When asking yourself about something to do near me in Scottsdale with a group of friends or family, consider
Mad Desert Trekking
Why Mad Desert Trekking is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Mad Desert Trekking offers a unique and exhilarating way to experience the stunning Sonoran Desert near Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona. Established in 2020, this adventure company specializes in private, human-powered trekking tours that cater to solo travelers, couples, families, and groups seeking an authentic outdoor experience. What makes Mad Desert Trekking stand out as an exceptional meeting spot for friends and adventure enthusiasts is its focus on well-crafted, personalized desert hiking adventures led by local expert guides who have an intimate knowledge of the region’s flora, fauna, geology, and history. These guides not only provide fascinating educational insights but also ensure each tour is safe, engaging, and memorable through attentive pacing and thoughtful snack provisions. Participants can expect immersive sunrise or sunset hikes at iconic locations like Camelback Mountain, where breathtaking desert vistas and encounters with unique wildlife, such as owls, enrich the journey. Beyond hiking, Mad Desert Trekking offers other intense outdoor experiences including mountain biking, rock climbing, rappelling, canyoneering, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding, making it a hub for active friends seeking varied adventures. The company is fully licensed, insured, and operates with special-use permits across Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Maricopa County parks, underscoring its commitment to quality and compliance. With a stellar A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and multiple regional and national awards, Mad Desert Trekking is a trusted, top-rated provider of nature-based outdoor activities in the region, perfect for gathering friends or family for unforgettable desert exploration.
Here's what people think of Mad Desert Trekking
As of recent, Mad Desert Trekking holds a 5-star rating based on 340 reviews.
Customer reviews consistently praise Mad Desert Trekking for its exceptional guided hiking experiences, particularly highlighting the remarkable knowledge, enthusiasm, and attentiveness of its guides. For example, guests frequently mention guides like Jay Schaeffer, who enrich hikes with engaging explanations about desert ecology, geology, and local wildlife, making the experience both educational and entertaining. Reviewers also appreciate the company's excellent organization, clear communication before the tours, and the thoughtful inclusion of snacks during hikes, which add to the overall comfort and enjoyment. Positive feedback highlights the stunning sunrise and sunset views, the well-chosen trail stops, and the friendly, encouraging atmosphere cultivated by the guides, making the tours accessible to various fitness levels. On the other hand, negative reviews, though minimal given the outstanding 5.0 rating from over 340 evaluations, occasionally note the intensity of the hikes might be challenging for some, or some customers desire more varied timing options. However, these points are rarely prevalent and do not detract from the overwhelmingly positive user experiences reflected in multiple awards and Travel Advisor recognitions. In summary, Mad Desert Trekking’s reviews portray a consistently high-quality, well-loved outdoor adventure service that excels in customer satisfaction, safety, and delivering an authentic local desert experience, endorsed by numerous repeat guests and industry accolades.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Temika Kitchen
I had an incredible experience hiking in the desert with Mad Desert Trucking Company. My tour guide, Jay, was absolutely amazing—super knowledgeable, friendly, and clearly passionate about the desert landscape. He made the entire experience engaging and informative, sharing fascinating facts about the desert, plants, and wildlife along the way. The hike itself was well-organized, safe, and stunningly beautiful. I really appreciated how Jay tailored the pace and content of the hike for me. Highly recommend this company if you’re looking for an authentic and enjoyable desert experience. I’d definitely do it again!
Jamie Yakel
We had such an awesome experience hiking Camelback Mountain with our guide, Mike! From the get-go, he was super responsive and helpful with all the details, which made everything really easy and stress-free. I was hiking with my 12-year-old daughter, and Mike did a great job making sure we both felt safe and comfortable the whole time. He brought all the essentials too in case we forgot anything — water, snacks, backpacks, etc… — so we didn’t have to worry about a thing. He even took amazing photos of us during the hike, which we’ll definitely treasure! Mike really knew his stuff and made the whole experience fun and memorable. It is not an easy hike, but definitely do-able! If you’re thinking about hiking Camelback and want someone reliable and friendly to guide you, I’d 100% recommend this company and especially Mike!!!
Alina Poblete
Absolutely incredible experience! The sunrise views from Camelback Mountain were breathtaking, and my guide was knowledgeable, encouraging, and made the hike feel safe and rewarding. I pushed myself more than I expected and left feeling proud, energized, and inspired. Highly recommend this adventure to anyone looking to challenge themselves and take in Arizona’s natural beauty!
SARA YOUNG
My cousin and I decided to meet 1/2 way and landed in Scottsdale. While we were here we opted to do several guided hikes, since neither of us are avid hikers and didn’t want to seem too out of place and ask too many strangers questions on the trail. After a ton of research and reading reviews we chose Mad Desert Trekking and sooooo glad we did. I spent a little time chatting with Matt about our goals and physical abilities and decided on 2 separate hikes on different days. Our second hike was a guided tour through a much larger desert north east of scottsdale. Jay was our new guide and as soon as we met him we felt like we struck gold again!! Communication was fantastic and we felt prepared for a longer hike with zero worries. We started off at a visitor center, and Jay explained to us exactly where our hike was going to take us. Within minutes we were learning about the terrain and the mountains around us. His catus knowledge was insane and honestly extremely interesting. There was not a question he couldn’t answer, and it’s exactly what we wanted, to learn about the area. The hike itself was on a wonderful kept, easy walking trail until the clime up to our viewpoint, but still easy enough footing to the top. We enjoyed a fantastic view, snacks and conversation at the top , accompanied by a visiting hawk. We were once again sad when the hike was over. Jay was really a fantastic guide. Any visitor looking for a guided hike will not be sorry they picked this company, class act all the way!! cousin and I decided to meet 1/2 way and landed in Scottsdale. While we were here we opted to do several guided hikes, since neither of us are avid hikers and didn’t want to seem too out of place and ask too many strangers questions on the trail. After a ton of research and reading reviews we chose Mad Desert Trekking and sooooo glad we did. I spent a little time chatting with Matt about our goals and physical abilities and decided on 2 separate hikes on different days. First hike was a sun rise hike with Henry!! He was fantastic!! communication was great and he made sure we had everything we needed ( rain coats, yes it was raining) , backpacks, water and flashlights. He educated us on the area, terrain, plant life and we talked a lot about the surrounding mountains and hikes. The hike itself was not difficult, he took cues from our panting to slow down and explain something so we didn’t feel like we were stopping for a break. The views were fantastic, and despite some clouds, the sunrise was beautiful. Henry made this hike such a great experience, we honestly could have spent an entire day visiting with him, we had such wonderful conversations!! Hands down a fantastic company to work with!!
mysticallymaxine
I had an amazing experience hiking with jay at the mountain reserve. It was my first time hiking and my first time in Arizona and he didn’t disappoint. He provided equipment for the hike and made sure I stayed hydrated the entire time. The trail itself was challenging but fun ! We took plenty of breaks and he was very knowledgeable about the history of the trail/elements along the way. I will be booking a hike again !
How to reach Mad Desert Trekking
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Why Mad Desert Trekking may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Mad Desert Trekking with your friends?
Gathering your friends for an adventure at Mad Desert Trekking promises an unforgettable experience in the stunning Sonoran Desert that blends excitement, camaraderie, and nature immersion. This top-rated outfitter in Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona, offers you the chance to escape the ordinary social gatherings and instead bond over thrilling, physically engaging activities such as hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and more. Mad Desert Trekking is not just about physical challenges; it’s a holistic group adventure where expert and passionate guides share fascinating insights about the desert's unique ecology, geology, flora, fauna, and history. This educational component sparks great conversations and deepens connections among friends while trekking through diverse landscapes. The camaraderie naturally grows as the group overcomes steep climbs, bouldering sections, and scenic views together, creating shared memories that last long after the trek is done. Moreover, the company’s reputation for safety, professionalism, and personalized pacing ensures everyone’s enjoyment regardless of fitness levels. Bringing your group to Mad Desert Trekking is about combining fun, challenge, discovery, and memorable moments in an awe-inspiring desert setting—a truly perfect rallying point for friends.
What unique activities can you do at Mad Desert Trekking?
Mad Desert Trekking specializes in intense human-powered desert adventures that go well beyond simple hikes, making it the ideal place for groups seeking diverse ways to engage with the outdoors together. The flagship activities include guided hikes of varying difficulty through breathtaking desert terrain, with some routes offering steep climbs and bouldering elements that appeal to thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike. But the adventure offerings expand significantly: mountain biking allows for high-energy exploration of desert trails, rock climbing and rappelling provide adrenaline-pumping vertical challenges that build teamwork and trust, while canyoneering combines swimming, scrambling, and climbing through rugged desert canyons for a multi-skill experience. Those looking for water-based fun can also enjoy kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding in scenic desert waterways nearby. Each activity is led by highly knowledgeable guides who tailor the experience to the group’s abilities, ensuring that everyone is challenged but comfortable. For friend groups, this variety means you can mix and match activities over the course of a meetup or weekend trip, keeping energy high and interest peaked. It’s a comprehensive outdoor playground within the iconic landscape of the Sonoran Desert that guarantees a unique group adventure unlike any ordinary outing.
Why is Mad Desert Trekking perfect for a group meetup?
Mad Desert Trekking excels as a destination for group meetups due to its carefully curated combination of spectacular environment, expert guides, versatile activities, and strong social engagement. The guides’ deep passion for the Sonoran Desert and dedication to creating personalized, educational adventures foster a warm and inviting atmosphere where groups feel supported and connected. Their ability to pace hikes and activities according to the mixed fitness levels and preferences within a group means no one is left behind or overwhelmed, maximizing group cohesion and enjoyment. Exclusive perks like sharing hundreds of high-quality photos after outings allow groups to relive their journey and spread the fun beyond the day itself. The spectacular desert backdrop—including iconic landmarks like Camelback Mountain—provides awe-inspiring photo ops and natural conversation starters, enriching the social vibe. Awards and rave reviews attest to the consistent top-tier experience, building confidence for group organizers that the adventure will go smoothly and be well-received. Whether reuniting friends, celebrating milestones, or simply wanting a dynamic shared experience, Mad Desert Trekking’s combination of adventure, education, and community spirit makes it unparalleled for making memorable group meetups.
How does Mad Desert Trekking ensure safety and enjoyment during group adventures?
Safety and enjoyment go hand in hand at Mad Desert Trekking, which is reflected in their meticulous attention to guide quality, group management, and activity design. All guides are seasoned professionals who combine expertise in desert ecology and adventure sports with genuine enthusiasm and empathy for guests’ experiences. They lead expeditions with a strong emphasis on understanding each participant’s physical condition, adjusting pace and route difficulty as needed to promote safety without sacrificing fun. The physically challenging sections—such as steep climbs or bouldering—are closely supervised with guidance on technique and encouragement, reducing risk and boosting confidence. Additionally, the company equips groups with essential gear and thorough briefings that prepare them for desert conditions, including hydration, sun protection, and navigation. The guides foster a supportive group dynamic, making sure everyone feels included, motivated, and cared for. This careful balance of challenge and support is why visitors frequently praise Mad Desert Trekking in reviews for being at once exhilarating, deeply rewarding, and reassuring—a formula ideal for groups aiming for active bonding experiences.
What makes the environment of the Sonoran Desert special for group excursions?
The Sonoran Desert, the stunning natural stage for Mad Desert Trekking’s adventures, is renowned for its biodiversity, dramatic landscapes, and cultural history, making any group outing here truly immersive. This desert is one of the most ecologically rich in North America and is home to iconic plants like towering saguaro cacti, diverse wildlife including reptiles and birds, and unique geological formations that few other places can match. Exploring this environment together offers friends a sensory experience filled with vibrant colors, intriguing textures, and ever-changing light from sunrise to sunset. The desert’s vastness encourages both awe and conversation, as groups contemplate the resilience of the plants and animals that thrive here and learn about the native peoples’ historical and ongoing connections to the land. Unlike more crowded natural settings, the Sonoran Desert offers wide-open spaces for groups to feel free and connected both to nature and each other. This compelling environment transforms ordinary hikes or activities into deeper adventures and meaningful shared stories.
How do Mad Desert Trekking guides enhance the group meetup experience?
Guides at Mad Desert Trekking are central to transforming a desert adventure into an exceptional group experience. Beyond being highly trained in navigation and safety, they serve as storytellers, naturalists, and motivators who bring the Sonoran Desert vividly to life for participants. They share fascinating facts about desert flora and fauna, explain geological features, recount local history, and highlight survival strategies of native species and peoples, which enriches every step of the journey. Their personable approach makes group members feel at ease and curious, encouraging questions and interaction. The guides carefully balance challenge with encouragement, tailoring their leadership to accommodate different energy levels and fostering a positive, inclusive group atmosphere. An added bonus is their effort to capture candid moments through photos during the adventure, sharing these as lasting mementos of the bonds created. In essence, Mad Desert Trekking guides act as catalysts for connection, learning, and fun, making every group meetup feel personal, inspiring, and unforgettable.
What do past visitors say about group experiences with Mad Desert Trekking?
Visitors repeatedly highlight Mad Desert Trekking’s guided hikes and adventures as the highlight of their trips to Phoenix and Scottsdale, praising the balance of physical challenge and expert guidance in making group outings memorable. Many appreciate the personalized attention of the guides, who accommodate varying fitness levels within groups and keep the pace just right for everyone to keep up while enjoying the natural surroundings. Guests describe the guides as knowledgeable, friendly, and supportive—qualities that make difficult climbs feel achievable and lift group spirits. The sharing of hundreds of photos after hikes is a noted favorite, as it extends the experience and strengthens friendships through shared visuals and memories. Reviews emphasize the fun and educational aspects alike, stating that the guides’ storytelling and interpretation of the desert environment greatly enhance the experience. The consistently five-star rating from hundreds of reviewers underscores broad satisfaction, with groups often recommending Mad Desert Trekking for friend reunions, family outings, or special celebrations, testifying to its reputation as a premier group adventure destination.
How can groups prepare for a Mad Desert Trekking adventure?
Preparation is key to ensuring a great experience with Mad Desert Trekking, especially when attending as a group where the comfort and safety of all members are important. Groups should start by considering the fitness levels and physical abilities of each participant to select an adventure that suits everyone’s capacity and expectations. It’s advisable to wear appropriate active wear, including sturdy hiking shoes, lightweight breathable clothing, sun hats, and sunglasses to protect against the desert sun. Hydration is critical; carrying enough water and using provided hydration advice before the activity prevents fatigue and heat-related issues. Packing sunscreen and energy snacks will help maintain energy and comfort during the adventure. Groups should also plan to arrive punctually and coordinate transportation to the meeting point. Communication within the group about individual needs and comfort levels helps guides adapt the pace and ensure inclusivity. Finally, openness to learning and a spirit of adventure will maximize everyone’s enjoyment on one of Arizona’s most extraordinary outdoor experiences.
Why is Mad Desert Trekking a top-rated choice for 2025?
Mad Desert Trekking’s placement as a top-rated adventure outfitter for 2025 reflects its consistent delivery of high-quality, memorable experiences that earn high praise and multiple awards. With a perfect 5.0 rating from over 340 reviews, it has proven its ability to satisfy and impress a broad range of visitors, from casual hikers to serious outdoor enthusiasts. Its recognition by Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Award and ranking within the top 1% of all listings worldwide in its category highlight its elite status. Numerous accolades for specific adventures, like the Epic Camelback Mountain Hiking and Stunning Sunrise/Sunset Guided Hiking, demonstrate the company’s strength in providing both thrilling and scenic desert experiences. This reputation for excellence is built on professional guides, carefully designed activities, remarkable natural settings, and a genuine passion for sharing the Sonoran Desert. For groups looking to combine adventure, education, and friendship, Mad Desert Trekking stands out clearly as the premier destination for a 2025 meetup.