Mesa visitors can take the wheel and conquer the rocky hillsides of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Reservation with Green Zebra Adventures on a professionally guided off-roading tour. Made to withstand the rugged terrain of off-roading, traversing by Tomcar is one of the more skillful ways to climb up the rocky hillsides, bend sharp turns, and conquer the desert landscape. Apache Trail Tours offers 4x4 tours and on-road scenic journeys exploring the historic Apache Trail, just east of Mesa. Hop in one of the jeeps, take a step back in time, and enjoy the narrated ride on this scenic byway that is steeped in Arizona history. As you pass the mysterious Superstition Mountains and head into the foothills of the Tonto National Forest, the area continues to pay homage to its Western roots which took shape during the gold rush in the late 1800s. Add on to the Apache Trail day trip by visiting OK Corral next to Goldfield Ghost Town for a horseback trail ride in the shadow of the 'Supes', where the historic grounds feel like a Western movie set.  

Prefer two wheels? Adventures Out West offers a one-of-a-kind Segway voyage off the beaten path, where visitors can learn about desert flora and spin circles around giant Saguaros. Mountain biking enthusiasts can rejoice in the extensive trail system at Usery Mountain Regional Park, with miles of pathways to carve out an adventure on wheels. Unforgettable views are served up at every turn. The most popular path for bikers is the seven-mile Pass Mountain Trail.

Saddle up at Fort McDowell Adventures for a trail ride across the stunning hillsides. For a true Western adventure, “move 'em on, head 'em up” during a 2-hour guided cattle drive where city slickers assist local cowboys with ranch life duties.  

Unobstructed views of the Valley of the Sun are best from above. Rainbow Ryders colorful hot-air balloons take you up, up, and away, while you relax and enjoy a 360-degree view of the majestic norther desert mountains at sunrise. Hot Air Expeditions also offers a birds-eye view of Arizona's desert vistas. Once you've returned from cloud nine, pop the cork and enjoy a traditional Champagne toast and breakfast with the flight crew.

Lake lovers can cruise along towering canyon walls on Canyon Lake aboard the Dolly Steamboat and catch glimpses of wildlife during a narrated tour. A special treat is their dinner and astronomy cruises after sunset. For live entertainment and open-air breezes, set out on the Desert Belle at Saguaro Lake.

Paddle along Mesa's waterways via paddleboard or kayak when you rent from one of Mesa's many outfitters. Their permitted access to our shorelines makes hopping in and hopping off the water a breeze. Don't rule out a peaceful float via inner-tube with Salt River Recreation. Open all summer long, this activity has a long-standing history of one of the more unique ways to cool off in the desert heat. For wet and wild fun, head out of town to the Upper Salt River Canyon with outfitters Salt River Rafting and Mild2Wild Rafting. Both outfitters lead guided rafting tours down roaring rapids in some of Arizona's most secluded country. Call ahead as these seasonal experiences are only offered in the spring when enough desert rain serves up ideal conditions for a raging river.

Download the must-have planning resource, Adventure Explorer Guide to the Sonoran Desert, at www.VisitMesa.com. 

MEDIA CONTACT:
Michelle Streeter, Sr. Vice President, Communications
Visit Mesa Arizona
michelle@visitmesa.com +001 480-682-3638
VisitMesa.com