Tour Overview
Watch the Sonoran Desert turn gold at sunset from a mountain viewpoint, with an expert guide timing the climb and headlamps for the walk down.
Golden-Hour Viewpoint
Time the climb so you are on a mountain viewpoint as the desert turns gold and the Valley lights come on below.
Local Desert Guide
A Wilderness First Responder or EMT guide reads the terrain and paces the route to the season's sunset.
Headlamps, Water & Snacks
Headlamps for the descent, purified water, trail snacks, park fees, and post-hike refreshments are included.
The Experience
Watch the Sonoran Desert transition from golden afternoon light to a colorful Arizona sunset on a guided evening hike in Scottsdale. Your adventure begins in the late afternoon, with your guide confirming the exact meeting location and start time based on the season. From there, you’ll follow natural-surface trails through the desert, gradually ascending toward a mountain viewpoint overlooking Scottsdale, Phoenix, and the Valley of the Sun. Along the way, your local guide will share insights into the region’s geology, plants, and wildlife, with the route and pace tailored to your group’s preferred distance, terrain, and level of challenge.
After approximately 1.5 to 2 hours of hiking, you’ll reach a scenic viewpoint where you can relax with trail snacks and beverages while the sun sets over the Valley. As daylight fades, your guide will provide headlamps for the descent back to the trailhead. The hike is rated easy to moderate and is suitable for guests ages 12 and older. Your tour includes a professional guide with Wilderness First Responder or EMT certification, headlamps, lightweight backpacks, purified water, trail snacks, required park or preserve fees, and refreshments afterward. Wear closed-toe running, cross-training, or hiking shoes, and bring long-sleeved layers, sunglasses, a hat, and a camera. The tour operates year-round, with departure times adjusted to coincide with sunset.
Pricing & Group Rates
- Solo Hiker (1 guest) $195
- Per Person, Groups of 2 to 3 $125
- Per Person, Groups of 4 or More $99
- Booking note: this tour is timed for golden hour and the desert sunset, and meets directly at a designated trailhead. Optional roundtrip resort transportation is $295 per vehicle, subject to scheduling availability. Prices do not include 8.1% sales tax.
- Private & Large Groups: Contact us for groups over 10, custom group pricing, and private departures.
Essential Tour FAQs
Where do we meet for the sunset hike? ▼
Your guide meets you at a trailhead in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve or Phoenix Mountains Preserve, with the exact lot chosen for the route and confirmed before the tour. Rideshare drop-off and pickup work at both areas. Your guide calls ahead with the meeting time and location.
How hard is the hike? ▼
The route is easy to moderate and fully customizable, with about 2 to 2.5 hours on natural-surface trails and a golden-hour viewpoint break. Mileage, terrain, and grade are matched to your group, so first-timers and regular hikers both fit. The tour is for ages 8 and up.
What time is departure, and what about weather? ▼
Departures follow the sunset: 3:30 PM from October through April, and 5:30 PM from May through September. Tours run year-round and in most weather; 360 Adventures cancels only for dangerous conditions. The desert cools quickly after sundown, so bring a layer and check the forecast before you leave.
What should I wear and bring? ▼
Closed-toe running, cross-training, or hiking shoes are required; no sandals. Wear long sleeves or layers for sun protection and cooler evening temperatures, and bring sunglasses, a hat, and a camera. Headlamps, lightweight backpacks, purified water, and trail snacks are provided.
What is this tour's cancellation and rescheduling policy? ▼
Strict 72-hour window. Send cancellations or changes in writing through our contact form; replies to your confirmation email cannot be processed. More than 72 hours out, you receive a full refund minus card processing fees; inside 72 hours or a no-show, the booking is charged in full. If 360 Adventures cancels for severe conditions, you receive a 100% refund including fees.
Do you have more questions? Click HERE for more details.
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