TO EXPLORE SCOTTSDALE’S SONORAN DESERT
Advertisement
Whether you’re a hardcore adventure seeker or like to enjoy nature on a more low-key outing, there are plenty of ways to explore Scottsdale’s Sonoran Desert. Here are our top 5 picks for desert-style fun.
ONE
GO OFF-ROAD
Kick up the excitement with an off-road tour by Jeep, Hummer or ATV/UTV! You’ll explore some of the desert’s most pristine expanses while your guide shares fascinating information about the Sonoran Desert’s ecosystem, geology and cultural history. Daytime and night-vision tours are available, as are options that combine off-road excursions with activities like hiking, horseback riding and river rafting.
TWO
FLY HIGH
In a landscape as panoramic as the Sonoran Desert, there’s no better way to soak it all in than on a hot air balloon flight. You’ll drift along with the breeze as your pilot guides the balloon high into the air for horizon-to-horizon scenic views or dips close to the ground for a glimpse of wildlife and native plants. Every ride ends with a champagne toast, and many include a catered breakfast in the desert.
THREE
SADDLE UP
Cowboy up and enjoy the company of a gentle horse as you ride through rolling mountain foothills and lush desert washes. MacDonald’s Ranch welcomes riders of all skill levels and also offers hay wagon and stagecoach rides, a petting zoo and pony rides for kiddos. For experienced riders looking for more of a chall- enge, Windwalker Expeditions offers private excursions through the desert wilderness.
FOUR
MAKE A SPLASH
Water sports in the desert? Absolutely! There are eight lakes and rivers within a 60-minute drive of Old Town Scottsdale, which means you’re never far from fishing, kayaking, river rafting, tubing, paddle boarding and boat tours. If you find yourself on the Salt River, be sure to keep your eyes open for the band of majestic wild horses that live in the area.
FIVE
TAKE A HIKE
Hiking is one of the easiest and best ways to experience the beauty and serenity of Scottsdale’s Sonoran Desert. Start your explorations at Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve, which boasts 11 trailheads connecting to 225+ miles of shared-use trails that range from easy strolls on ADA-approved paths to challenging summit climbs deep in the McDowell Mountains.
POPULAR SCOTTSDALEAREA HIKES
These popular trails provide convenient access to the Sonoran Desert from developed trailheads that include parking, restrooms, shade ramadas and, of course, inspiring scenic views.
BAJADA NATURE TRAIL
Gateway Trailhead (18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy., Scottsdale) Length: 0.7 miles / 1.13 km (loop) Rating: Easy This ADA-accessible loop trail with interpretive exhibits is ideal for families and people experiencing mobility challenges.
GATEWAY LOOP
Gateway Trailhead (18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy., Scottsdale) Length: 4.5 miles / 7.2 km (loop) Rating: Moderate This trail passes over the Gateway Saddle, which offers expansive scenic views of the desert landscape.
PINNACLE PEAK SUMMIT
Pinnacle Peak Park (26802 N. 102nd Way, Scottsdale) Length: 3.5 miles / 5.6 km (round trip) Rating: Moderate This wide, smooth trail switchbacks to the top of this iconic North Scottsdale peak.
TOM’S THUMB
Tom’s Thumb Trailhead (23015 N. 128th St., Scottsdale) Length: 4.6 miles / 7.4 km (round trip) Rating: Difficult This long, steep trail climbs through fantastic boulder formations and rewards hearty hikers with breathtaking views.
CHOLLA MOUNTAIN LOOP
Brown’s Ranch Trailhead (30301 N. Alma School Pkwy., Scottsdale) Length: 8.7 miles / 14.0 km (loop) Rating: Moderate There’s plenty to see on this moderately challenging hike, from the site of the historic Brown’s Ranch to the Amphitheater and Cathedral Rock formations.
SCOTTSDALE AREA HIKING, BIKING & TRAIL GUIDE For a complete list of area trails, download the Scottsdale Hiking, Biking & Trail Guide at ExperienceScottsdale.com/maps-guides.
DESERT WOLF TOURS
Put yourself in the driver’s seat with award-winning Desert Wolf Tours! You’ll drive a military-grade TomCar UTV through the beautiful Sonoran Desert. Firearms experiences available!
877-613-9653 desertwolftours.com @desertwolftours @desertwolftours @desertwolftours @desertwolftours
DESERT DOG OFFROAD
For over 22 years, Desert Dog Offroad has offered guided Sonoran Desert ATV sand buggy adventures and Jeep tours. Located in Scottsdale/Phoenix, we are the leader in off-road desert tours!
HOT AIR EXPEDITIONS
Hot Air Expeditions, a local favorite for more than 30 years, provides hot air ballooning experiences in Phoenix/ Scottsdale, AZ, daily, yearround! All balloon tours include an approximately one-hour balloon ride, as well as postflight champagne and catered fare in the desert. We are FAA certified and insured. Hotel transfers are available.
