Best Desert Hikes Worldwide: Our Top 4

1.Real Adventure – Gareja & Rainbow Desert 4×4 + Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 464 reviews · 9 - 10 hours · from $44Our pick

Ride a 4x4 from Tbilisi into Georgia’s semi-desert, hike the colorful hills by Mravaltskaro Lake, visit St. John cave monastery and David Gareja, then stop for Georgian food in Udabno. Small groups, guides such as Koba, Salomea, and Nini, and skilled off-road drivers make this a full, active day.

“This was the best tour I went on all week. Even though I get motion sick, I was able to do this trip without feeling that sickness. It can get bumpy but the view is so worth it. Sali was my guide and she was so peppy and knowledgeable. I was amazed at the ease she could go up and down the rainbow mountains and how she patiently waited for me to get up and down. She felt more like a friend than a tour guide talking at us which I loved”

Places left →Read the full write-up

2.Private Tour to Oasis and Trekking in the Desert of Erg Chigaga

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 115 reviews · from $614Best guided

Travel privately from Marrakech to Morocco’s remote Erg Chigaga dunes with a driver-guide such as Ali or Mustafa. Visit Ait Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, the Draa Valley, and M’Hamid, then spend two nights in a Berber desert camp with camel trekking, nomadic lunch, music, and starry skies. Three dinners and breakfasts plus one lunch are included.

Places left →Read the full write-up

3.Palm Springs Hike to an Oasis and Amazing Desert Views

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 106 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $67

Join Carlos of Trail Ahead for a 2.5-hour, moderately paced hike on quieter Palm Springs trails. Expect about 800 feet of climbing, rocky ground, sweeping Coachella Valley views, a small palm oasis, bottled water, a granola bar, and practical lessons about desert plants and Cahuilla traditions. Groups are limited to 10.

“Really enjoyed the 5 mile hike! Carlos was a great tour guide and the views of Palm Springs and the neighboring cities were beautiful. Definitely for experienced hikers but would do it again for a good workout!”

Places left →Read the full write-up

4.Full Day Desert Tour, Jeep & Hiking

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 98 reviews · from $100

Set out from Wadi Rum Village at 10 a.m. for a six to eight-hour jeep tour through Wadi Rum. A local guide takes you to Lawrence’s Spring, Khazali Canyon, rock bridges, Mushroom Rock, sand dunes, and a desert lunch, with a 40-minute hike through Abu Khashaba Canyon. Groups are capped at six.

“Wadi Rum Magic Tours was fantastic. The tour and the guide were amazing. Wadi Rum is a beautiful place with much to see and the guide made sure we got to see everything. He would let you spend as much time as you wanted at each location. He was extremely flexible, helpful and courteous. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone interested.”

Places left →Read the full write-up