Sonoran Desert Adventure: Wild Edibles & Survival

34 Ratings

Tucson

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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

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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!
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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)

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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

Check Availability

From $55

up to 5 guests

1 - Adult