Outdoor Things to Do in the Sonoran Desert Near Scottsdale: A Place-by-Place Guide
Outdoor things to do in the Sonoran Desert near Scottsdale, place by place: off-road trails, McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Saguaro Lake and the Salt River.
The best outdoor things to do in the Sonoran Desert near Scottsdale are driving a guided off-road tour in the Tonto National Forest, hiking the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, paddling Saguaro Lake or the Lower Salt River, and watching the desert at the edges of the day, from a dawn balloon flight to a dark-sky night in Fountain Hills. Almost all of it sits within about an hour of Old Town, and October through April is the most comfortable time to do it.
Plenty of lists mix the desert in with golf and shopping. This one stays outdoors and in the desert, organized by place, so you can see what is where and pair things that are close together.
1. Tonto National Forest Trails: Drive Them Yourself (Our Featured Pick)
Where: northeast of the Valley, near Saguaro Lake, about 45 minutes from Scottsdale.
The quickest way to get deep into the Sonoran Desert is behind the wheel. On our guided Scottsdale ATV tours, you drive your own 2-seat, 800cc sand buggy for 2+ hours and 20 to 25 miles of Tonto National Forest trail: sandy washes, rocky climbs, ridgelines and saguaro forest, with a CPR-certified guide leading every turn and stopping for photos.
- No experience needed. Automatic transmission, full safety briefing, and driver and passenger can swap partway.
- Who can go: drivers 16+ with a valid license, passengers 8+.
- Price: $299 per 2-seat buggy ($150 per person), or $199 solo, plus tax and fees. Helmet, neck gaiter, water, snacks, free photos and trail permits are included.
- Best time: morning for cooler air and wildlife, or the sunset tour for golden light on the mountains.
We are biased, of course, but this is the one that covers the most desert in a single outing, and nobody in your group has to be a hiker to enjoy it. If you are weighing it against a ride-along, our guide to dune buggy tours in Scottsdale explains the difference.
2. McDowell Sonoran Preserve: Hiking Close to Town
Where: north Scottsdale, with several trailheads.
The city’s large protected preserve is the easiest place to walk into real Sonoran Desert without leaving Scottsdale. Trails range from gentle loops to steep climbs among granite boulders. The Gateway Loop is the classic introduction, and Tom’s Thumb is the local favorite for a harder workout with big views. Trailheads have parking and maps, and the preserve is also popular with mountain bikers and horseback riders.
For trail-by-trail detail, see our best hikes near Scottsdale.
3. Saguaro Lake: Paddle, Cruise or Hike the Shoreline
Where: in the Tonto National Forest on the Bush Highway, a few minutes from where our tours stage.
A lake in the middle of the desert is one of the stranger and better sights in Arizona. Rent a kayak or paddleboard, take a scenic boat cruise, or hike the Butcher Jones Trail, a largely shoreline route with views over the water. It pairs naturally with a morning off-road tour: ride first, then cool off at the lake.
More in our Saguaro Lake guide.
4. The Lower Salt River: Tubing, Kayaking and Wild Horses
Where: along the Bush Highway northeast of Mesa.
In summer, the Lower Salt River is where the Valley goes to float. Tubing season typically runs from late spring into early fall and depends on weather and water flow. Kayaking and paddleboarding work for more of the year. Keep an eye on the banks: the Salt River wild horses often graze along the water.
See our Salt River tubing and kayaking guide and where to see the Salt River wild horses.
5. McDowell Mountain Regional Park: Wide-Open Trails
Where: north of Fountain Hills, on the east side of the McDowell Mountains.
This Maricopa County park is a favorite for mountain biking, with long, flowing desert trails, and it has hiking, horseback riding and camping too. It feels more spacious and less busy than the trailheads closer to town. There is a park entry fee.
6. Usery Mountain Regional Park: The Wind Cave Hike
Where: northeast Mesa, at the edge of the Tonto National Forest.
Usery is best known for the Wind Cave Trail, a climb to a shallow alcove in the mountain with a wide view over the East Valley. It is a good pick for visitors staying in Mesa or Tempe who want a short, rewarding hike. Like other county parks, it charges an entry fee.
7. The Desert at Dawn: Hot Air Balloon Flights
Where: launch sites vary with the wind, generally north of the Valley.
For a view of the whole desert at once, a sunrise balloon flight is hard to beat. Flights are weather dependent and run very early. Read what to know before you fly first.
8. The Desert at Night: Stargazing From Fountain Hills
Where: Fountain Hills, about 15 minutes from our staging area.
Fountain Hills is a designated International Dark Sky Community, and the surrounding national forest keeps light pollution low. On a clear, moonless night, drive away from the town center and let your eyes adjust. Our stargazing guide covers where to go and what to look for.
9. A Gentle Introduction: The Desert Botanical Garden
Where: Papago Park, between Scottsdale and Phoenix.
If you want to know what you are looking at before you head out, the Desert Botanical Garden is a calm, well-marked introduction to Sonoran Desert plants (admission is charged). It is a good first stop for families, and on a hot day it is best visited early.
How to Plan a Day Out There
Pair by place. Saguaro Lake, the Lower Salt River and our tour staging area are all along the Bush Highway, so they combine easily. The McDowell Sonoran Preserve and McDowell Mountain Regional Park suit a north Scottsdale or Fountain Hills day.
Match the season. October through April is prime for hiking and riding. From May through September, go out early or late and save midday for the water.
Respect the heat. Carry more water than you think you need, wear closed-toe shoes, a hat and sunscreen, and turn around early if anyone feels unwell. Our desert safety guide has the details.
Load your maps. Cell service is spotty in the national forest. Download directions before you leave town.
Check passes. Tonto National Forest recreation sites generally need a Tonto Pass, and county parks charge entry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best outdoor things to do in the Sonoran Desert near Scottsdale?
A guided off-road tour in the Tonto National Forest, hiking the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Saguaro Lake, the Lower Salt River, McDowell Mountain and Usery Mountain regional parks, a dawn balloon flight and stargazing from Fountain Hills.
When is the best time of year to go?
October through April. In summer, go early in the morning or around sunset.
Do I need a pass?
Tonto National Forest recreation sites, including Saguaro Lake and the Lower Salt River, generally require a Tonto Pass. County parks charge their own entry fee.
Can I drive off-road with no experience?
Yes, on a guided tour. Drivers must be 16+ with a valid license; passengers can ride from 8.
Start With the Ride
If you only have time for one thing, make it the one that covers the most ground. Book one of our Scottsdale ATV tours, see every ATV tour near you across the Valley, or call Desert Dog Offroad Adventures at (480) 837-3966. We have guided these trails since 1997, and we are happy to tell you what else to pair with your ride.
