With its dazzling sunsets and otherworldly landscapes, the Sonoran Desert beckons discovery. Sure, you can soak up its beauty on a hike, but what about from the vantage point of a hot air balloon or atop the serene waters of a lake? When it comes to outdoors adventures in Scottsdale, these experiences let you immerse yourself in the magic of desert in unexpected ways.
Saddle Up for a Moonlight Horseback Ride
When the moon rises bright and full over an inky Sonoran sky, it’s time to mount up with the crew at MacDonald’s Ranch. The family-owned Scottsdale ranch invites riders of all ages and abilities to join wranglers on a once-monthly clip-clop through the Sonoran Desert – cactuses and creosote basking in the moon’s silvery glow. Not a night owl? Opt instead for the ranch’s afternoon one-hour horseback ride followed by a cowboy cookout at sunset complete with bonfires and live entertainment.
Jeep Crawl Through a Secluded Canyon
Buckle up for a thrilling Jeep romp ascending a 4,500-foot summit with panoramic views. Rackensack Canyon Tours owns 62 pristine acres within Tonto National Forest, and they welcome guests to explore the land on two-hour narrated excursions through the wilderness. The “Mountain Shadows Sunset Tour,” in particular, ferries you from the departure point at the Carefree Sundial through Rackensack Canyon and up, up, up to a vista-laden peak where you can enjoy refreshments while relishing the pinks and golds of an Arizona sunset. Tour guides provide stops along the way for photo ops and to share the fascinating history of the region.
Embark on an Off-Road Culinary Tour
What better way to conclude a rugged ATV or Hummer expedition through sandy washes and over rocky slopes than with a celebratory meal at one of Scottsdale’s renowned restaurants? Stellar Adventures does this very thing, elevating the standard off-road outing with a lineup of themed tasting tours: “Backroads & BBQ” features the pecan-wood flavors of Frasher’s Smokehouse; “Gravel & Grapes” finishes at Postino for world-class wines; “Trails & Tequila” highlights tacos and margaritas at Cien Agaves; and both “Humm Beer” and “Wheels and Whiskey” end the journey at O.H.S.O. Brewery & Distillery for locally crafted brews and spirits.
See the Sights on a Helicopter Flight
Gaze down at the unspoiled expanse of the Sonoran Desert from high above the clouds. H5 Helicopters offers several sightseeing tours, including a 35-minute soar over Scottsdale and its surrounding natural wonders. The premier aerial adventure starts with take-off from H5’s private taxiway adjacent to Scottsdale Airport, then glides over the saguaro-studded McDowell Mountains, around red-hued Pinnacle Peak and over to the famous 560-foot fountain that gives nearby Fountain Hills its name. You’ll also fly over Saguaro Lake, where you should keep your eyes open for the animals that call the area home, from javelina to bald eagles to wild horses.
Admire the Night Sky on an Evening Paddle
Sheer cliffs tower above the calm waves of Canyon Lake, and hidden coves tuck into the rock walls; come nightfall, the sky explodes with millions of glittering stars. Take in the spectacular sight with the “Full Moon Glow Paddle” with local guides at Yak N Sup. The team leads guests on everything from peaceful morning kayaking trips to relaxing sunset tours, but it’s the night paddle that’s truly special — no sounds except for the occasional howl of a coyote, no light save for the luminescent shimmer of the moon on the water. Glow-in-the-dark paddles and LED-equipped gear provided.
Soar Over the Desert in a Hot Air Balloon
A scenic balloon flight is a bucket-list item for a reason. There’s nothing like drifting over the land, unobstructed sightlines for miles. On the “Balloons & Tunes Tour,” Hot Air Expeditions pairs this once-in-a-lifetime experience with a visit to the world-famous Musical Instrument Museum, where more than 6,500 instruments and objects from 200 countries are on display, including some from Elvis Presley and Taylor Swift. The tour comprises a sunrise balloon ride, post-flight breakfast amid the saguaros – just-baked pastries, fresh jams, vegetarian burritos and bubbly Champagne – museum admission, lunch at the museum restaurant, Café Allegro, and a driver escort.
