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
Where 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 TourYour guide to Arizona desert adventures: top regions, wildlife, the best seasons, and safety tips, plus how to choose a guided Sonoran Desert tour. Plan your trip.
Read more: Arizona Desert Adventures: What You Need to KnowMeet the Sonoran Desert wildlife you can spot on an Arizona ATV tour, from desert tortoises to Gila monsters, plus the best times to see them.
Read more: Sonoran Desert Wildlife You'll See on an Arizona ATV 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 TrailsThe best fall hikes near Scottsdale, from Camelback to the Superstitions. Trail lengths, difficulty, and tips for autumn hiking in Arizona, plus a desert tour.
Read more: 5 Best Fall Hikes Near Scottsdale, ArizonaWinter 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
