Sonoran Desert
Sonoran Desert

Sonoran Desert

Free admission

The Basics

Explore the beauty of the Sonoran Desert by foot, vehicle, or hot-air balloon or small plane. Visitors will enjoy views of the mountains that span this region, as well as the local wildlife, including roadrunners, gila monsters, cactus wren, and desert bighorn sheep. Be sure to choose a tour that fits your interests; there are tours available for fans of hiking, off-roading, and Segways.

Show all
Stunning Sunrise or Sunset Guided Hiking Adventure in the Sonoran Desert
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out
Stunning Sunrise or Sunset Guided Hiking Adventure in the Sonoran Desert
US$125.00 per adult
Traveler Favorite
Amazing hike
We had a super hiking experience with Liz - she was super personable, friendly and we had a great laugh watching the sunset. A really unforgettable experience.
Charlotte_J, Sep 2023

Recent reviews from experiences in Phoenix

If you’re thinking about it … book the hike!
star-5
If you’re thinking about it … book the hike!
Vanessa_G, Aug 2023
Stunning Sunrise or Sunset Guided Hiking Adventure in the Sonoran Desert
Michael was a great tour guide and even took a bunch of amazing pics of me since I was traveling alone. Would highly recommend
Stunning sunset
star-5
Stunning sunset
Anil_P, Aug 2023
Stunning Sunrise or Sunset Guided Hiking Adventure in the Sonoran Desert
Amazing experience. The views are stunning, Mike is super insightful, and the experience is definitely worth it. Highly recommend it for people visiting Arizona.
Nice hiking experience
star-5
Nice hiking experience
Yiling_L, Jun 2023
Amazing 2-Hour Guided Hiking Adventure in the Sonoran Desert
The guide Michael was very informative and funny. I learned many things from this hiking.Also it was really nice for a solo traveler to have a guide accompanying with the guide. Definitely will choose Mad Desert Trekking next time!
excellent experience
star-5
excellent experience
Glen_H, Jun 2023
Half-Day Private Reptile Hunting in The Sonoran Desert
David was extremely knowledgable about the animals, plants and history of the area. Truly fascinating listening to his stories.
Fantastic views!
star-5
Fantastic views!
Jessica_B, Jul 2023
Stunning Sunrise or Sunset Guided Hiking Adventure in the Sonoran Desert
Our guide Jennifer was very knowledgeable about the surroundings, plant life, and information about Phoenix. Would highly recommend this tour! Looking forward to our next hike when we come back to Phoenix.
Great sunset hike
star-5
Great sunset hike
Melissa_K, Jul 2023
Stunning Sunrise or Sunset Guided Hiking Adventure in the Sonoran Desert
Liz was an amazing guide for our sunset hike. She was knowledgeable, friendly and we had great conversation. It was the perfect hike and exactly what my husband and I were looking for. We enjoyed it so much that we hiked it again ourselves the next morning. Would highly recommend!
Enjoyable Experience
star-5
Enjoyable Experience
therese_p, Mar 2023
Amazing 2-Hour Guided Hiking Adventure in the Sonoran Desert
I enjoyed my recent hiking experience with Liz as a guide. As a solo female traveler not familiar with the area, I appreciated being able to explore the trails with a friendly, knowledgeable & enthusiastic buddy. I enjoyed the two hour (3.5 Mile) walk while learning about the Sonoran desert. I picked up a few very interesting facts and saw several different cacti along the way. The distance and pace of each trip will vary depending on individual fitness levels - so you can enjoy a leisurely or more brisk sped.
Spectacular Phoenix Sunset!!!
star-5
Spectacular Phoenix Sunset!!!
Sherri_B, Jun 2023
Stunning Sunrise or Sunset Guided Hiking Adventure in the Sonoran Desert
This was just the right hike for us! Not too challenging and Liz let us take breaks accordingly. Made it to the top before sunset just in time to snap some beautiful pictures. Liz was knowledgeable, friendly and provided snacks, waters and backpacks. Would do this again!!
Experience of a lifetime!
star-5
Experience of a lifetime!
Gwendolyn_L, Jul 2022
Half-Day Private Reptile Hunting in The Sonoran Desert
David was an amazing guide. He was patient and ensured our comfort at all times. He taught us so much and went out of his way to show and teach us about the amazing biodiversity around us here in Arizona. My son is 9 and enjoyed every minute of the experience.
Awesome views
star-5
Awesome views
HOLLY_E, Jun 2023
Stunning Sunrise or Sunset Guided Hiking Adventure in the Sonoran Desert
Really enjoyed my hike The guide was super professional and very friendly The view from the top of the hike was awesome
Amazing
star-5
Amazing
Brandy_W, Mar 2023
Amazing 2-Hour Guided Hiking Adventure in the Sonoran Desert
The guide was knowledgeable about the area, friendly, and funny. Great hike to see the City skyline. The trail was easy and assessble to just about anyone.
Perfect Day’s End
star-5
Perfect Day’s End
Lisa_D, May 2023
Stunning Sunrise or Sunset Guided Hiking Adventure in the Sonoran Desert
The hike was perfect! Just enough challenge for a robust hike but not too technical. Liz was a perfect guide and host. She was very knowledgeable about the flora and fauna of the surrounding landscape as well as the history of the region we hiked. We will be back!
We perform checks on reviews

Things to Know Before You Go

  • Book your tour in advance. You’ll benefit from a knowledgeable guide while enjoying your perfect desert adventure.

  • As in any desert environment, be sure to bring enough water with you (drinking water is not available) and dress for the weather.

  • Be on the lookout for cacti and snakes.

Show all

How to Get There

There are several points of entry to the Sonoran Desert. The Sonoran Desert National Monument is located about 40 miles (64 kilometers) south of Phoenix and 93 miles (150 kilometers) northwest of Tucson, Arizona. To get there from Phoenix, follow I-10 West. From Tucson, take I-10 West to I-8 West. Parking is available on-site.

Show all

Trip ideas


When to Get There

There are five “seasons” in the Sonoran Desert: spring from February to April; dry summer in May and June; summer monsoon from July to mid-September; fall from mid-September to November; and winter in December and January. The spring and winter months can be a great time to visit; temperatures remain a bit cooler than the blazing heat of summer.

Show all

Indigenous Communities

There are several Native American tribes that have connections to the Sonoran Desert, including Pascua Yaqui, Tohono O’odham, Seri, Cocopah, and the Gila River Indian Community. Some tribes welcome visitors to religious ceremonies or other cultural events; just be respectful and refrain from using your camera or phone during these experiences.

Show all
Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What are the nearest attractions to Sonoran Desert?
Q:
What else should I know about attractions in Phoenix?
A:
As well as visiting the Sonoran Desert, check out these trip ideas to make the most of your visit: