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What to expect

Guided Walking Tour

Guided Walking Tour

Discover the historic district & Western-themed architecture.

Central Hotel

Central Hotel

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

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 Arizona walking trip, 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 tour 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 airport transfers
  • Private Room
  • 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
  • Dedicated Whatsapp group for your trip
  • Accompanying Solos Tour Leader

What's extra:

  • Flights are not included. Let us help you book them! Learn more.
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips & drinks
  • Meals when not included in the itinerary
  • Activities when not included in the itinerary

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, this city 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 guided walking tour of Scottsdale Old Town where we will discover this vibrant area and hear fascinating tales of Scottsdale's transformation from a quiety farming outpost to a hub of art, culture and western heritage. We will see the with the legendary Hotel Valley Ho, a mid-century modern gem once graced by Hollywood icons. Marvel at public art installations such as the bold Jack Knife sculpture and the iconic LOVE statue at the Scottsdale Civic Center. With time to browse the artisan galleries, local boutiques and jewelry stores, we enjoy a delicious lunch of locally sourced and seasonally inspired ingredients and spend 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 opportunites 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 factilities 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 onward flight.

 
  • Breakfast included

Accommodations

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
Oct 25 2027 Oct 30 2027 5
$3685
  

Essential Information

Transfer Time
The transfer time from Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport to your Scottsdale hotel is approximately 20 minutes depending on traffic.
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 Program
Day 2 -
Guided walking tour of Scottsdale Old Town is 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 trip with long periods of standing and walking and some early mornings.
 
The grading for the walking/hiking on this trip 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 program independently 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 program details before booking this trip.
Flights & Airport Transfers
Whether you'd like us to arrange your flights or prefer to book your own, we're here to make the process easy. Our team can secure flights from the location that suits you best, or provide all the arrival and departure details you'll need if booking independently.
 
Arrival & departure airport transfers are included for the majority of our trips EXCEPT our UK Breaks, regardless of if you book your own flights or if we book them for you. To learn more about flight options, payments, and transfers, click here.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance before any trip — it safeguards you against unexpected issues like illness, cancellations, or lost luggage. It also protects your health and travel investment, giving you peace of mind to fully enjoy your journey. Click here. to learn more.
General Information
Please note: At the beginning of your trip, your Tour Leader will ask if you would be happy to sign a photo permission form. This means that any photographs taken during your holiday can be used by Solos to share what the Solos experience is all about. It also means you have lots of memories to go home with! 
 
Details will be given at your welcome meeting. 
 
WhatsApp Group: Just before the start of your trip, you will be sent an invite to the WhatsApp group which will put you in touch with your fellow Solos travellers and Tour Leader prior to your departure day. By choosing to join, you're consenting to share your contact details with other members of your group. However, if you prefer not to join, that's completely fine, and you can meet the group on your first day instead.
Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance before any trip — it safeguards you against unexpected issues like illness, cancellations, or lost luggage. It also protects your health and travel investment, giving you peace of mind to fully enjoy your journey. Click here. to learn more.
Flights & Transfers

Whether you'd like us to arrange your flights or prefer to book your own, we're here to make the process easy. Our team can secure flights from the location that suits you best, or provide all the arrival and departure details you'll need if booking independently.

Arrival & departure airport transfers are included for the majority of trips EXCEPT our UK Breaks, regardless if you book your own flights or if we book them for you. To learn more about flight options, payments, and transfers, click here.

Rated as Excellent (4.8/5) by our customers

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Fantastic time

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

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Highly Recommended

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

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Brilliant Week!

We laughed until our bellies ached. It was such a brilliant week.
-Janev

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Go for it!

I still get a bit nervous but this will be my third time with Solos and its one of the best decisions I have ever made- everyone is so friendly, just go for it!!
-Jane

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