Mad Desert Trekking - Scottsdale, Arizona

SARA Y.

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!!

Jeff P.

Josh was an excellent guide on our sunset hike in Phoenix! The views were awesome (great photo opportunities) and Mad Desert Trekking made sure we took a trail that was appropriate. As I said, Josh went above & beyond - with snacks, water, walking poles (for that extra assist when needed) and a ton of information about the area - the man knows about plants & rocks! I would recommend this tour to pretty much anyone who can walk. Time and money well spent.

Megan M.

We had an amazing desert hike with Curtis as our guide! The trail was a perfect moderate challenge—safe and well-paced—allowing us to really enjoy the stunning landscape. What made the experience stand out was Curtis’s storytelling. He brought the history, geology, and wildlife of the area to life with engaging and informative stories. It felt like more than just a hike—it was an adventure with meaning. Highly recommend booking a hike with Curtis if you’re looking for a safe, memorable, and enriching experience in the desert!

Guy G.

We did the Epic Camelback mountain hike. It was a physical hike and very Hot. Hydration is key. I absolutely loved it and would do it again. Having a guide was great as well, very helpful, recommended if it's your first time. Curtis was amazing. He was friendly, informative, and extremely helpful. He catered to us regarding hydration, food, and stating cool . Great workout. Going to the top is a must, plan for 3 hours, maybe 3 and a half so you are not rushed.

J S.

Highly recommended this hike. Our guide, Jay was amazing! He was so knowledgeable about the area, the terrain, etc. other than a good workout; We had a nice history lesson. Next time we are in the area, we will definitely do a tour with him again.

RaQuel H.

I booked this hike last minute and wasn’t sure what to expect, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made—and a lot of that is thanks to Josh. He was incredibly communicative from the start and made the entire experience feel personal and welcoming. You can tell he genuinely loves what he does and cares about the people he’s guiding.

Josh took the most amazing photos (seriously, Instagram-worthy!), was super friendly, and made sure everyone felt comfortable by offering breaks when needed. Even though I showed up feeling a little unprepared, they provided everything—backpack, snacks, water, and even hiking sticks—which made the experience stress-free and enjoyable.

If you’re thinking about booking, don’t hesitate. And if you can, request Josh—you’ll be glad you did!

John S.

I recently had an incredible experience with Mad Desert Trekking Company, and I can't recommend them enough! My family and I went on a sunset adventure hike up Piestewa Peak with our guide, Michael, and it was absolutely unforgettable.

Michael was an outstanding guide—he was knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely cared about our safety and comfort throughout the hike. He made sure to set a pace that worked for everyone in our group, which was especially appreciated since we had varying levels of hiking experience. Along the way, Michael shared fascinating information about the desert landscape, local plants, and the history of the area, which made the hike even more enjoyable.

One of the highlights of the trip was the stunning sunset view from the peak. Michael went above and beyond by taking amazing photos of our family, capturing memories we’ll cherish forever. His enthusiasm and passion for the desert were contagious, and it truly made the experience special.

If you’re looking for a professional, fun, and safe trekking adventure in the desert, Mad Desert Trekking Company is the way to go. Thank you, Michael, for an unforgettable experience—we’ll definitely be back for more adventures!

Peggy G.

TERRIFIC!!!! Book this tour. The whole experience was the best. Dialinda had everything we needed for the hike and is a professional photographer to boot so she took wonderful pictures of us and sent them to me. I can’t thank her enough for doing that as we got to enjoy the hike even more. She provided a backpack filled with water, snacks, headlamp, and trekking poles. The hike was not hard at all so we had plenty of time to enjoy the sunset — no rushing at all. I’d book a trip with her again any day.