The 10 Best Tours in Mesa
By Caroline Alden | Updated 3 Days Ago
Mesa, Arizona, a treasure trove of cultural history, stunning landscapes, and exhilarating activities, beckons travelers with its array of unique experiences. Embark on a journey through Mesa with these ten tours, each offering a distinct slice of adventure and wonder that will leave you with lasting memories.
Bulldog Canyon Off-Road Adventure Tour
Join the Bulldog Canyon Off-Road Adventure Tour for a thrilling ride through the heart of Tonto National Forest. This journey takes you off the beaten path, surrounded by the stunning Usery Mountain and the peaceful Salt River. In a 4WD vehicle, you’ll tackle the desert’s rugged terrains. Expert guides will be with you, sharing the desert’s secrets and pointing out the diverse wildlife along the way.
As you navigate through Bulldog Canyon’s challenging trails, you’ll discover the true beauty of the Arizona desert. The adventure provides not just a test of skill but a learning experience about the area’s natural history and ecological diversity. The changing light of the desert sun paints the landscapes in breathtaking colors. This is an opportunity to connect deeply with nature and create lasting memories of the wild.
- Tour Fee: $125 per adult
- Schedule: 2–5 hours, availability varies
- Includes: Expert guide, 4WD vehicle
Saguaro Lake: Guided Kayaking Tour
Embark on a serene journey across Saguaro Lake, where calm waters and towering cliffs create a peaceful retreat. Glide through the lake’s clear waters, surrounded by nature’s grandeur. This guided kayaking experience not only brings you closer to the lake’s tranquil beauty but also offers a moment of reflection amidst the stunning desert landscape. It’s an opportunity to connect deeply with the natural world, leaving you refreshed and inspired.
Guided by experts, this tour is both educational and captivating. As you navigate the serene lake, your guide will unveil the secrets of the local ecosystem, pointing out hidden spots and the diverse wildlife that calls this place home. From majestic birds overhead to the vibrant life beneath the water’s surface, this adventure is a journey into the heart of nature’s wonders.
- Tour Fee: $64 per adult
- Schedule: 2 hours, check for availability
- Includes: Kayak rental, life jacket, guide
Apache Trail & Dolly Steamboat Day Trip
Embark on a captivating journey down the Apache Trail, where the rich history of Native Americans and adventurers from the Wild West comes alive. This tour takes you through the stunning landscapes of the Superstition Mountains and ends with a peaceful cruise on Canyon Lake aboard the Dolly Steamboat. As you navigate the waters, you’ll discover wildlife and stories that bring the past to life.
The Dolly Steamboat cruise on Canyon Lake offers a unique opportunity to connect with Arizona’s natural wonders and historical tales. Glide smoothly across the lake’s surface, under the expansive desert sky, as eagles circle overhead and the history of the land unfolds. This experience combines the thrill of exploration with the tranquility of nature, creating memories that last a lifetime.
- Tour Fee: $9,346 per person
- Schedule: 7 hours, including pickup
- Includes: Guide, transportation, steamboat ticket
Phoenix/Mesa: Guided Kayaking Trip on Saguaro Lake
On the Guided Kayaking Trip on Saguaro Lake, glide across calm waters, surrounded by Arizona’s stunning landscapes. Led by an expert, you’ll explore quiet coves and bright, sunny shores, learning about the area’s wildlife and natural beauty. This trip is perfect for anyone looking to experience the peace and excitement of kayaking, whether you’re just starting or you’ve paddled before.
As you journey through Saguaro Lake, be prepared to be amazed by its crystal-clear waters and the dramatic cliffs that border it. Keep your eyes peeled for the local wildlife as you navigate through the lake’s hidden spots, guided by someone who knows its secrets well. This kayaking adventure offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and take in the breathtaking views that make Arizona so special.
- Tour Fee: $6,830 per person
- Schedule: 2.5 hours
- Includes: Kayak, safety gear, professional guide
Sonoran Desert: Guided 2-Hour UTV Adventure
Dive into the heart of the Sonoran Desert on a thrilling UTV adventure. As you journey through this expansive landscape, you’ll be surrounded by towering cacti and rugged mountains under the wide-open skies. This tour offers a unique mix of excitement and natural beauty, perfect for those eager to explore the desert’s hidden corners.
Along the way, your guide will share insights into the desert’s ecosystem, pointing out the diverse plant and animal life that calls this challenging environment home. From the iconic saguaro cactus to wildlife adapted to thrive in arid conditions, every moment is an opportunity to discover something new. This 2-hour adventure is an unforgettable way to experience the Sonoran Desert’s wild side.
- Tour Fee: $33,763 per group up to 2
- Schedule: 2 hours
- Includes: UTV rental, helmets, guide
Mesa Scavenger Hunt: Arizona’s Cultural Capital
Dive into Mesa’s heart with a scavenger hunt that turns the city into an exciting puzzle. Navigate the lively streets and quiet corners, uncovering clues that lead you to discover Mesa’s history and culture. This journey isn’t just about seeing the sights; it’s a fun challenge that brings the stories of Mesa’s landmarks to life.
As you solve puzzles and find hidden spots, the scavenger hunt peels back Mesa’s layers, showing its rich heritage and vibrant art. This experience mixes learning with entertainment, perfect for curious explorers eager to experience Mesa’s unique character. It’s an engaging way to connect with the city, blending the joy of discovery with the thrill of adventure.
- Tour Fee: $12 per adult
- Schedule: 2 hours
- Includes: Digital scavenger hunt access
Goldfield Ghost Town Tour
Explore the historic Goldfield Ghost Town, a gateway to Arizona’s vibrant gold mining past. This tour transports you to the Wild West, where you can walk through authentic buildings, venture into old mines, and visit museums filled with relics from the gold rush era. It’s more than a walk; it’s a journey back in time, offering a peek into the lives of those who sought fortunes in these hills.
Goldfield Ghost Town brings history to life. Try your hand at panning for gold in the very streams that once sparkled with the promise of wealth, and enjoy the majestic views of the Superstition Mountains that frame this historic town. Meet characters dressed in period costumes who share tales of the town’s heyday. This tour is a memorable adventure into the heart and soul of the American frontier.
- Tour Fee: Check for pricing
- Schedule: Varies, check for opening times
- Includes: Access to town attractions
Four Peaks Off-Road Adventure Tour
Embark on an off-road journey through the Four Peaks Wilderness, where the rugged beauty of Arizona unfolds before you. From the vast desert plains to the dense, whispering forests, this adventure offers a thrilling ride across diverse landscapes. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in the raw, natural beauty of the wilderness, with breathtaking views and encounters with wildlife that enrich the experience.
As you navigate challenging terrains in your 4WD, the adventure blends adrenaline with moments of serene appreciation for nature’s grandeur. The iconic Four Peaks loom on the horizon, offering spectacular vistas as a backdrop to your journey. This tour is a perfect blend of excitement and natural beauty, ideal for those looking to explore Arizona’s wild side and create lasting memories of its stunning landscapes.
- Tour Fee: $250 per adult
- Schedule: 5–6 hours
- Includes: 4WD vehicle, guide
Saguaro National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour
Set out on the Saguaro National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour to explore at your own pace. Drive among the towering Saguaro cacti, as the audio guide shares the desert’s secrets, including its ancient geology and the stories of its past inhabitants. This tour is ideal for those who enjoy the freedom to stop and marvel at nature’s wonders.
This self-guided tour gives you the flexibility to explore as you wish. Whether you’re taking in the vast landscapes, snapping photos, or watching wildlife, you can do it all without the rush. It’s a chance to deeply connect with the desert environment, providing a memorable experience that combines the thrill of discovery with a peaceful appreciation for the natural world around you.
- Tour Fee: $876 per person
- Schedule: At your own pace
- Includes: Audio guide
Mesa: Mobile Scavenger Hunt City Exploration Game
Dive into a mobile scavenger hunt that transforms Mesa into an interactive playground. As you and your team solve puzzles and follow clues, you’ll uncover the hidden corners and fascinating stories of the city. It’s an exciting way to explore Mesa, blending the thrill of discovery with the fun of a game, making it perfect for families, friends, and anyone eager to see the city from a new perspective.
This scavenger hunt is more than just a walk through Mesa; it’s an adventure into its culture and history. Each clue leads you to understand the city’s essence, connecting with its past and present engagingly. It’s an ideal mix of learning, exploring, and moving, suited for adventurers of all ages looking for a memorable way to experience Mesa.
- Tour Fee: $1,168 per person
- Schedule: 1 day
- Includes: Scavenger hunt app access
Mesa, Arizona, is a city of endless adventure, cultural depth, and breathtaking natural beauty. Each of these tours offers a unique way to experience the essence of Mesa, from the adrenaline-fueled excitement of off-road adventures and kayaking to the rich historical narratives of ghost towns and cultural hunts. Pack your spirit of adventure and set out to explore the wonders of Mesa, where every tour promises memories that will last a lifetime.