Sonoran Desert Adventure: Wild Edibles & Survival

Embark on a morning adventure in the Sonoran Desert, sampling wild edibles, learning traditional Apache skills, and creating useful items from the desert. Customize your ideal adventure today!

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • 5700 N Sabino Canyon Rd - Experience the thrill of sampling wild foods and acquiring traditional desert survival skills on this captivating hike into the Sonoran Desert!
    The operator will demonstrate traditional native survival techniques, including locating water, creating fire through friction, and identifying wild foods and useful items crafted…
What's Included
  • Activity Guide
Additional Information

Experience an unforgettable evening adventure in the Sonoran Desert, filled with fun and the creation of wonderful memories!
Delight in tasting delectable wild edibles, discover fascinating facts about the unique desert wildlife, and acquire traditional survival skills, such as starting a fire with a traditional fire-by-friction set!
Looking to tailor…

Location
5700 N Sabino Canyon Rd
North Sabino Canyon Road
We will meet at 4:00 pm. at the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area (5700 N. Sabino Canyon Road, located at the intersection of Sunrise Drive and Sabino Canyon roads. At the Visitors Center are public restrooms. I'll meet you by the restrooms.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(34 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Michael_l
Jan 30, 2026
Desert Survival -Dining off the land - It was fantastic. John is extremely knowledgeable. We learned about what was edible in the desert- almost everything - and were able to try many different plants. The entire walk in the desert was probably much under 1 mile round trip but there were edible plants it seemed like every 20 feet. It was incredible. He taught us how to make a friction fire using a bow and got to try it out- it took a little practice but we were able to do it. We also wove using the fibers from a yucca plant. It was a fantastic tour and fantastic guide. It exceeded our expectations and would definitely do it again or one his other survival tours
Review provided by Viator
748debv
Jan 30, 2026
Desert Survival Skills with Jon - This was a very unique experience and loved the small group option. Jon was great at showing us the desert foods and dangers - very knowledgeable and experienced. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
K2cats01
Jan 23, 2026
Beyond expectations and worthwhile - 1-22-2026: This activity was amazing. It was surprisingly different than what I had envisioned- in an extremely positive way. Jon, owner & guide, is a wealth of knowledge, engaging, and passionate about biology/plants/nature. It was fascinating to learn the edible plants of the desert & taste them. This easily could be a 3 hr activity because Jon has so much to share. It is a definite must do when in Tucson. We were a party of 5 & we all loved it & will do it again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
T8519meroberts
Jan 22, 2026
Fun and easy field trip for all. - Just a fun and easy way to learn something about the plants in the area that most people just walk by. Jon was great, very knowledgeable, and just fun to listen to. We tried at least 6 different plants and most were darn good.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dawn_w
Dec 11, 2025
Experience counts and Jon has plenty to share. - Jon taylors the evening to your interests. I am a pharmacist so not only did he point out tasty plants (and give us a taste), he also filled me in on the medicinal uses of multiple plants. He was full of knowledge and happy to share.
Review provided by Viator
89reneec
Dec 2, 2025
Knowledgeable and engaging - Our group was three adults; all of us thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The guide, Jon, was enthusiastic and knowledgeable - he had detailed answers for all our questions. It was impressive to learn how much food is available from a seemingly barren landscape. We also enjoyed the skills that were taught - how to use your hand to estimate remaining minutes of daylight, making rope and starting a fire with sticks. This would be enjoyable for anyone, even if you're not a particularly outdoorsy person. I highly recommend it to anyone visiting Tucson.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bww649
Aug 10, 2024
Love Tucson - Been to tucson multiple times- favorite trip I may go again in October Visited the Desert Museum for the 8th time , a couple of new restaurants (for me). So much to see - mt lemon, San Javier mission Best time ( to me ) is march and October- much cooler, but still warm to me ( east coast/phila area. Native)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tom_m
Mar 21, 2024
Nice experience for... - Nice experience for myself and 8 year old granddaughter. Jon was enthusiastic and communicated in a manner that was suitable for both of us.
Review provided by Viator
Escape00094066029
Mar 19, 2024
Desert foods - Very knowledgeable instructor that taught us edible foods in the desert, allowed us to taste some, learning medicinal plants, and learning rope making from a Yucca plant.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Devere_b
Mar 19, 2024
Dessert foods - Learning about various plants that are edible in the desert, tasting them, as well as those plants that are medicinal. We also learned rope making from a Yucca plant.
Review provided by Viator
From $55
up to 5 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).