I had the opportunity to take a private mountain biking tour with Wild Bunch Desert Guides in October 2021. Coordinating my tour details was a breeze with Laurel at the helm. I received all of my details with my confirmation in an email with my guide's name, where I would be able to find him and the trailhead location. They did also offer transportation but I was traveling by car, regardless, so I opted to meet him there. The details in the email also went over what the tour included as far as snacks and gear. There were, of course, all of the details regarding Covid-19, health and safety guidelines and cancellation information. On the morning of the tour I arrived 15 minutes early as advised and found Don, my guide, quickly because of Laurel's details. He was amped and excited for the day and the tour. We spoke about my previous mountain biking experience, or lack thereof and what our loose plan was for the day. I had previously notified Laurel that I had minimal experience and would probably fall into the beginner category. Don provided me with a souvenir water bottle, a day pack to hold my personal belongings/items during the tour, a helmet, full finger gloves and a hard tail mountain bike. He had me ride the bike up and down the parking lot access road to make sure it felt comfortable and to familiarize myself with the brakes. I looped around and felt confident with the bike as it was. Don loaded up and lead me down the spur trail. He pointed out trail features and possible obstacles as well as guided me on how to handle them when it came to my body and pedal positions. After the one steep uphill climb we hit the ground "biking" and were cruising around the sandy curves of the park. Along the way Don pointed out natural features, names of rock formations and provided plenty of desert facts, as well as dad jokes. He was so upbeat and happy about the entire area I smiled the entire tour. He was happy with my bike handling and took me on a bit of a more difficult trail as we continued through the park. He'd stop occasionally to capture my photo while riding and even got a couple of videos, too. We parked our bikes and took a break atop a rock formation and he showed me the more difficult trails that climb and hop down the boulders. After our break we hit the trail again, at a faster pace which he had me set. He was encouraging as I was making my way up a slick, pebble-covered climb, I didn't make it up without stopping while I was trying to heed his directions. He asked if I wanted to give it an additional shot, heck yes! He told me how to approach the climb and how much speed I needed to hit the base with, he verbally guided me around the obstacles and cheered as I made it up and over it. We cruised back to the parking lot, Don capturing video of me as we rode. Back at the van we chatted about the great ride and he let me know he considered me almost an intermediate rider :) He was kind, the trip went off without a hitch and the communication pre and post tour was perfect. I was also able to obtain my photos through their website! Overall, there was nothing better I could have expected. read more

Wild Bunch Desert Guides - Me, having a grand ol' time on our snack break! - Hiking Near Me - Scottsdale, Arizona

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Mike was a fantastic guide for my solo hike. He not only took me on a fun, beautiful hike, he also took some extra time to suggest some interesting places to visit while on my visit in Scottsdale. I highly recommend Wild Bunch. read more

Wild Bunch Desert Guides - Hiking Near Me - Scottsdale, Arizona

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The guides were great and catered the experience to our abilities and desires. It was a super fun experience for the whole family.

We had the best day in the desert on mountain bikes, even though we are not skilled riders. Our guide, Rebel, made us all feel comfortable and confident. Her knowledge of the desert plants is amazing. We learned a lot about all the different cactus varieties. We certainly recommend them for family outings, Arizona visitors, or any group just wanting to get outside and have fun!!! read more

Wild Bunch Desert Guides - Wonderful guide, Rebel, talking about the beautiful desert. - Hiking Near Me - Scottsdale, Arizona

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Called the afternoon before when a window opened for me to get a ride in. Laurel was very accommodating. Great communication re details and follow up after to ensure all had gone as planned. It did! Wendy was a fantastic, knowledgable and accommodating guide. They're my first call next time in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area! read more

My daughter & I had a great desert hike on Mother's Day. Our guide Jay was very funny and easy to hangout with. Jay taught us about many different cactuses. Back packs, water bottles and some snacked were provided so you just show up with comfortable cloths and a pair of good shoes. Some part of the trail is slippery but over all the trail is pretty mild for anyone. I was pleasantly surprised how open and friendly the fellow hikers ( seems like all locals ) in Arizona ! Wish the very best for this small tour business. We could meet Laurel, the owner after the hike and she was very nice too. read more

Wild Bunch Desert Guides - Desert hike tour - Hiking Near Me - Scottsdale, Arizona

It was the perfect day with great weather, sunny, cool, for a Corporate Teambuilding Event. My company went on a private Sunset hike tour led by Laurel and her team, and it was fantastic. She kept us engaged and motivated throughout the hike. Showed us varieties of plants and cactus and consistently checked our pace level while reminding us to take water breaks. Her team also took lots of pictures on our behalf that are breathtaking and amazing!! I would recommend Laurel and her team to anyone who's interested in hiking in Arizona and will definitely use them again!!! read more

I had the pleasure of doing a 2 hour beginner hike with Joe as my guide. I can't say enough how exhilarating this experience was. My guide was fantastic! He was knowledgeable, professional and an all around joy to hike with. The owner was extremely sweet and made me feel so comfortable when I booked. I highly recommend this company read more

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Our guide Don was great!!! Not only did he give us a great ride but also some learning about the native plant life in AZ. Thanks Don!!!

Is there any way to give six stars? Took a great 15 mile loop bike ride with owner/guide Laurel today and would love to get a chance to do this again every single year. Super friendly and professional throughout, plenty of water and snacks to keep us hydrated and fed. Excellent biking gear and safety orientation as well. While I don't discriminate, I am certainly happy to support independent, women-owned businesses like Wild Bunch rather than a large corporation. Fully recommend riding with Wild Bunch! read more

Laurel was a welcoming host and informative guide on our two and one-half mountain hike up the 302 Freedom Trail in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve. I had hoped to do a biking trip, but my sidekicks were a reticent. The hike was perfect for our group of four and made all the better by Laurel's stories, photo shoots, and mountain snack stop! Next, time...biking for sure!! read more

We had the BEST time on this tour! Ellen was so knowledgeable regarding the area and spent the time educating us on the wild and plant life. She is so positive and energetic!! The scenery was quite spectacular. Also, she was super patient with me because I haven't been on a bike for quite awhile. My husband and sons on the other hand are avid riders and they were super impressed by her tour. Great for all biking levels. read more

We had such a blast with our 3 hour private tour!!!!! Best part of the trip to AZ for me. Kim was our guide and she did an incredible job going at a good pace for us and was very knowledgeable about the wildlife. I would absolutely recommend! The owner is also very passionate about her company and you get a very personal experience. read more

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The hubs and I took off for a day of "first time" hiking not knowing what to expect. We met Laurel as our guide for the day and she welcomed us with the biggest smile ever. Listen, she treated our concerns/fears as if they were her own and she went out of her way to make us feel secure and safe while navigating through the complexities of Camelback Mountain. We had a blast! She even took us on an impromptu walking excursion at the end of the hike. Because of Laurel, the owner of the company, hiking is something we look forward to doing again. *sidenote- she has a beautiful and thoughtful way of exchanging authentic communication while climbing that makes you forget you're on a mountain. She's a rockstar! If you've never hiked before or if you're a seasoned hiker that needs a guide, do yourself a favor and book with The Wild Bunch! read more

Wild Bunch Desert Guides - Hiking Near Me - Scottsdale, Arizona

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Phenomenal! Terrific trails, bikes, gear, guide, and terrain. Highly recommend. For reference, we're mid-level riders and had a blast during an afternoon/sunset excursion. Shout out to our fun and knowledgeable guide, Rebel. She rocked, too! read more

Our family spent an amazing day trail riding with Laurel! She was extremely professional and prepared. Our bikes were in excellent condition and her attention to detail made me feel safe and at ease. She explained the bikes and their features and had all the equipment we needed. She even provided water bottles, snacks and lip balm! Our family had a great time on the trail she chose to take us on and we got some amazing pictures! Laurel stopped to check on us and took pictures when we wanted them. The nature and beautiful views were exactly what we needed! We had a great day and can't wait to come back and do it again! read more

Wild Bunch Desert Guides - Hiking Near Me - Scottsdale, Arizona

This tour was amazing. We learned so very much about the living desert. Jay, our guide was fantastic--professional and personable. Thank you so much. read more

My friend and I did a sunset hike with Don at Wild Bunch Desert Guides, and it was the highlight of our trip! Don is funny and highly knowledgeable, so in addition to enjoying the amazing views and scenery, he also gave us lots of information about the animals and plants we saw. I highly recommend using them the next time you're in Phoenix/Scottsdale! read more

Our family of 4 (w 12YO and 9YO boys) had a terrific experience today with our guide, Tommy. Laurel was great in setting everything up, and Tommy couldn't have been better. He brought the bikes, got us all set up, and led at a great pace for our family. He also took the time to help each of our kids with technique (and brought GREAT treats for the kids). We couldn't have had anyone better for a fun family mountain bike experience in the desert. Mom comments: loved that we didn't have to go to the shop, and that we just met at the trailhead and Tommy had everything set up and ready to go. He had water bottles filled, and the bikes, helmets, and gloves were all sized right. Also, the flexibility on start time was really nice. 12YO comments: thanks for the great riding tips. My first time mountain biking, and I loved it. 9YO comments: great gummy-snake snacks. read more

Used the Black Canyon Trail shuttle to get a ride from the Emory Henderson TH to the Big Bug TH. Service was punctual, friendly, and professional. Laurel the driver did a perfect job. She also offers help if you become stranded or need support. read more

We had the best ride with Wild Bunch Desert Guides. Laurel took my family and I out and she was knowledgeable, fun, and professional. She took us on the perfect route based off of our progress. Def give them a call for an amazing bike ride!! read more

Loved our ride and really appreciate the customer service & quality experience offered by WBDG! My bf & I really enjoyed our 3 hour mountain bike ride with our amazing guide Rebel - she rocked! I was a tad nervous at first (though I like to ride my bike I've never "mountain" biked) - Rebel eased us into the ride and I got comfortable quite quickly. Rebel was very knowledeable about the desert and showed us lots of cool things about everything growing out there, critters we saw, history/stories - we learned a lot and enjoyed her friendly demeanor. We had such a great time together! And Laurel was very personable and great with reaching out & follow-up before & after our ride. Would absolutely book with them again and highly recommed them to anyone looking for a great tour company/ride! read more

Great mountain bike tour with Don ! He filled me with knowledge of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and also took me on a fun fast ride though the trails Just enough to get the adrenaline flowing! You won't be disappointed with Wild Bunch! laurel was great with all the communication for the ride and more!!! Thanks Wild Bunch! read more

Last minute plans to go Mountain Biking with Rabel and Laurel was well worth it!!! Our trip was super easy and well prepared as all we had to do was meet the guides at the starting location. Bikes were in excellent condition easy to use and we were given water bottles and snacks prior to taking off. Rabel gave us a great tour with a great pace and she really knew the local history of the land.WILD BUNCH DESERT GIDES gets a two thumbs up and we will definitely do this again upon our return to Scottsdale!!! read more

A very great experience. Our tour guide, Don, was very helpful as we were beginner bikers. He brought us our own backpacks,waters, and snacks. Highly recommend!! read more

I just needed a rental from this husband and wife duo, but they certainly out-did themselves. Bike was in great shape & Bill was eager to tell me all about it. At the end of the trip, both Laurel and BIll took the time to make sure the bike did great and I had an awesome time. Really appreciated the owners' enthusiasm and I'm excited to go on a tour with them soon! read more

I loved my ride with Wild Bunch! First off, Laurel and Bill are just awesome, super friendly people. They were incredibly welcoming and hospitable, even for a newbie to mountain biking the valley like me. They have great bikes and they know how to mix up a ride with just the right amount of challenge for every riders skill level, while delivering awesome views. I can't speak highly enough about my experience with the Wild Bunch. read more

We chose Wild Bunch Desert Guides for a mountain biking excursion during our recent trip to Tempe, AZ. We contacted Laurel a couple of months before traveling, and immediately knew we had chosen correctly. She responded immediately and kept us updated on our ride status up until our trip. The whole experience was perfect from start to finish. Our group consisted of two experienced roadies and a couple that has limited cycling experience. Laurel took us on a ride that fit our group perfectly, providing challenge while matching the technical abilities of everyone. When we arrived, our bikes were setup and ready to roll. She provided everything we needed and the equipment was top notch. She taught us how to ride different terrain, stopping to give us tips when the trail got a bit more technical. Her knowledge of the desert is awesome and our water breaks were super informative, we learned so much about the Arizona desert. We even got to eat some cactus! Laurel's love for her job and company are apparent. It would be difficult to imagine we could have found a more positive and genuine guide. Thanks Laurel, our ride with you was the highlight of our trip!! read more

They are not professional in their approach and I would perhaps seek competitors that do the same thing. I was discouraged by this company. Very discouraged. I have no idea why they have 5 stars as I have heard from others maybe they have friends posting. I am not saying to stay away from Desert Guides, I am simply saying be careful. read more