Looking for one of the best things to do in Scottsdale? Desert Dog Offroad, just minutes from Scottsdale, has been offering guided offroad adventure tours in the Sonoran Desert for over 27 years! Explore the closest desert trails to Scottsdale in your very own 2026 Trail Sport UTV while an expert local guide leads the way. This is a smile-a-second Scottsdale adventure across some of Arizona’s most exciting terrain. At the midway point, we’ll stop for water and snacks (provided), and drivers and passengers can swap to keep the fun going. Along the tour, you’ll discover the unique flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert. Desert Dog Offroad provides everything you need—buggies, helmets, gators, water, and snacks. You just bring your sense of adventure and get ready for an authentic Scottsdale desert experience. Whether you’re visiting for a family vacation, bachelorette party or corporate adventure, this is one of the most exciting and accessible off-road tours near Scottsdale.

Experience one of the top-rated outdoor activities in Scottsdale with Desert Dog Offroad! For over 27 years, we’ve been Scottsdale’s go-to choice for unforgettable Sonoran Desert off-road tours. Located just minutes from Scottsdale we offer the closest desert trails in The National Forest. Climb into your own 2026 UTV Trail Sport UTV and follow your expert guide across rugged desert terrain. You’ll conquer rock gardens, sandy washes and desert canyons, while surrounded by incredible views of the Arizona desert. This is adventure tourism in Scottsdale at its best! Halfway through the tour, we’ll stop for water and snacks (provided), and drivers and passengers can swap. Along the way, your guide will share fascinating details about the flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert. We provide everything—buggies, helmets, gators, water, and snacks. You just bring your sense of adventure and discover why we’ve been voted one of the best tours in Scottsdale year after year.

Float down the Lower Salt River on a guided flatwater rafting trip and discover a scenic and relaxing desert oasis just outside Phoenix and Scottsdale. Swim, play, or just relax on the river and soak in the scenery. This is a family-friendly activity with options to please everyone. A little paddling is required, but your guide will steer the boat and provide fascinating information about the surrounding Sonoran Desert. A reliable source of water, the Salt River attracts a variety of wildlife, making it common for us to enjoy close encounters with animals in their natural habitat Tours take about four hours including the drive to/from the river and the duration of the tour. Bottled water and snacks, raft/paddles, a life jacket, dry bags, round-trip transportation and National Forest entry fees are included in this trip. Call for more availability potential.

There’s a reason that the U.S. Army outfits its fleets with Humvees: They’re bold, they’re versatile, and they’re badass. The M998 Humvee is military-grade only, but the Hummer H1 is the closest a civilian can get. This off-road vehicle is perfect for the rough-and-tumble tourist who prefers an up close and personal experience. Mud, dirt, water, rocks—it’s all the same for the Hummer H1. Coast along desert trails high above the ground, confident in the 4 x 4’s ability to conquer any terrain it encounters.

Get out and enjoy one of Arizona's hidden treasures - whitewater rafting on the Salt River. Our most popular trip offering 10 miles of class III-IV whitewater with stunning views of saguaro cactus and other desert vegetation with red canyon walls and unique rock formations as their backdrop. A truly amazing experience that the entire family will never forget.

Explore the serene beauty of Arizona’s rivers on a guided kayak or flatwater tour. The Lower Salt River offers a scenic desert oasis perfect for all. Guests float in self-bailing tandem kayaks, with two people per boat, while a guide accompanies alongside guests to offer instruction and insights about the Sonoran Desert. The river’s gentle current makes for an easy float. Along the way, there’s plenty of time to swim, play, and enjoy the view, with close encounters with wildlife like wild horses and great blue herons adding to the magic. All equipment is provided, including paddles, dry bags, and life jackets, so you can simply relax and enjoy an unforgettable day on the water. Tours take about four hours including the drive to/from the river and the duration of the tour. Bottled water and snacks, raft/paddles, a life jacket, dry bags, round-trip transportation and National Forest entry fees are included in this trip.