# 8 Best Desert Tours in Scottsdale (2026)

> Hot air balloons, Jeep tours, horseback rides, kayaking. The best outdoor adventures.

Source: https://guides.thescottsdalescoop.com/best-desert-tours-scottsdale

---

![Best Desert Tours & Outdoor Adventures in Scottsdale](/images/desert-tours-hero.webp)

Activities & Experiences

# Best Desert Tours & Outdoor Adventures in Scottsdale

Guides

›

Best Desert Tours & Outdoor Adventures in Scottsdale

Updated July 8, 2026

8 spots

### In This Guide

1

Desert Dog Off-Road Adventures

2

Hot Air Expeditions

3

Arizona Outback Adventures

4

MacDonald's Ranch

5

Stellar Adventures

6

Verde Canyon Railroad

7

Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch

8

Desert Splash Adventures

![Desert Dog Off-Road Adventures in Scottsdale](/images/desert-dog-off-road-adventures.webp)

1

## [Desert Dog Off-Road Adventures](https://www.desertdog.com)

Scottsdale, AZ

Open-top Jeep tours through the Sonoran Desert past giant saguaro cacti.

Visit Website

View in Directory

![Hot Air Expeditions in Scottsdale](/images/hot-air-expeditions.webp)

2

## [Hot Air Expeditions](https://www.hotairexpeditions.com)

Scottsdale, AZ

Sunrise hot air balloon rides with champagne and breakfast. Bucket-list worthy.

Visit Website

View in Directory

![Arizona Outback Adventures in Scottsdale](/images/arizona-outback-adventures.webp)

3

## [Arizona Outback Adventures](https://www.aoadventures.com)

Scottsdale, AZ

Guided kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, and multi-sport desert adventures.

Visit Website

View in Directory

![MacDonald's Ranch in Scottsdale](/images/macdonalds-ranch.webp)

4

## [MacDonald's Ranch](https://www.macdonaldsranch.com)

26540 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85255

Horseback trail rides through the desert. Sunset rides with campfire cookouts.

Visit Website

View in Directory

![Stellar Adventures in Scottsdale](/images/stellar-adventures.webp)

5

## [Stellar Adventures](https://directory.thescottsdalescoop.com/business/stellar-adventures)

Scottsdale, AZ

ATV and UTV desert tours. The most adrenaline-fueled desert experience.

View in Directory

![Verde Canyon Railroad in Scottsdale](/images/verde-canyon-railroad.webp)

6

## [Verde Canyon Railroad](https://www.verdecanyonrr.com)

300 N Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ 86324

Scenic four-hour train through Verde Canyon. Eagles, red rocks, and vintage railcars.

Visit Website

View in Directory

![Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch in Scottsdale](/images/saguaro-lake-guest-ranch.webp)

7

## [Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch](https://directory.thescottsdalescoop.com/business/saguaro-lake-guest-ranch)

13020 N Bush Hwy, Mesa, AZ 85215

Trail rides, fishing, and kayaking on Saguaro Lake with Bulldog Cliffs above.

View in Directory

### 🌵 Get the Scottsdale Scoop

Join 15,000+ Scottsdale locals who get the best events, restaurants, and hidden gems delivered every week.

![Desert Splash Adventures in Scottsdale](/images/desert-splash-adventures.webp)

8

## [Desert Splash Adventures](https://directory.thescottsdalescoop.com/business/desert-splash-adventures)

Scottsdale, AZ

Guided river tubing on the Salt River. The quintessential Arizona summer activity.

View in Directory

## Never Miss a Scottsdale Pick

Subscribe to the Scottsdale Scoop newsletter and get the best local spots, events, and inside scoop delivered to your inbox every week. It's free.

Join 15,000+ Scottsdale locals. Free, always.

## More Activities & Experiences Guides in Scottsdale

![Best Things to Do in Scottsdale](/images/camelback.webp)

### Best Things to Do in Scottsdale

A local's guide to the best of Scottsdale · 12 spots

![Best Pools in Scottsdale](/images/fairmont-pool.webp)

### Best Pools in Scottsdale

Resort pools you can enjoy without booking a room · 10 spots

![Best Pickleball Courts in Scottsdale](/images/the-picklr.webp)

### Best Pickleball Courts in Scottsdale

Where Scottsdale's fastest-growing sport lives · 8 spots

![Best Golf Courses in Scottsdale](/images/tpc-scottsdale.webp)

### Best Golf Courses in Scottsdale

The golf capital of the Southwest · 10 spots

![Best Hiking Trails in Scottsdale](/images/camelback-mountain.webp)

### Best Hiking Trails in Scottsdale

Desert trails locals actually hike · 10 spots

![Best Shopping in Scottsdale](/images/scottsdale-fashion-square.webp)

### Best Shopping in Scottsdale

Retail therapy in the desert · 10 spots

![Best Art Galleries in Scottsdale](/images/smoca.webp)

### Best Art Galleries in Scottsdale

The art capital of the Southwest · 10 spots

![Best Kids Activities in Scottsdale](/images/odysea-aquarium.webp)

### Best Kids Activities in Scottsdale

Family fun in the desert sun · 12 spots