Tempe is the perfect home base for exploring the Sonoran Desert
Tempe’s central location and proximity to Sky Harbor International Airport make it easy to get to, and both of those geographic attributes also make Tempe the perfect launch pad for day trips to other Arizona destinations and attractions.
Many local tour companies will pick guests up from their Tempe hotel and depart for the Grand Canyon, Sedona or other day trip location. Similarly, adventure seekers will find a variety of guided Sonoran Desert excursions — including trails, lakes, rivers and more — just a short bus ride beyond the city limits.
Whether you’re interested in an intercity recreation or or multiday tours across the Copper State, Tempe is the perfect place to begin your adventure. Here are some of our top picks for tours and signtseeing.
Tours in Tempe
Arizona Brew Hopping
Arizona Brew Hopping provides guided brewery tours, featuring craft beer tastings, shareable appetizers and exclusive behind-the-scenes access to brewery operations. Explore Arizona’s vibrant brewing culture on a curated 4-hour excursion to local breweries that’s perfect for beer enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
Details and booking: arizonabrewhopping.com | 623-225-2935.
Four Peaks Brewing Company Brewery Tours
Housed inside a 100-year-old former creamery and ice factory, Four Peaks 8th Street is the brewery’s original location that features its beloved beers and brewpub food. Guided tours offer insight into brewery operations, the building’s history and the brewing process.
Location: 1340 E. 8th St., Tempe, AZ 85281
Details and booking: fourpeaks.com/tours | 480-303-9967
Tempe E-Bike Tours
Explore more of Tempe Town Lake, Papago Park, Downtown Tempe and the ASU campus on a rental e-bike. Guided and self-guided e-bike tours are available from adventurers ranging from solo riders up to small groups. Open for “meet & ride” for private groups.
Details and booking: greenbeltbiketours.com/tempe-ebike-tours | 602-980-3798
Tours Beyond Tempe
360 Adventures
If you’re looking to experience the real Arizona, 360 Adventures creates memorable outdoor adventures in the most scenic Sonoran Desert settings. From mountain biking and rock climbing to hiking and canyoneering, you’ll find tours ranging from a half-day jaunt to a multiday adventure.
Details and booking: 360-adventures.com | 480-722-0360.
Across Arizona Tours
Providing one-day and two-day guided tours, Across Arizona includes excursions to the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Navajo Reservation as well as other famous landmarks and attractions. With daily pickups at most area hotels, all tours are equipped with friendly and knowledgeable hosts who help showcase the beauty, history and hidden gems of Arizona. Group tours, custom itineraries and bilingual guides are also available.
Details and booking: acrossarizonatours.com | 602-233-1813.
Arizona Outdoor Fun
Feel the thrill as you navigate mountain trails on a guided or unguided ATV or UTV tour. With the most adventurous and scenic trails in Arizona, Arizona Outdoor Fun specializes in getting you up close and personal with the famous Sonoran Desert.
Office location: 35972 Old Black Canyon Highway, Black Canyon City, AZ 85324
Details and booking: azoutdoorfun.com | 602-400-2445.
Desert Belle Cruises
Explore the Sonoran Desert by boat! For over 50 years, Desert Belle has been a unique and relaxing way to see Arizona wildlife, towering canyon walls and dramatic desert vistas from the waters of Saguaro Lake. While underway, enjoy a live narration of the natural history of Arizona or live musical performances. Private cruises are also available.
Location: 14011 N. Bush Highway, Mesa, AZ 85215
Details and booking: desertbelle.com | 480-984-2425.
Desert Dog Offroad Adventures
Desert Dog Offroad Adventures has been offering extraordinary off-road tours in the Phoenix and Scottsdale area for over 25 years. Try the exhilarating Guided UTV Sand Buggy Adventure, Trail Rated Jeep Tours or — new to the scene — the 2021 Bronco Tours. Tours available 7 days a week, three times a day. Call for additional details.
Location: 17212 E. Shea Blvd., Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
Details and booking: Desert Dog Offroad Adventures | 480-837-3966
DETOURS American West
Since 2001, DETOURS American West has offers professional, guided tours to some of the best destinations in Arizona and the Southwest. Small-group day trips and multiday tours from the Tempe, Phoenix and Scottsdale are equipped with expert guides who have an in-depth understanding of the region’s culture, history and natural beauty.
Details and booking: detoursamericanwest.com | 480-633-9013
Fort McDowell Adventures
A true gem in the Sonoran Desert, For McDowell Adventures in located on the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Reservation. Adventures include horseback rides, cattle drives, ATV excursions, barbecue dinners in the desert and more.
Location: 14803 N. Hiawatha Hood Road, Fort McDowell, AZ 85264
Details and booking: fortmcdowelladventures.com | 480-789-5377
Grand Canyon Railway
Departing daily from the depot in Williams, Ariz., the Grand Canyon Railway takes you on an unforgettable ride to the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon via vintage rail car. Throughout the journey, you’ll be entertained by authentic Old West characters, musicians and exceptional views of the Grand Canyon National Park.
233 N. Grand Canyon Blvd., Williams, AZ 86046
Details and booking: thetrain.com | 800-843-8724
KOLI Equestrian Center
Located on the Gila River Indian Community, KOLI Equestrian Center is home to miles of breathtaking Sonoran Desert scenery. Specializing in horseback trail riding adventures, hay wagon rides and cattle drives, KOLI has designed all excursions as “walking” rides to keep it simple and gentle on both riders and their horses. Rides, and several other activities, are available at various times throughout the day.
Location: 6940 W. Broken Ear Road, Chandler, AZ 85226
Details and booking: koliequestrian.com | 602-796-3495
Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Company
For more than four decades, Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Company has been offering the most-unique vantage point of the Sonoran Desert: from the basket of a hot air balloon that’s a couple of thousand feet above the ground! Will this be the year that you join the ranks of over 750,000 passengers that have taken to the sky above the Valley of the Sun? If so, you’ll find sunrise flights available year-round (weather permitting), and sunset flights available in the winter months.
Location: 7934 N. Glen Harbor Blvd., Glendale, AZ 85307
Details and booking: rainbowryders.com | 800-725-2477
Salt River Tubing
Throughout the summer months, Salt River Tubing provides rental tubes and transportation up the scenic Salt River. Choose from the full-length float (3 to 5 hours) or the half-trip float (1 to 2.5 hours) down this waterway, past canyon walls. Lucky river riders might spy some of te area’s wild horses along the water’s edge. Group reservations and private shuttles available.
Location: 9200 N. Bush Highway, Mesa, AZ 85215
Details and booking: saltrivertubing.com | 480-984-3305
