7 Phoenix & Scottsdale Tours That Earn the Road Trip

1.Pedal Bar Crawl of Old Town Scottsdale

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,254 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $69Our pick

Pedal through Old Town Scottsdale for about two hours with a certified party bike captain, stopping at Rockbar, Boondocks Patio & Grill, and Pattie’s First Avenue Lounge. You can buy drinks at party bike HQ, enjoy specials at each bar, and share the bike with up to 14 adults. Captains such as Taylor, Jacob, and Cam are known for music, games, and high energy.

“So fun. We had a great experience and suggest this trip to every one. It was a great way to see Old Town and enjoy the sites. If you’re looking for a relaxing, great time get on the bike and ride.”

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2.Party Bike Private Party Up To 14 People in Old Town Scottsdale

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,541 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

You and your group pedal a private party bike through Old Town Scottsdale for about two hours, stopping at Social Tap, Boondocks Patio & Grill, and Pattie’s First Avenue Lounge. A driver-guide handles the route while you choose the music, use the coolers and cups, and enjoy drink specials. Guides have included Jacob, Kirk, Chase, and Ian.

“Such a great time! Highly recommend! Captain Kirk was awesome! We went to 3 different locations and were able to select the music! Thank you!”

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3.Sonoran Desert Jeep Tour at Sunset

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,650 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $155

Spend about two hours riding with a guide through permitted Tonto National Forest trails near Scottsdale. You will see desert scenery near Pinnacle Peak, old western town buildings, and a sunset viewpoint. Guides such as Ed, Whitney, Marco, Brian, and Kaz are known for mixing local facts with humor. The Jeep is driven for you, and the ride is rough.

“Alan was a terrific guide! He made sure I got great pictures of the sunset. He gave a lot of information about the history, animals and vegetation. The weather was perfect. It did a little chilly, around 60 degrees when the sun went down, so I would advise to take a jacket if visiting in the winter. A great experience!”

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4.Kayaking the Salt River Foxtail Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,395 reviews · from $57

From Saguaro Lake Ranch, you’ll paddle an unguided two-hour stretch of the Lower Salt River in a single sit-on-top kayak or paddleboard. Expect forest views, possible wild horses and birds, a few swift sections, and a shuttle back to the ranch. Basic instruction is provided, but you must manage your own boat.

“Nice combination of rapid water and slow-moving river gave us the opportunity to paddle and also float. Weekends have a great party vibe. Weekdays are good for nature watching. Staff is friendly and really knows the river.”

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5.Phoenix Morning Hot Air Balloon Ride with Bubbly + Breakfast

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,049 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $260

Meet at Deer Valley Airport before sunrise, or add Phoenix hotel transport, then fly 45 to 60 minutes with an FAA-licensed pilot above the Sonoran Desert. Expect views of Camelback Mountain and Downtown Phoenix, a traditional balloonist ceremony, Champagne or sparkling cider, breakfast, and a flight certificate. Captains such as Don and Jonathan are praised for calm flying and good stories.

“It’s amazing and the personal are wonderful. Had so much fun with the captain and crew. The food was wonderful after the ballon ride.”

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6.3 Hour Guided TomCar ATV Experience in Sonoran Desert

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,947 reviews · 3 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $236

Drive a military-grade, four-seat Tomcar through the Sonoran Desert near New River, with guides such as Derek, Ken, Ross, and Jodi leading the way. Expect steep hills, rocky trails, mountain views, desert plants, wildlife lessons, and several chances to drive. Helmets, goggles, and dust gaiters are provided.

“We had so much fun!! We would highly recommend this tour. Our guide took on us a great tour in the Sonoran Desert. Thanks Derik!!”

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7.Phoenix Zoo One Day General Admission Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 465 reviews · 1 day · from $39Best value

Use your e-ticket for one daytime admission to Phoenix Zoo in Papago Park. You can explore Arizona, Africa, Tropics, and Children’s trails, see orangutans, tigers, giraffes, lions, and Komodo dragons, and visit the new Big Cats of Arizona area. Plan for plenty of walking, with rides and Stingray Bay sold separately.

“Very nice experience, I got to see many animals in two hours.”

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