What guided outdoor tours does Cliff Creek Outfitters offer in Scottsdale?

Updated

Cliff Creek Outfitters (formerly the REI Adventure Center) runs guided rafting, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, and cycling tours in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and the Lower Salt River, plus combination and specialty tours. The right pick depends on how much time you have and whether you want to be on water, on a trail, or both in one outing.

Tour types at a glance

Tour type What you're doing Good fit if you want
Rafting Guided river rafting through the Sonoran Desert A social, low-skill water day; the site notes you can opt for a lively water fight or a relaxed scenic float
Kayaking Guided paddling on Arizona waterways A quieter, self-powered way to see the desert from the water
Paddleboarding Guided SUP sessions A different pace on the water, with instruction from guides
Hiking Guided desert hikes To be on land and learn about the landscape on foot
Cycling Guided bike tours, with road and gravel route planning pages To cover more ground and see the desert by bike
Combination tours More than one activity in a single booking A fuller day without arranging two separate outings
Specialty tours Themed or custom experiences Something beyond the standard lineup, or a group/custom request

What you'll actually see

The company describes its tours around the Sonoran Desert landscape — ancient saguaros, desert plant communities, and wildlife including wild horses and bald eagles. Guides are described as interpreting local wildlife and plants along the way, so the tours are as much about context as activity.

Choosing by experience level

  • First-timers or families: rafting is presented as an introduction to the desert's natural wonders, and the site frames it as suitable for either a relaxed float or a more playful water fight — a sign the pace is adjustable.
  • Wanting quiet and control: kayaking and paddleboarding are described in terms of beauty and tranquility on Arizona's waterways.
  • Wanting distance and terrain: cycling, with separate road and gravel route pages, plus trailhead bike delivery for riders who want to start from a specific point.
  • Short on time but want variety: combination tours bundle activities so you're not booking twice.

How to view and book

  1. Go to cliffcreekoutfitters.com and use BOOK A TOUR to browse the tour catalog, or RENT BIKES, PADDLE & CAMP GEAR if you'd rather go self-guided.
  2. Open the individual tour pages (rafting, kayaking, hiking, cycling, paddleboarding, combination, specialty) to compare what each includes.
  3. For cycling specifically, check Plan Your Ride for road and gravel routes and trailhead bike delivery details; for paddling, check Plan A Paddle Adventure.
  4. Book online via BOOK NOW!, or call 480.998.7238.
  5. If you're organizing a large group or something custom, use the Get Started link under the large-group/custom request prompt and describe your plan.

Practical notes before you commit

  • The site lists rentals alongside tours — bikes, kayaks, paddleboards, and camp gear — so you can mix a guided day with a self-guided one.
  • Tour pages are the place to confirm meeting points, timing, and what's provided; the homepage does not spell these out.
  • Pricing is not published on the pages reviewed here, so confirm cost when you open a specific tour or call.

For a first visit, rafting or a combination tour gives you the desert-and-river experience with a guide doing the logistics; if you already know you want time on the water at your own pace, a rental plus the paddle planning page is the leaner option.