The Sonoran Desert beyond the trailhead: hikes, mountains, night skies, the animals you'll meet and the heat rules that keep a desert day fun.
12 guides
Four Peaks is the jagged ridge east of Phoenix and Scottsdale. See what it is, where to view it, and how to ride toward it at golden hour.
Read more: Four Peaks, Arizona: A Guide to the State's Most Famous SkylineOutdoor things to do in the Sonoran Desert near Scottsdale, place by place: off-road trails, McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Saguaro Lake and the Salt River.
Read more: Outdoor Things to Do in the Sonoran Desert Near Scottsdale: A Place-by-Place GuideRattlesnakes in Arizona: when they're active, how to avoid them on a hike or ride, and exactly what to do if you meet one. Plain-English desert safety.
Read more: Rattlesnakes in Arizona: What to Know Before You Hike or RideWhere to see the Salt River wild horses near Scottsdale: the best viewing spots, the best time of day, and the rules for keeping your distance.
Read more: Salt River Wild Horses: Where and When to See ThemEverything to know about the Gila monster, Arizona's venomous desert lizard: how big they get, whether they are dangerous, and where to spot one near Scottsdale.
Read more: Gila Monster: Arizona's Venomous Desert LizardThe best stargazing near Scottsdale: dark-sky spots like Fountain Hills, Bartlett Lake, and the Tonto National Forest, plus when to go and what to bring.
Read more: Stargazing in the Arizona Desert Near ScottsdaleThe best hikes near Scottsdale by difficulty: Camelback, Pinnacle Peak, Tom's Thumb, Gateway Loop, and Piestewa Peak, with distance, tips, and how to hike safe.
Read more: Best Hikes Near Scottsdale: Camelback, Pinnacle Peak & MoreWhat Arizona's monsoon season means for your Scottsdale desert tour, dramatic skies, safety, timing, and why summer rides can be the most beautiful of all.
Read more: Monsoon Season in the Sonoran Desert: What to Know Before Your Summer TourMeet the Sonoran Desert wildlife you'll spot on an off-road tour, hawks, wild horses, reptiles, and more, plus how a quiet UTV protects this fragile ecosystem.
Read more: Sonoran Desert Wildlife on an Off-Road AdventureSonoran Desert hiking tips for Scottsdale: beat the heat, pack smart, pick the right trail, and stay safe. Your Arizona desert hiking prep starts here.
Read more: Sonoran Desert Hiking Tips: Prep for the Scottsdale TrailsWinter hiking in Arizona means blue skies and mild trails. Explore 6 of the best winter hikes statewide, plus a warm-weather desert tour near Scottsdale.
Read more: Best Winter Hikes in Arizona: 6 Trails to ExploreExplore Saguaro Lake hiking trails, boat tours, beaches, and fishing just 40 minutes from Phoenix. Your guide to the best things to do at this desert oasis.
Read more: Saguaro Lake Hiking Trails & Things to Do
