Sonoran Desert Tours
Get away from it all in the breathtaking Sonoran Desert, a 100,000-square-mile (260,000-square-kilometer) region that spans Arizona, California, and parts of Mexico. Though it’s the hottest of four deserts in North America, its two rainy seasons sustain unique animals and plants, including the only remaining jaguar population in the United States.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Address: Arizona, USA
2 Tours and Activities to Experience Sonoran Desert
Sort by:Featured
Sunset Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Phoenix
Enjoy a picturesque hot-air balloon flight over the mammoth Sonoran Desert in North Phoenix on this 1-hour sunset flight. Experience breathtaking 360-degree views of the hottest desert in North America and its surrounding landscape while floating effortlessly across the sky at dusk. Then celebrate with a traditional champagne toast and catered food after the flight. Commemorative flight certificate, plus transportation to and from the landing site is included.
…More
From
$199.00
From
$199.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
4 Person Guided U Drive Jeep Experience
This U Drive Guided Jeep Tour takes you offload in the Tonto National Forest. From the beginner to experienced driver, we got trails for you! Let us show you what a Jeep is capable of under the watch of 2 experienced spotters. It's the only Offroad Jeep Driving Adventure in the area and assuredly not to miss when visiting AZ.
…More
From
$650.00
per group
From
$650.00
per group
Things to do near Phoenix
- Things to do in Arizona
- Things to do in Scottsdale
- Things to do in Sedona
- Things to do in Flagstaff
- Things to do in Las Vegas
- Things to do in Palm Springs
- Things to do in Monument Valley
- Things to do in San Diego
- Things to do in La Jolla
- Things to do in Albuquerque
- Things to do in Long Beach
- Things to do in Los Angeles
- Things to do in Santa Monica
- Things to do in New Mexico
- Things to do in Utah