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Mountain Shadows Sunset Jeep Tour
4.8
13 Ratings
Carefree
Experience a thrilling Jeep tour through Rackensack Canyon, culminating in a breathtaking Arizona sunset at a private mountaintop sanctuary.
Experience a thrilling Jeep tour through Rackensack Canyon, culminating in a breathtaking Arizona sunset at a private mountaintop sanctuary.
Duration:
2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
-
Town of Carefree Sundial - Designated Departure location for our tours is in Carefree, Arizona Town Center on the East side of their World Famous Sundial. Come early and stay late to enjoy the small town hospitality of this beautiful community with excellent restaurants and unique shops in abundance.
Read more about Historic 1880’s Gold Mine Jeep…
- Town of Carefree Sundial - Designated Departure location for our tours is in Carefree, Arizona Town Center on the East side of their World Famous Sundial. Come early and stay late to enjoy the small town hospitality of this beautiful community with excellent restaurants and unique shops in abundance.
Read more about Historic 1880’s Gold Mine Jeep Adventure near Scottsdale-Phoenix - https://www.viator.com/tours/Scottsdale/Historic-1880s-Gold-Mine-Jeep-Adventure-minutes-from-Scottsdale/d38685-432942P1?mcid=56757
- Tonto National Forest - Our private Road Easement in Tonto National Forest is connected to North Scottsdale/Carefree, Arizona. The trailhead is located 15 minutes northeast of our pickup location from the Sundial in Carefree.
- Rackensack Canyon - We own the destination Mountain Top Sanctuary that you will be visiting which allows us to offer unique boutique style sojourns unlike any other. From spectacular wildflowers in spring to an occasional dusting of snow in Winter or mesmerizing panoramic views from the summit, each of our tours provide a Unique Arizona adventure that is available exclusively from Rackensack Canyon Tours.
What's Included
- Bottled water
- Complementary Snacks at Mountaintop Studio
- Gift Shop
- Studio Activities: Steer Head Roping, Cornhole & Horseshoes
- Restroom Facilities
- Bottled water
- Complementary Snacks at Mountaintop Studio
- Gift Shop
- Studio Activities: Steer Head Roping, Cornhole & Horseshoes
- Restroom Facilities
What's Not Included
- Tour Guide gratuity
- Tour Guide gratuity
Additional Information
Experience majestic mountain shadows and a world-famous Arizona sunset (weather dependent) at our private mountaintop sanctuary within Tonto National Forest.
Tours begin with a slow-crawl through Rackensack Canyon and expert guide narration about Unique Sonoran Desert Plants & Ancient Hohokam Indians who inhabited canyon up to 1450 AD.
A short time later…
Experience majestic mountain shadows and a world-famous Arizona sunset (weather dependent) at our private mountaintop sanctuary within Tonto National Forest.
Tours begin with a slow-crawl through Rackensack Canyon and expert guide narration about Unique Sonoran Desert Plants & Ancient Hohokam Indians who inhabited canyon up to 1450 AD.
A short time later the “Exhilarating Mountainside Ride” begins as you climb 900 vertical feet over 1.5 miles with absolutely breathtaking views at 4500 foot elevation. The short ride to the top can be a bit dusty & bouncy but is also exciting fun with entertaining narration and educational photo stops along trail.
Upon arrival at Summit Studio/Gift Shop you will enjoy complimentary refreshments & relax on patio with jaw dropping vistas or try your hand at Steer Head Roping & Corn Hole.
At sunset, experience panoramic unobstructed views of sky which typically changes to shades of pink, red, orange, and purple, with stunning Desert Mountain backdrop.
- Travelers with excessive fear of heights may experience anxiety in our mountainous terrain.
Location
East Sundial Circle
Pickup at Carefree Town Center on East side of their World Famous 35 Foot Tall Sundial (Near Hampton Inn). White Jeep Gladiator with Rackensack Canyon Tour Signage will be parked there ready for boarding at your designated departure time.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.8
(13 Ratings)
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Ngpelat0440b
Jan 31, 2026
Scenic guided adventure tour. - Had the pleasure of being invited to get onboard a scenic tour at sunset with Rackensack. Rebel was the guide and impressed me with her Sonoran Desert/Arizona history knowledge. She entertained us with some great southern style hospitality on the off-road journey. Top notch outdoor activity, minutes from Scottsdale. Highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Aldreka
Dec 14, 2025
Amazing Mountain Sunset Experience with Mr. Charlie and Ginger - We had an amazing experience!!! Omg absolutely breathtaking view. The tour guide was so informative and knowledgeable about the area. It was truly a passion for her. Then we got to Ginger and Charlie house it was so cozy!!!! The apple cider was so warm and cookies and was fresh. We played games and just relaxed and enjoyed the views. It felt so unreal. Even when we called to book it was pleasant experience. We will definitely be back.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Z6972bycynthiad
Oct 14, 2025
Great Jeep Tour - Took our granddaughters and daughter from Illinois on this awesome Jeep adventure. It was perfect. Our driver Paul was exceptionally nice and knowledgeable…also, a great driver. We took a private road to the top of Shadow mountain, where we were greeted by Charles and Ginger, owners of the property and tour. What a beautiful surprise it was, when we walked into their studio…so warm and inviting…Ginger had snacks and homemade cookies that we all loved. The fire pit was blazing and we could have stayed all night. The views were spectacular…..we felt welcomed, and had made new friends. We still have a couple more families from Illinois and can’t wait to take them. You won’t be disappointed!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jennicholson11
Mar 30, 2025
Very personalized experience - The guide and hosts made this trip special! It felt personalized as if you were extended family being invited into their home.
Bring layers for the wind chill!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rachelkjg
Mar 28, 2025
Sunset Jeep Ride - The jeep ride was so fun and our driver Paul gave us great information. The Jeep is comfortable and modern. The views were amazing! Charles and Ginger were so welcoming and their property was beautiful! We loved the sunset views, snacks and the hummingbirds! It was a great evening.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Melissahs6787ji
Mar 27, 2025
Rackensack Sunset tour......worth it for sure!!!! - Rackensack Canyon Tours is excellent to work with! The tour guide did an excellent job but Charles and Ginger open their home to the tour for peace, relaxation, and family fun after climbing the mountain at sunset. Their story of how they established this business and their home is worth the tour alone. We would go back every time we visit!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dan_s
Mar 25, 2025
Unique experience anyone visiting Arizona should experience - This was a fun experience for the family. We got to ride in a cool Jeep off road up a mountain. The driver and tour guide Paul was nice. We made a few stops along the way for photos. Then the top of the mountain stop was incredible. Charles and Ginger open up their home and you get to really enjoy a beautiful sunset view from the mountains. You can just relax and enjoy the view or you can play some games and learn a lot of fun things. Charles and Ginger were the nicest people. It was also my so ‘s birthday the same day, Ginger made it a really special day for my son. She came out with a birthday cake and a gift. Talking to them and learning about how they built their home was just amazing. When we return to Arizona I think we will doing their gold mine tour. I’ve been on many tours and this one is unique and fun. Worth doing for sure when you’re in Arizona.
Review provided by Viator
B9521vtjoyceb
Feb 11, 2025
Amazing jeep tour of the high chaparral. - We went on the sunset Rackensack Canyon Tour. The tour left Carefree at 5:00 pm and traveled through the Tonto National Forest before entering the private property of Ginger and Dave. Their vast property is in the high desert and includes three gold mines. Our wonderful tour guide, Rebel, drove us up the steep mountain along many many switch backs stopping to explain the plants and animals living around us.
At the top we were greeted by owners Ginger and Dave who welcomed us with coffee and snacks and snuggled us down under a thick fur blanket in front of a fire pit while we watched the glow of the sunset and chatted.
Dave and Ginny were charming and welcoming - what a nice touch to a fantastic trip.
Of course, it was quite dark when we went back down the hill and Rebel handled the jeep like the pro she is.
I would definitely recommend this tour. If I return to Phoenix, I will go on their gold mine tour for sure!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Douglas_p
Mar 23, 2025
Our guide Paul was... - Our guide Paul was excellent and the host Ginger & Charles was very hospitable. The view from their business/home was absolutely breathtaking. Truly a “must see”.
Review provided by Viator
Seaside05503692864
Mar 14, 2026
Fun and enjoyable, but possibly not worth the price - The review is mixed for the Rackensack Canyon Mountain Shadows Sunset Jeep Tour. Our driver, Paul, was very courteous and did a good job explaining the local wildlife and fauna, as well as the history of Charles and Ginger’s house we were going to visit. It could have been better, though, as the front window of the jeep, where the additional seats were added on the back, was so dirty it was hard to see through. Charles and Ginger were very nice and had very interesting backgrounds. Hearing the stories of how they bought the land, built the steep treacherous road, and built the house was the highlight of the trip. Coffee and hot chocolate, along with some snacks, were available at Charles and Ginger’s house. The views from their house were impressive, but not what we were expecting for the sunset. Our expectation was that from the top of the mountain, we would be looking down over the valley towards the sunset. The sunset actually sets over another nearby peak. Although still good, it is not the long-range sunset view we were expecting, with a look down over the horizon far into the distance. It was somewhat anticlimactic. Overall, we did have a good time, but it was just a jeep ride up a steep slope to a house with a nice view and some interesting owners. I did not feel it was worth the $145 per-person price tag, but it was still fun to do.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
