Four-Wheeling

Taking a jeep through the backcountry has become a popular way to experience the desert's saguaro-covered mountains and curious rock formations.

Desert Dog Offroad Adventures. This operator heads out on half- and full-day Humvee, dune buggy, and ATV tours to the Four Peaks Wilderness Area in Tonto National Forest and the Sonoran Desert. 480/837–3966; www.azadventures.com. From $145.

Wayward Wind Desert Tours. This operator ventures down to the Verde River on its own trail and offers wilderness cookouts for large groups. 602/867–7825; 800/804–0480; www.waywardwindtours.com. From $110.

Wild West Jeep Tours. Special permits allow Wild West Jeep Tours to conduct four-wheel excursions in Tonto National Forest, which, in addition to a wild ride, lets you also visit 1,000-year-old Native American sites. 480/922–0144; www.wildwestjeeptours.com. From $99.