The 8 Best Desert Hikes

1.Real Adventure – Gareja & Rainbow Desert 4×4 + Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 464 reviews · 9 - 10 hours · from $44Our pick

Ride a 4x4 from Tbilisi into Georgia’s semi-desert with guides such as Koba, Salomea, Nini, or Alex. Hike the colorful hills by Mravaltskaro Lake, visit St. John and David Gareji monasteries, stop for Georgian food in Udabno, and add wine tasting on private tours.

“I would highly recommend joining this tour. I had so much fun hiking the rainbow mountains and visiting the monasteries, plus the super cool hidden gems. Our tour guide, Salome, and the driver were super nice and friendly. Salome was super chill and not in a rush, following our hiking speed and giving us time to take pictures. He was also generous to give us some gifts by the end of the trip.”

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2.Palm Springs Hike to an Oasis and Amazing Desert Views

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 106 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $67Top rated

Join Carlos of Trail Ahead for a 2.5-hour Palm Springs hike on quieter local trails. Expect rocky hills, about 800 feet of climbing, wide Coachella Valley views, a small palm oasis, Cahuilla plant lore, water, snacks, and a moderate workout.

“Carlos is an excellent guide. The hike took about 3 hours and we kept a moderate pace and all of the hikers were challenged with the incline and the pace. Carlos knows the area very well and we were able to take less traveled routes so we really had the place to ourselves for most of the hike. Carlos taught us a lot about the ecosystem and the views were amazing. I am so glad I did this hike and I would definitely recommend this hike.”

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3.Full Day Desert Tour, Jeep & Hiking

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 98 reviews · from $100

Spend 6 to 8 hours exploring Wadi Rum from a 4WD vehicle and on foot. This small-group tour for up to six people includes Abu Khashaba Canyon, Khazali Canyon, rock bridges, dunes, desert lunch, sunset, and a local guide sharing Bedouin traditions.

“Wadi Rum Magic Tours was fantastic. The tour and the guide were amazing. Wadi Rum is a beautiful place with much to see and the guide made sure we got to see everything. He would let you spend as much time as you wanted at each location. He was extremely flexible, helpful and courteous. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone interested.”

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4.1-2 Hour Sonoran Desert Private Guided Hiking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 76 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $70

Join Paul of Arizona Adventure Guides for a private two-hour hike from the Pima-Dynamite Trailhead in Scottsdale. Expect a flexible pace, desert plants, wildlife, snacks, water reminders, and possible route choices toward creek areas, petroglyphs, and broad views.

“My husband and I had a memorable and enjoyable hike. Paul was professional. Day before, he texted to confirm with us. On the hike he often checked on how we were doing. We hiked the entire 2 hours. Paul was friendly and knowledgeable. I would recommend to those who enjoy the outdoors and want to see Creek Cave AZ wirh a guide!”

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5.Quad Bike, Sunset, and Dinner Show in Agafay Desert

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 49 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $32

Travel from Marrakech to Agafay in an air-conditioned vehicle, visit an argan oil cooperative, ride your own quad for about 45 minutes, and watch sunset from the desert. Guides such as Hassan, Youssef, Zakaria, and Aya lead the outing, which ends with dinner, Berber music, dancing, and a fire show.

“A great trip! Ilyas was a superb guide and really helped my aunty navigate the climb up and down to the waterfalls which was very kind and much appreciated 🙂 would recommend!”

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6.5-Day Desert Hiking Adventure from Merzouga

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 13 reviews · from $2,093

Start in Merzouga at 8:30 am for five days of walking across Erg Chebbi, dry river beds, bare mountains, old mines, and remote camps. Eva and Hassan can help shape the trip, while camels carry luggage, water, and camp supplies. You return to Merzouga on day five.

“If you want to become one with the grandiose nature of the Sahara, the beloved camels and the life of the nomads, BAT is the place for you. It was great! The hike with our small caravan led us through dreamy landscapes far away from civilizatRead more”

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7.Atlas Adventure, Hike, Camel Ride &desert & lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7 reviews · 1 day · from $22Best value

Spend a full day from Marrakech visiting the Atlas Mountains, Imlil Valley, Berber villages, and Agafay Desert. Hike to waterfalls, eat lunch in a local home, visit an argan oil cooperative, and finish with a 40-minute camel ride. Guides speak English, French, Spanish, or Arabic.

“The private trip with Reda was more than we expected. He showed us around Ourika and Imlil giving us the possibility to chose freely where to go. Reda is a layed back, funny and simpathetic guy, who knows everything about the local culture. His english and french is on point and he even gave us some basic lessons of Berber language during the car ride. Moreover he proved that he knows the region like his own pocket. The Camel ride, the tee at the valley of Ourika, the olive oil, honey, argan and amlou tasting at a local women's cooperative, the hiking tour in Imlil to the waterfalls and the…”

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8.Agafay Desert Camel Ride And Atlas Mountains Hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7 reviews · from $94

Join a guide such as Hassan for a six-hour small-group trip from Marrakech to Imlil Valley. Visit mountain villages, eat a full Moroccan lunch in a local home, see waterfalls, then ride a camel near Agafay Desert and Kik Plateau.

“Great trip with our tour guide Hassan. He was friendly, great English and told us everything about life in the Atlas Mountains.”

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