Guided Desert Sunrise or Evening/Sunset 2-Hour Hike at South Mtn

Escape the daytime desert heatwaves with this unique hiking adventure in the Sonoran Desert. We will stop for beautiful views of the city and to observe and discuss the varying plants and animals the

Escape the daytime desert heatwaves with this unique hiking adventure in the Sonoran Desert. We will stop for beautiful views of the city and to observe and discuss the varying plants and animals the Arizona desert! Start times are flexible and typically we start 30-60 minutes before sunrise or sunset. Please be sure to contact your guide Scott Zdunczyk to confirm a starting time. The times provided on the page are only a range of possible start times. Please provide a phone number or email with your booking so that your guide may reach you with any important updates. South Mountain contains many trails, allowing us to customize the difficulty for each trip. The typical route is moderately difficult but there are less strenuous options available. If you know you would like an easier route, please let your guide know with your booking. See you on the trail!

From: $0.00

Location: Phoenix

What's Included

Community Discussion

Q&A

Q: Is there any age limit for this hike? I'm thinking about gifting it to my teenage niece.

A: There's no strict age limit for the hike, but the experience is generally better suited for ages 12 and up due to the moderate difficulty of the trails. If your niece is active and enjoys nature, she should have a great time! Just be sure to let Scott know her experience level when you book, so he can adjust the route if needed.

Q: What should we wear for the hike? Is it going to be chilly in the morning?

A: Dress in layers! It's usually cooler before sunrise or after sunset, so a light jacket or long sleeves are a good idea. As you hike, you might warm up, so breathable fabrics are key too. Don't forget sturdy hiking shoes—you're on some rocky trails! And definitely bring a hat and sunscreen if you're going during sunset.

Q: I'm worried about the weather. What happens if it rains? Can we reschedule?

A: If the weather looks bad, Scott will reach out to you to discuss rescheduling options. The desert can be unpredictable, but safety is a priority, so they’ll make sure conditions are appropriate for hiking. I recommend keeping in touch with him as the day approaches to stay updated!

Discussions

Just did the sunset hike—amazing experience! 🌄

I recently gifted the guided sunset hike at South Mountain to my boyfriend for his birthday, and it was incredible! Scott was super knowledgeable about the desert flora and fauna, and the views of Phoenix were just breathtaking as the sun set. We wore layers like suggested, and it worked out perfectly. The snacks were a nice touch too! Definitely recommend it for anyone looking for a unique gift.

Thinking about the morning hike for a gift!

I’m looking into getting this guided morning desert hike for my dad. He loves the outdoors, but he hasn't done much hiking before. Is it really beginner-friendly? I’m nervous about him getting tired. Also, is the early start worth it for the sunrise views? Thanks for any input!