Sonoran Desert Sunrise: Guided Hike in Phoenix

Experience the stunning beauty of Arizona’s Sonoran Desert with Mad Desert Trekking. Join us for a sunrise or sunset hike and discover the secrets of this unique landscape. Book now!

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights

Experience a breath-taking Arizona sunrise or sunset in the Sonoran Desert. We’ll customize the hike to your mileage, terrain and grade preferences.

  • 2 hours
  • Meet your guide at the trailhead.
  • Difficulty scale: Easy to difficult—you pick the level!
    Experience an incredible sunrise or sunset in the Sonoran Desert of Phoenix. Ascend to a mountain…
What's Included
  • Backpacks
  • Sunscreen
  • Bottled water
  • Snacks
  • Cold beverages after hiking
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Take in a breathtaking sunrise or sunset in the unique Sonoran Desert in Phoenix, Arizona, guided by a fun-loving, knowledgeable, local from Mad Desert Trekking. Discover the cause behind the extraordinary sunrises and sunsets in Arizona.
Wondering why you should schedule your Sonoran Desert sunrise or sunset hiking journey with Mad Desert Trekking?…

Location
Starbucks
East Lincoln Drive
Your Mad Desert Trekking guide will meet you at Starbucks, 3165 E. Lincoln Drive, Phoenix, near the trailhead to the Phoenix Mountains Preserve. Please use the parking lot to the west. Uber and Lyft offer convenient drop-off service at Starbucks.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(308 Ratings)
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1 star
Ehawaii
Jul 29, 2025
Sunset hike to remember - Hiking with Henry at sunset was one of the joys and highlights of our trip to Phoenix. He was super nice and friendly, paced the hike according to what we could do, told us interesting tidbits all along the way (who doesn’t love a heart-rock collection and desert Christmas tree?), encouraged us as we neared the peak (“just 5 more minutes and you’re there,” haha). Although he’s probably seen the breath-taking scenery a thousand times, his enthusiasm and love for the place matched ours as we took a gazillion photos of the stunning sunset views. Thank you, Henry! And thank you for waiting with us girls as we waited for our share-ride to pick us up after dark. We will remember the hike and you—your thoughtfulness, kindness, and care for our safety during the hike and after—so full of fun and aloha!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Caroline_l
Jul 27, 2025
Would do again - Steve was amazing. He was so patient with me and my husband. Steve taught us all about the local plant and animal life in addition to recommending great places for us to go during our trip. He also took pictures of us and let us take our time with the sights. 100000/10
Review provided by Viator
Staceyha3387gb
Jul 27, 2025
Guides were fantastic! Highly recommend - We booked a sunset hike on a trip to AZ and it exceeded my expectations! I read reviews that stated a guide wasn’t necessarily needed, but I’m so glad we booked with a guide! Made the trip more enjoyable and less stressful! Dialinda and Mike were our guides and not only were they fun, the taught us a lot and gave us advise for our trip and took tons of great pics! Highly recommend!!!! Howard was another guide that joined us at the end and even took more pics! Great trip and worth the money 👍
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Faraway503807
Jul 26, 2025
Highlight of my trip to Phoenix - Dialinda , Mike and our extra bonus guide Howard made this experience totally memorable. Sharing knowledge of the environment the animals the various cacti while keeping the pace perfect for our mixed level of fitness. I totally will use Mad dessert trekking again and Dialinda; Good luck with your November adventure- maybe I’ll comeback for you to help me train for mine. All three guides shared their pictures with us over 100 photos😊. Thanks for sharing your passion with us ❤️
Review provided by Tripadvisor
748dianae
Jul 21, 2025
Spectacular! - The sunset walk watching the sun set is unique, guide Mike H. has everything calculated to arrive with the right time and be able to enjoy the sunset quietly. Very attentive taking and sharing the photos with your best profiles and great landscapes. Dedicated and apart from speaking English, he is very fluent in Spanish, an excellent alternative to practice your English or have some help in your own language! Thanks Mike! so much better than other tours in Phoenix! 10/10!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marcps6880jh
Jun 26, 2025
Good experience but not at the price being charged - I was in Arizona traveling on business and was looking to learn about the area and get some exercise. There was very good communication and my guide, Mike was fantastic. Super nice guy an I enjoyed hanging out with him during this experience. He has a lot of knowledge of the area and the mountain. The trail was not overly challenging and the views were great. My only crit was the price-point of the tour. The tour is on State property and open to the public. Had I known of the area anyone could have walked the mountain. This tour offers no transportation or equipment like an ATV or bike. So the only benefit in booking is Mike's personality and knowledge and education. I know time is money, but at almost $200 the return may not be worth it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kristenbv1944mu
May 31, 2025
Great experience! - The sunset hike was an amazing experience and it was so beautiful seeing the area at sunset! I’m visiting Arizona for a work conference, and this hike and experience is exactly what I was looking for while here! I appreciate the information Josh also shared about the area and the plants. Thank you!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sara_w
May 27, 2025
Incredible views, incredible guide Megan! - I had the best time on this adventure! Nice hike, and beautiful views. Megan was an excellent guide. She was informative, patient and personable! Will definitely do another hike in the future on a visit. Thankful for the feeling of safety, knowledge and patience during this adventure!
Review provided by Viator
V2472dierikab
May 26, 2025
Great family outing - We had a great time with our friendly guide, Henry. Sunset views were beautiful and we learned a lot about desert plants, wildlife and other features. The hike itself was very doable for us as an active family with teens/young adults. Having a guide made the experience very easy and stress free.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
W8662ecmichaelm
May 25, 2025
Sunset hike. Incredible - Jay was an excellent guide. He is very knowledgeable about the plant life. It was a beautiful hike. My wife and I did the hike with no problems. Easy hike and Jay makes sure you are well hydrated. I would recommend the sunset hike. We had an amazing time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $99
up to 10 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).