Outdoor Adventures

The adventure starts with a climb and offers stunning views right away. On a clear day you can spot local landmarks like Four Peaks, Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak, Downtown Phoenix, and University of Phoenix Stadium.

We’ll climb to Fat Man’s Pass, a narrow pass between two giant boulders, and into Hidden Valley. Then we’ll rock scramble a bit before we hike to a rock tunnel with ancient glyphs.

If you’re looking to take advantage of the gorgeous weather, explore the history of the Hohokoam people, and see the stunning natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert, join me for Conquer the Trail to Hidden Valley. *Family friendly.

• Distance: 3.8 miles
• Duration: 3 hours
• Elevation: +958 ft
• Rating: Moderate
• Location: Mormon Trail, South Mountain
• Price Per Guest: $95

Author and naturalist John Muir said “When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe.” In this way, experiencing the interconnectedness of nature makes a child’s curiosity go viral.

In this outdoor learning experience we’ll use a compass, binoculars, and a magnifying glass to let loose our natural desire to know. We’ll pause on the rocks to spend time drawing and reflecting on what we’ve see.

If the students in your life are ready to ditch the digital noise, join me for Science & Sunshine. *Designed for ages 4-10. Parents can join for free or wait at the trailhead.

• Distance: 2.2 miles
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Elevation: +70 ft
• Rating: Easy
• Location: Pima Canyon Trail, South Mountain, Phoenix
• Price Per Guest: $45

Take 2 hours and 3 miles to get to know the Sonoran Desert. We’ll explore canyons and washes, learn about native plant and animals, and discover the history of the Hohokam people.

We’ll see ancient petroglyphs, walk under hundred year old cacti, and search for purple sage. To explore the beauty and uniqueness of the desert, join me.

• Distance: 3 miles round trip
• Duration: 2 hours
• Elevation: +300 ft
• Rating: Easy to Moderate
• Location: Javelina Trail, South Mountain, Phoenix
• Price per Guest: $95

One of Phoenix’s most popular trails; this hike is an awesome physical challenge, due to the consistent climbing, but offers gorgeous panoramic view of the valley as a reward.

We’ll begin our hike on an old concrete path that has evolved over the years into a mixture of broken concrete, gravel and dirt. As we climb “nature’s Stairmaster” the concrete path evolves to a well-worn mountain trail.

Gaining even more elevation this tricky trail bends and curves within the mountain, hiding the summit from your view.

We’ll do a bit of rock scrambling to get to the top, but once there, you’ll be in awe of the tranquil panoramic views of the valley. If you are looking for a triumphant experience and don’t mind heights or sharing the trail with lots of locals, this hike’s for you.

• Distance: 2.4 round trip
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Elevation: +1,190 ft
• Rating: Moderate to difficult
• Location: Summit Trailhead, Piestewa Peak, Phoenix
• Price Per Guest: $95

Let your little ones explore, exercise, play, and discover the Sonoran Desert. We’ll find our way through a maze of desert trails. Along the way we’ll climb rocks made from magma and challenge ourselves to reach the summit, our highest point.

We’ll also learn about the plant life, insects, and animals unique to the Sonoran Desert. *Designed for families/groups with children ages 4-10.

• Distance: 2.2 miles round trip
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Elevation: +70 ft.
• Rated: Easy to moderate
• Location: Pima Canyon Trailhead, South Mountain, Phoenix
• Price Per Guest: $55

While Piestewa Peak is one of Central Phoenix’s most hiked mountains, the Freedom trail is the road less traveled. We’ll start on the East side of mountain and move counter-clockwise around the circumference. As we climb North Mountian will come into view.

As we wind around the mountain on rolling trails views of the west valley open. After another awesome climb we’ll meet up with the Summit Trail and will begin to see many more people.

As we come down the mountain again we’ll get phenominal views of South Mountain and then Flat Iron and the Superstition Wilderness.

• Distance: 3.6 mikes round trip
• Duration: 2.5 hrs
• Elevation: +1,105
• Rating: Moderate to difficult
• Location: Freedom Trailhead, Piestewa Peak, Phoenix
• Price Per Guest: $95