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What to expect

Central Hotel

Central Hotel

Stay steps from Scottsdale Old Town, an ideal base to explore.

Guided Walking Tour

Guided Walking Tour

Discover the historic district & Western-themed architecture.

McDowell Preserve

McDowell Preserve

Hike the Lost Dog Wash Trailhead & Granite Mountain Trailhead.

Free Time

Free Time

Relax & enjoy the hotel facilities, or explore this fascinating location.

About this trip...

Join Solos on this unique Arizona walking holiday, which perfectly combines desert adventure with time to unwind. Discover the charm of Old Town Scottsdale on a guided walking tour, then experience the beauty of the Sonoran Desert on guided hikes from Lost Dog Wash Trailhead and Granite Mountain Trailhead, where scenic trails, giant cacti, and stunning mountain views await. With plenty of free time to explore Scottsdale's shops, galleries, restaurants, museums, and resort amenities at your own pace, this holiday offers the perfect blend of culture, nature, and relaxation in the heart of Arizona.
Activity Level: Activity Level Rating
What's this?

What's included?

  • Return flights and airport transfers
  • Checked Baggage
  • Airport taxes and fees
  • Double/twin room for sole use
  • Solos Board: Breakfast daily, one lunch, one packed lunch & two dinners
  • Welcome drink & information meeting
  • Guided walking tour of Scottsdale Old Town
  • Guided trek on the Lost Dog Wash Trailhead
  • Guided trek on the Granite Mountain Trailhead
  • Free Solos App with all your travel documents
  • Dedicated Whatsapp group for your trip
  • Accompanying Solos Tour Leader
  • Fully Financially Protected

What's extra:

  • Insurance click here
  • US ESTA required - currently USD21

Itinerary

  • Arrive in Scottsdale
  • Guided Walking Tour of Old Town Scottsdale & lunch
  • Guided trek of McDowell Sonoran Preserve - Lost Dog Wash Trailhead
  • Day at leisure
  • Guided trek of McDowell Sonoran Preserve - Granite Mountain Trailhead
  • Depart Scottsdale

What you'll be doing

Day One: Arrive in Scottsdale

Day One: Arrive in Scottsdale

Welcome to Scottsdale Arizona! Nestled in the heart of the stunning Scottsdale desert, Scottsdale is a vibrant destination with over 300 days of sunshine each year and the perfect base for our Walking in Arizona adventure. This evening, we meet the group for a welcome drink and dinner.
 
  • Dinner included
Day Two: Scottsdale Old Town Walking Tour & lunch

Day Two: Scottsdale Old Town Walking Tour & lunch

After breakfast, we meet our local guide for a walking tour of Scottsdale Old Town, hearing fascinating tales of its transformation from a quiet farming outpost to a hub of art, culture and Western heritage. We'll pass the legendary Hotel Valley Ho, a mid-century modern gem once graced by Hollywood icons, and marvel at public art installations such as the bold Jack Knife sculpture and the iconic LOVE statue at the Scottsdale Civic Centre. With time to browse artisan galleries, local boutiques and jewellery stores, we enjoy a delicious lunch of locally sourced, seasonally inspired ingredients before spending the rest of the day at leisure.

  • Breakfast & lunch included
Day Three: Lost Dog Wash Trailhead

Day Three: Lost Dog Wash Trailhead

After an early breakfast at the hotel, we head to McDowell Sonoran Preserve and the Lost Dog Wash Trailhead. Nestled on the edge of Scottsdale, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve is one of the largest urban nature preserves in the United States. Covering more than 30,000 acres of protected Sonoran Desert, it offers a spectacular landscape of rugged mountains, towering saguaro cacti, and wide-open desert vistas. After a packed lunch and time to use the facilities, we take a short walk around the Kovach Trail, a flat paved trail 1 mile / 1.6km in length with many photo opportunities for you to document your day.

 
  • Breakfast & packed lunch included

Lost Dog Wash Trailhead - Transfer time from the hotel to the trail is approximately 25 minutes depending on traffic.
 
Walk Option 1:
Length of Walk: 5.5 miles / 8.9KM
Expected Walk Duration: 4hrs approximately
Terrain: Rocky and uneven
Assent/Descent: 350 feet
Grade of Walk: Moderate
 
Walk Option 2:
Length of Walk: 2.5 miles / 4KM
Expected Walk Duration: 2hrs approximately
Terrain: Rocky and uneven
Assent/Descent:  250 feet
Grade of Walk : Moderate
 
For those that return to the trailhead early, there is a short and easy paved trail right at the trailhead that provides photo ops and a place to rest whilst the group taking the longer route finishes.
 
*Photo courtesty of McDowell Sonoran Conservancy and Dennis Eckel.
Day Four: Day at leisure

Day Four: Day at leisure

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and then the day is yours to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities or explore more of what Scottsdale has to offer. Why not browse art galleries, Southwestern gift shops and public art installations or visit the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art or the Western Spirit - Scottsdale's Museum of the West for exhibits on the American West. The choice is yours!

 
  • Breakfast included

Day Five: Granite Mountain Trailhead

Day Five: Granite Mountain Trailhead

After breakfast at the hotel, we take the 40 minute journey to the Granite Mountain Trailhead where, surrounded by towering granite formations, fragrant pine forests, and sweeping mountain vistas, this scenic trailhead invites you to explore one of the region's most striking natural landscapes where breathtaking scenery, wilderness adventure, and the timeless beauty of Arizona come together. There are two options of length and elevation of trail to follow with your expert guide after which we transfer back to the hotel where the rest of the afternoon is at leisure before we meet for a farewell dinner and a chance to relive the breathtaking adventures we have had.

 
  • Breakfast & dinner included

Granite Mountain Trailhead - Transfer time from the hotel to the trail is approximately 40 mins depending on traffic.
 
Walk Option 1:
Length of Walk: 6.5 miles / 10.5km
Expected Walk Duration: 4hrs approximately
Terrain: Rocky and uneven but smoother than Lost Dog Wash Trailhead
Assent/Descent: 350 feet
Grade of Walk: Moderate
 
Walk Option 2 
Length of Walk: 3 miles / 5km
Expected Walk Duration: 2hrs approximately
Terrain: Rocky and uneven but smoother than Lost Dog Wash Trailhead
Assent/Descent:  200 feet
Grade of Walk: Moderate
 
For those that return to the trailhead early, there is shade and seating that provide a place to rest whilst the group taking the longer route finishes.
 
*Photo courtesty of McDowell Sonoran Conservancy and Dennis Eckel.
Day Six: Depart Scottsdale

Day Six: Depart Scottsdale

After a leisurely breakfast, you have time to relax, use the hotel facilities and explore more until we transfer to the airport for our overnight flight back to the UK.

 
  • Breakfast included

Accommodation

Hyatt Place Scottsdale Old Town

Located in the heart of Scottsdale Old Town, the three-star Hyatt Place Scottsdale Old Town offers a comfortable base steps from Old Town shops, dining, galleries and entertainment. Well located for exploring the beautiful McDowell Sonoran Preserve, it offers the best of Old West Charm and beautiful Sonoran Desert scenery.
Facilities include:

  • The Placery Lobby Bar
  • Breakfast bar
  • Market shop
  • Outdoor pool
  • Fitness centre
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
Room includes:
The comfortable and modern rooms feature HDTV, tea & coffee making facilities, hairdryer, complimentary Wi-Fi and private ensuite with either shower or shower over bath.

Dates & Prices

Departure Return Nights Price from Other Info Regional flights
25 Oct 2027 30 Oct 2027 5
£4298
   Please call for regional flights

Essential Information

Transfer Time
The transfer time from Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport to your Scottsdale hotel is approximately 20 minutes depending on traffic.
Passport & Visa Information
Passport ValidityTo enter the US, your passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay. 

Visa Requirements To enter or transit through the US, you must have either an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) visa waiver or a visa. Apply for an ESTA visa waiver through US Customs and Border Protection. You cannot apply for an ESTA visa waiver if you travelled to or were in Cuba on or after 12 January 2021. If you are not eligible for an ESTA, you must instead apply for a US visa. The US State Department has more information on visas.
 

Not sure what travel documents you need? Our trusted partner, sherpa°, makes it easy to check visa and entry requirements based on your destination and passport. One quick check now means smooth sailing later. Click here to learn more.

Health Requirements
Compulsory Vaccinations: None 
 
Full information can be found at NaTHNaC - USA
 
Please remember to pack any prescribed medication, as they can often be expensive and may not be readily available. Any important medicines should be packed in your hand luggage.
Currency
$ 
US Dollar
Gratuities
There is often confusion on the question of gratuities, since it frequently depends on the type of holiday, location and, of course, your attitude towards tipping, as to what is normally expected. To give you a rough idea, we have given appropriate guidance below. The Tour Leader will be on hand to offer advice or suggestions if required but gratuities are offered entirely at the sole discretion of the individual. We suggest a group collection at the beginning of your holiday to cover drivers, guides, porters and hotel staff of approximately $50. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip.
Walking Programme
Day 2 -
Guided walking tour of Scottsdale Old Townis approximately 2.5 hrs long with various points of interest along the way and the terrain is flat and level ground starting at the hotel.
 
 
Day 3 - 
Lost Dog Wash Trailhead - Transfer time from Hotel to Trail is approximately 25 mins depending on traffic
 
Walk Option 1 :
Length of Walk : 5.5 miles / 8.9KM
Expected Walk Duration : 4hrs approximately
Terrain : Rocky and uneven
Assent/Descent : 350 feet
Grade of Walk : Moderate
 
Walk Option 2 :
Length of Walk : 2.5 miles / 4KM
Expected Walk Duration : 2hrs approximately
Terrain : Rocky and uneven
Assent/Descent :  250 feet
Grade of Walk : Moderate
 
For those that return to the trailhead early, there is a short and easy paved trail right at the trailhead that provides photo ops and a place to rest whilst the group taking the longer route finishes.
 
 
Day 5 - 
Granite Mountain Trailhead - Transfer time from Hotel to Trail is approximately 40 mins depending on traffic
 
Walk Option 1 :
Length of Walk : 6.5 miles / 10.5KM
Expected Walk Duration : 4hrs approximately
Terrain : Rocky and uneven but smoother than Lost Dog Wash Trailhead
Assent/Descent : 350 feet
Grade of Walk : Moderate
 
Walk Option 2 :
Length of Walk : 3 miles / 5KM
Expected Walk Duration : 2hrs approximately
Terrain : Rocky and uneven but smoother than Lost Dog Wash Trailhead
Assent/Descent :  200 feet
Grade of Walk : Moderate
 
For those that return to the trailhead early, there is shade and seats that provides a place to rest whilst the group taking the longer route finishes.
 

 
Important Information
PLEASE NOTE :This is a walking and hiking holiday with long periods of standing and walking and some early mornings.
 
The grading for the walking/hiking on this holiday is moderate with terrain covering areas that is rocky and and uneven.
 
Therefore, you must be fit and able to walk the distances, elevation and terrain given in the walking programme independantly without aids other than walking poles (not included so if required, you need to supply your own).
 
Please ensure you have read and understand the walking programme details before booking this holiday.

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Rated as Excellent (4.8/5) by our customers

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First Class

I’d highly recommend Solos to people looking to travel on their own with a group of like minded people.
-David F

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Fabulous experience

Solos are extremely organised and provide fantastic holidays for people on their own. The tour leaders are of a very high standard and are extremely caring with the guests.
-Carole

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Don't Delay any Longer!

This was my first Solos holiday and it hugely exceeded my expectations. Lovely, lovely people made the holiday so special.....it will stay with me for always
-L Heaton

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Well worth going

I’ve recently returned from my first Solos holiday and had a fantastic time. I can honestly say that I enjoyed every minute, and the memories will last a lifetime.
-Patricia B

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