Top Scottsdale Outdoor Activities

Scottsdale’s 2019-2020 #1 ranked TripAdvisor outdoor activity. Our rigorous Sunset Desert Jeep Tour is a bumpy off-road sightseeing tour through the scenic trails of the Tonto National Forest, connected to Scottsdale, Arizona. Experience a world-famous Arizona sunset as our professional tour guides teach you about the Sonoran desert flora, fauna, and Native American history. At sunset, we will stop at our panoramic lookout point overseeing the historic Great Western Trail. Vehicles used: Modified open-air Jeep Gladiator (14 seats) and Jeep YJ (7 seats). Off-Road Jeep Adventures is a special recreation permit-holder through the U.S. Department of Agriculture: Cave Creek Ranger District.

Take a rip through the desert on four wheels. Your adventure guide knows all the best trails in the area and---after a safety orientation and quick lesson in ATV driving, you’ll be off on an adventure of your own. This tour is a great way to explore the vast Sonoran Desert and have fun with some new friends.

If you’ve ever ridden an e-bike, you know how fun they can be. And if you’re new to the sport, there’s nowhere better to test the waters than the picturesque Arizona desert. Starting at the Sundial town center, set out on an adventure with a local guide. Cruise through the desert, learn about local flora and fauna, and get great photos and video along the way.

When visiting Phoenix, experience the Sonoran Desert on a night tour by Hummer, the tough four-wheel drive vehicle that lets you go further into the desert on rougher terrain than most other vehicles. Your expert guide leads this thrilling tour through the otherworldly scenery of the nighttime desert and shares informative commentary about the plant and animal life, history and legends of the region throughout your journey. Look for the creatures of the night as they stir from their rest, and enjoy the desert in the cool of the evening.

Our rigorous Sonoran Desert Jeep Tour is a low-speed, bumpy sightseeing tour of the scenic Sonoran desert via the Tonto National Forest. Your professional tour guide, who is a certified off-road driver and the only driver throughout your Jeep tour, will teach you about the Sonoran desert flora and fauna on the most scenic trails in the Scottsdale area. Your daytime tour will trek through spectacular Jeep trails leading to the Verde River, where guests can catch a glimpse of our roaming wild horse population. Vehicles used: Jeep YJ (7 seats). Off-Road Jeep Adventures is a special recreation permit-holder through the U.S. Department of Agriculture: Cave Creek Ranger District and the U.S. Department of the Interior: Bureau of Land Management.

Access the Sonoran Desert in a real 'off the beaten path' way. Ride in a military-grade, off-road vehicle with a professional guide. Learn about the unique geology, vegetation and wildlife of the desert; understand the fascinating history of this private reserve. Alternate between high-octane adventure and relaxing time taking photographs and appreciating the solitude of the backcountry.

This adventure is one for the memory books. Hike through the Sonoran Desert outside Scottsdale to a local peak before taking the exciting way down.  Harness up, lean back and enjoy the descent…just you, the ropes and the rock face. Your guide will ensure you are comfortable with the rappelling technique in a safety briefing before you set out.

Try skydiving without the death-defying heights and high price-tag of jumping from an airplane! This indoor skydiving experience at iFly Phoenix simulates the adrenaline rush of a freefall in the safe and adjustable environment. Enter the state-of-the-art vertical wind tunnel and benefit from one-to-one assistance from your instructor as you master basic manoeuvres, soar high into the air, or (depending on your experience level) perform thrilling aerial stunts.

Tour the desert outside Phoenix in an extreme new way. This private tour gives you the use of a side by side off-road vehicle that seats up to four passengers. This isn’t just the road less traveled… go where there isn’t any road at all. Spend half the day going at your own pace, whether you are craving speed, or just looking for a new way to experience the desert.

The rugged landscape of the Superstition Mountains is not easily conquered, but accessing the dry, cactus-laden desert trails is no problem if you’re riding in a Hummer H1. This extreme adventure gives you a serious adrenaline rush as your guide hurtles you down the Bulldog Canyon trail, enjoying the unspoiled beauty of the desert back country.

TripAdvisor's 2020 #1 ranked outdoor activity. Our Private Scottsdale Off-Road Jeep Tour is a bumpy guide-led adventure on the most scenic Sonoran desert trails in the Scottsdale area. You will enjoy spectacular sights as your professional tour guide teaches you about Sonoran desert flora, fauna, and Native American history. At our scenic lookout point, guests 21+ will be offered local Arizona craft beer and White Claw. Since our permitted trails are connected to North Scottsdale, you will receive more trail time than any other off-road tour in the Scottsdale area. Vehicles used: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited (6 seats), Jeep YJ (7 seats) or Jeep Gladiator (14 seats). Private tour: Your Jeep will be private to your group only. Price includes resort pick-up and drop-off. Off-Road Jeep Adventures is a commercial special recreation permit-holder through the U.S. Department of Agriculture: Cave Creek Ranger District and the U.S. Department of the Interior: Bureau of Land Management.

Join a small group for a high country canyoning tour that takes you into the heart of Arizona’s natural wonders. Your guide might lead you through a pine forest, down rocks in a slippery wonderland, through the cool waters of natural pools, and rappelling down a 40-foot waterfall. This active tour is suitable for people with high levels of fitness, and includes the use of necessary equipment.

Discover the stars above the desert of Arizona on a 3-hour walking tour at night that departs from Scottsdale. Get away from the light pollution of the city when you enter the desert, and learn from your guide about basic astronomy and ancient navigation traditions of local indigenous peoples. Telescopes and binoculars are provided for better viewing, along with black lights and flashlights for the walk.

Hike the famous Superstition Mountains just outside of Phoenix/Scottsdale. Considered some of the most beautiful and rugged mountains in the country, "The Sups" has some incredible hiking opportunities. Just a short drive and we can be in some true wilderness and avoid all the crowds. What a great way to start your day. This is a great opportunity to learn about The Sonoran Desert and this unique ecosystem.

This is an exciting off-road/racing styled adventure in Arizona's Sonoran Desert you won't want to miss! With a guide, drive through some of the finest off-road trails, washes, and hillsides aboard a sand buggy for an adrenaline-filled adventure.

The best way to experience any city is by bike. The best way to experience Scottsdale is drunk! Get the best of both worlds during this 2-hour party bike pub crawl through Old Town. Perfect for any celebration, you and up to 14 friends will visit three of the best local bars for drink specials and camaraderie via a people-powered superbike (sober pilot included). BYO and a raise a glass to the locals while peddling between bars.

Seeing the Sonoran desert on two wheels can be memorable. We have lots of options for any level of rider. If you have not been on a bike for a while don't worry we can help you rediscover that talent. We can take care of road cyclists, beginner, intermediate, advanced riders and those of you who just want to enjoy.

Blaze a new trail through the Sonoran Desert on this 4x4 adventure. From your seat in the back of a military grade Chevy M1009 Blazer, you’ll have the perfect vantage point to enjoy the stark beauty of the desert. These vehicles have been equipped to ensure that no matter how rocky and wild the path gets, you will ride in comfort.

Discover Old Town Scottsdale on a 2-hour tour by Segway, a great transportation option for sightseeing in this vibrant part of town. After learning the basics of handling the Segway, follow your knowledgeable guide to learn about the town's history and get insider tips on the best places to visit at your leisure, including where to find great performances, art installations and restaurants. With numbers limited to 9 people, this small-group tour provides a personalized experience with your guide.

Explore Scottsdale with Operation City Quest! Our scavenger takes you around the city to find items and perform tasks for points. You'll use an app on your phone that will allow you to collect points! Check the rankings during and after you play to see your score and compare it to others. All our Scavenger hunts have a live remote host to help along the way. Come out and explore with us in Scottsdale.

Hop on an electric bicycle for a leisurely and informative tour of Scottsdale. Known for its upscale vibe, spas, resorts, and golf courses, the city's surrounding natural beauty is equally impressive. This eight-mile morning ride is perfect for first-time visitors and getting acquainted with the city. A state-of-the-art earbud system allows you to hear your tour guide's safety instructions and historical narration.

Do something incredible when you visit Phoenix. This canyoneering experience will take you places most people never get to go, deep into the red rock canyons outside Scottsdale. This day long adventure takes you rappelling into pools of water, slipping down slides carved from the rock, and hiking short distances in the desert.

Spend some time exploring the Sonoran Desert with a guide. Learn about the plants and animals of the Phoenix area while you hike through the rocky landscape in the desert. The hikes are designed to suit a variety of fitness levels and abilities and are customized to accommodate the needs of each group.  

Seeing the Sonoran desert on two wheels can be memorable. We have lots of options for any level of rider. If you have not been on a bike for a while don't worry we can help you rediscover that talent. If you are a road cyclist and or an intermediate and experienced mountain biker we have you covered too. We have a fleet of hard tail and full suspension mountain bikes for an enjoyable ride. Our guides have many years and levels of experience on the mountain bike to show you a safe, fun and fantastic time. All bike tours include use of a Marin Performance Hardtail Mountain Bike, helmet, gloves, snacks, bottles of water, sunscreen and a professional, medically trained guide. Pedal preference? No worries. And we love riders of all ages, so if the kids have joined you on your getaway to the Valley of the Sun, bring them along! As long as they can ride a bike, of course! Meet your guide at Brown's Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Parkway, McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Scottsdale.