NATURE HISTORICAL TOUR IN THE SONORAN

DESERT

Climb aboard a custom rigged 4x4 and travel back in time to the “Old West” on our desert jeep tour. The Sonoran Desert, often referred to as the "living desert", boasts an abundance of plant and animal life like no other desert in the world. On your desert jeep tour you’ll discover how lush and green our desert actually is, and at the incredible number of animal species that make the Sonoran Desert their home. Hawks, jackrabbits, coyotes, javelina, Gila monsters and rattlesnakes could all make an appearance. This desert jeep tour begins from the front door of your Scottsdale or North Phoenix resort where authentic cowboy, cowgirls and Native American guides in western and traditional garb will greet you in the parking lot. Once everyone is loaded and ready go this desert jeep tour will take you north to the magnificent Granite Mountain trails and its natural desert landscape. Our expert desert guides, knowledgeable in Arizona history and legend, conduct entertaining and informative nature walks identifying the numerous varieties of cacti and other desert plants indigenous to the area. They will explain how the native peoples learned to utilize these tremendous resources for food, clothing and shelter. This off-road desert jeep tour is a must for the first-time visitor and frequent traveler alike. There is truly no better way to experience the Sonoran Desert with a little fun and excitement thrown in for good measure. This is a true Arizona Desert Jeep Tour Adventure!! Reservation Request

WALK THE PATH OF THE ANCIENT HOHOKAM

This guided desert tour and hike takes place in the Sonoran Desert. This is a beautiful area of rolling hills, Saguaro cactus, granite bolder outcrops, and fields of colorful wildflowers that come to life in the spring. Guests will learn about the indigenous plant life and experience firsthand it’s ancient history. The Hohokam Indians occupied this area in the 1000s and then mysteriously disappeared in the 1200s. As evidence of their existence, they left remnants of their ancient homes all through the southwest. One such example of this is The Sears Kay Ruins, which is where our desert tour and hike will take guests to. They stand on a hilltop about 10 miles east of Cave Creek. They get their name because they were discovered on the Sears-Kay Ranch which was founded in 1887. The ruins are listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a 40-room set of ruins that once provided shelter for about 100 ancient Hohokam inhabitants. Guests will explore the ancient ruins, enjoy the magnificent views and imagine what life would have been like more than 800 years ago for the Hohokam people. Hiking to the ruins is about a 1-mile loop with an elevation gain of about 300 feet. It is an easy hike but does require some physical ability. Reservation Request

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY DESERT

RESTORATION PROJECTS

Offer meeting attendees the opportunity to give back to the community in which they are visiting. This program allows groups to volunteer their time and help preserve the magnificent Sonoran Desert while learning about the area’s history, wildlife, flora and fauna. Attendees are picked up at their hotel in off-road Desert Jeep Tour vehicles by Arizona Nature Guides. They will travel to a nature preserve in the Sonoran Desert where they will spend approximately two hours helping to maintain the desert trails. These trails are enjoyed by outdoor enthusiasts for hiking, mountain biking and rock climbing. With their help Arizona natives and visitors from all over the world can continue to experience and appreciate this area. Projects include cactus salvage, habitat restoration, erosion control, trail maintenance and trail mitigation. Transportation for this program can be provided by Desert Jeep Tour vehicles or by van depending on the project location. Additional philanthropic programs are also available including community service projects benefiting local foundations and organizations. We can customize programs for groups of all ages and physical abilities. Reservation Request

Join us for a guided bird watching desert

tour.

Your nature guide will pick you up at your resort and take you north to the beautiful trails of the Sonoran Desert. Be one with nature as we travel the lush desert landscape with amazing views. Enjoy leisurely nature hikes to get up close and personal with the wildlife. Your guide will also tell you about the indigenous plant life and colorful history that makes this area so unique. Many species thrive here with its abundance of trees and cactus, perfect for nesting and feeding. Owls, Hawks, Cactus Wrens, Gila Woodpeckers, Quails, Cardinals and Roadrunners just to name a few are among the hundreds of species that call this desert home. The early morning and sunset are the best time of day for optimal bird viewing. Bring along your binoculars and hiking shoes, we'll supply the rest! Reservation Request

SUNSET DINNER TOUR

The Southwest is infamous for its red sky sunsets and Arizona will not disappoint you. Our beautiful scenery and unique landscape make it one of the best places to view this daily occurrence. First you’ll climb aboard one of our off- road tour vehicles with your western guide and explore the rugged trails that are home to the second most diverse eco system in the world. Then head out on foot to learn about the abundant and unique plantlife and wildlife. Marvel at the majestic saguaro indigenous only to this region of the Sonoran Desert. Learn the true secrets of its past inhabitants and how they survived here. After witnessing this spectacular event you’ll head back to town to enjoy some delicious food at a local urban country restaurant. This bar and grill blends traditional country with contemporary appeal, boasting a fresh innovative menu, extensive drink selection and an exciting atmosphere with live country music! Reservation Request

WILDFLOWER AND CACTUS BLOOM ADVENTURE

The Sonoran Desert explodes with spectacular blooms in March, April and May. Witness its brilliant splashes of color from bountiful blooms of lupine to Indian paintbrush, from fiddle neck to fairy duster, just to name a few. Climb aboard a custom rigged 4x4 with your expert guide knowledgeable in Arizona flora and fauna. Enjoy informative nature walks identifying the numerous varieties of flowering cacti and other desert plants indigenous to the area. Learn how the Native Americans used the flower buds and fruit of these plants to nourish and sustain life. Tours are limited due to the short blooming season. Be sure to bring your camera! Reservation Request

DESERT PHOTO RALLY

Competitive team building fun for the entire group! Groups are first divided into teams with 10 members. The fun begins as each team is given an instant camera, a set of clues and the chance to unleash their imagination. After departing from the Resort in our 4x4 desert vehicles the team will work together to unravel a series of clues that will lead them to the destinations they seek. Once they arrive they will take a unique photograph of their team. Each team will receive points for creativity of their photos and for creating a team name. When they reach their final destination, teams will be given the opportunity to obtain bonus points by performing a team cheer that captures the essence of their team spirit. When all is said and done scores will be tallied, the winners announced and prizes for the winning team will be presented. Reservation Request

COWBOY TRANSFERS

Looking for transportation that is unusual and imaginative? Our Cowboy Transfers will provide your group with an original Arizona experience. Your guests will be delighted as they are greeted by our cowboys and cowgirls in their 4x4 desert tour vehicles. Our guides will entertain them with stories and good old western hospitality as they travel to their destination. Whether an evening with a western flair or as an alternative to the usual bus ride, our cowboy transfers provide a fun & unique means of transportation your guests will never forget. Transfers do not include any off road excursions and must depart 6:00 PM or later. Reservation Request