Fort McDowell Adventures

Fort McDowell, United States

4.6

20 reviews

Accepts Credit Cards

Contacts

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Telephone:
+1 480-816-6465
Website:
www.fortmcdowelladventures.com
Address:
14803 N Hiawatha Rd, Fort McDowell, AZ, 85264
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Bussiness info

Accepts Credit Cards
Yes
Parking
Private Lot
Bike Parking
Yes
Good for Groups
Yes
Ambience
Casual
Noise Level
Quiet
Good For Dancing
Yes
Alcohol
No
Happy Hour
No
Best Nights
Fri
Coat Check
No
Smoking
Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Has TV
No

Today

Today –
Local time (Fort McDowell) 03:53 Friday, 30 May 2025

Business hours

Monday –
Tuesday –
Wednesday –
Thursday –
Friday –
Saturday –
Sunday –

Description

Specialties

One of the most unique event venues in Phoenix and Scottsdale, Fort McDowell Adventures offers four unique venues for groups, parties, cowboy cookouts, weddings and corporate events from 10 to 2,000 people. Our famous «Friday Night Franks’ cowboy cookout is a favorite for locals and visitors alike. We have a roster of vetted catering partners offering a variety of savory barbeque items including BBQ ribs, chicken and steaks, mouthwatering sides & desserts. Our «Sign Up For Adventure» program offers weekly western adventures such as horseback riding through the Verde River, Jeep Tours, Segway Tours, a «City Slicker Cattle Drive» and «The Yavapai Experience» — a Native American cultural tour. Great fun for the whole family!

Our unique accommodations also include a Tequila Bus, «da Rum Bus», live entertainment and full bar, perfect for bachelor parties, bachelorette parties, corporate team building events, holiday parties, reunions, social meet ups, weddings and rehearsal dinners.

History

Established in 1989.

Located just outside of Scottsdale AZ, Fort McDowell Adventures is situated on 24,000 pristine acres of Yavapai land in the upper Sonoran Desert along the Verde River. The Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation is a 950-​member Native American tribe of Yuman-​speaking peoples which also include the Hualapai, Havasupai, Kumeyaay, Pai Pai, Cocopah and other Southwestern tribes. The Yavapai have lived and worked in Central Arizona for thousands of years.

Meet the Manager

Rick C.

Manager

Rick joined Fort McDowell Adventures in 2000 after spending 15 years in the food and beverage industry working for companies such as Marriott, Aramark, and Dining Services Inc. A graduate of Kent State University, Rick is a member of the Fountain Hills/​Fort McDowell Visitors Bureau, Scottsdale and Phoenix Convention and Visitors Bureaus, and is a past-​president of the Arizona chapter of the Society of Incentive & Travel Executives. Husband, father and part-​time cattle rustler, Rick is a certified challenge course facilitator and a published author.

Fort McDowell Adventures also recommends

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Rick C. says,

«Stay at the nearby Radisson Fort McDowell when visiting Fort McDowell Adventures for the full experience!»

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Fort McDowell Yavapai Materials

20 reviews of Fort McDowell Adventures

No registration required
Place rating: 5
Avon, IN
Wonderful experience! Shirley (the horse) was the best ever. Not only did she stand out from all the other horses because of her beautiful «fur» she was so calm and collected on the trail. Both tour guides were EXCELLENT. I had 2 — 10 year olds with me and they interacted with them well and made them comfortable throughout the entire tour. I highly recommend this trail tour, you will not be disappointed!
Place rating: 5
Rockville, MD
This was the best guided horseback riding trail I have ever been on. The landscape is so beautiful and also very diverse. The trail travels through the dessert, along the river and then across the river to some lower land full of mesquite trees, a small cliff, and more. We saw wild cattle, horses, and even a bald eagle perched on a tree branch. We also saw ancient petroglyphs from the 13⁄14th century. The Arizona mountains surrounded us as we rode. It was hands down amazing. Our tour guide was super relaxed and friendly, and also very knowledgable about the land and history. I highly highly recommend this place!
Place rating: 5
Gilbert, AZ
I took my 11 y.o. daughter and 3 friends for her bday for a 1.5 hour trail ride. Besides the weather (hottest day of the year… of course, Murphy’s law :), the experience was better than expected. Every staff member was friendly and accommodating. The landscape was breathtaking. The horses were wonderful. We had such an amazing experience. I would recommend this place to anyone.
Place rating: 5
Houston, TX
I’m kicking myself for not remembering the name of the young rancher who took us out on our tour but it’s quite an impressive plot of land in the middle of nowhere, and I got a great deal on Living Social that always makes me happy! I rode a rebellious little blonde horse named Claire so we definitely bonded during our 90 minute trek. There was a soundcheck going on for Darius Rucker in the background and although some of the trees are quite sad and melancholy it was cool walking up and down some varied terrain and through the water, and I must admit the whole time I just wanted to take off with Claire and gallop off into the sunset!
When we drove up we saw some wild steer eyeballing my red car so that got my adrenaline pumping and we saw some wild horses as we rode along the narrow path apres arrival… I always feel bad for the beautiful stallions after a while but it just reminds me how wonderful these amazing creatures are and they deserve TLC like the rest of us… Now all I want to do is hit the beach on a free ride but I definitely recommend this place so go support your local rancher can say hi to Claire for me when you get there!
Place rating: 4
Tempe, AZ
We went horse back riding as part of my birthday gift — something I have wanted to do with the family for close to three decades! We were a large group and were there on Christmas eve around 11:30 am. The owner and trail guides (Keaton and Bryce) were fabulous and made it a very memorable experience ! They were courteous right from the beginning, got us saddled, and explained the rules of the trail. My horse Dude was an excellent ride — very responsive and well mannered ! Weather was beautiful, sunny skies, not too warm, and the scenery of the Four Peaks mountains with the saguaros in the foreground was fantastic. We saw some wild horses along the way and crossed a little stream. Got a taste of the horses trotting as we went up and down slopes and mounds in the desert. Took a lot of pictures and the whole family had a wonderful time… beautiful way to spend Christmas eve :-)
Place rating: 5
Exeter, RI
Went horseback riding with a group of 4. The staff was very friendly and accommodating. We got lost on our way to the stables; the staff delayed our reservations and allowed us to still ride the full time period.
Our tour guide was amazing; very friendly and knowledgable about the area and the horses. We being first time horse riders had many questions and he talked to us without belittling us. Our tour was amazing we saw hieroglyphics, the Verde river, wild cattle and horses and some good ol cow chips. He took us on top of a hill that over looked Fountain Hills and surrounding areas. Great to see the desert at its best.
The horses were very well mannered and friendly. My horse Clifford was, as described, goofy but very intelligent.
I would highly recommend visiting Fort McDowell Adventures for a great time with friends and family. I look forward to going back when I visit Arizona again!
Place rating: 5
Scottsdale, AZ
I have gone on horse back from PebbleBeach, Ca, Griffith Park in Los Angeles to the beach ride on the coast of Massachusetts and the best ride of all was in my own back yard. This was the most beautiful and memorable ride as we rode past an eagles nest, saw the wild horses to crossing the Verde River several times. We could see the fountain going off in the town of Fountain Hills in the distance. I have done this ride three times now and hope to have more guests come to visit to take them.
Place rating: 5
Clifton Park, NY
Absolutely awesome horseback ride! Beautiful views great tour guide Jim and I can’t not mention Rocky the tour dog. We took the last ride of the day and it was gorgeous. Went through water, saw the sun starting to set and just had a fantastic time. Oh and the two bald eagles and wild horses we came across were just another added amazing bonus! We will be back!
Place rating: 5
Waukesha, WI
Did the hour and a half ride with my husband and his parents and had a great time. They hadn’t been on horses in years so they were thrilled. Hayden was our guide and he was really funny (he saw me coming from a mile a way and quickly realized I was an easy target, I didn’t mind because I tend to think everything is funny and happen to be a bit of a smart aleck myself so bring it on). He told us all about the landscape and the local trees/​plants. We had a groupon so it was a nice, cheap experience. We even saw wild horses!
Then my husband decided to take a group of people from all over the world there for a business outing (something fun they would never do otherwise). They had a great time. They came to our house later for dinner and they couldn’t stop talking about how they got to be real cowboys for the day. I don’t know who the guide was that day but he liked him also.
They provide bottles of ice cold water that you put into little bags hanging off the saddle for the trip. This is really nice because it sure gets hot here!
Hayden invited us out to try a four hour ride. Not sure if my rear could handle four hours but hey, always up for an adventure!
Place rating: 4
Avondale, AZ
Went here with a livingsocial coupon for horseback riding on Valentine’s Day.
It was a really fun time and my husband, who’s never ridden a horse before, had an awesome time.
I do wish there had been a little more option for variety of experience — maybe «if you’ve ridden before and would like to trot, come this way» kind of thing I’ve experienced on other trail rides. I know this would mean additional waivers and probably additional cost, but I would sign pretty much anything if it meant getting to do something other than walk.
Super fun time, GORGEOUS ride and definitely awesome horses and guides. Just know that this is just a walk. However, I would totally go back (again and again).
Place rating: 4
Mesa, AZ
Had a groupon for a hour and a half ride. Was a lot of fun. Friendly dogs greater us as we got out of the truck. They were helpful with getting on and off the horse. The horses were well trained. I think my boyfriends horse just wasn’t in the mood and took her sweet time. Lol. Crossed the river twice, that was cool!
Just an overall great experience. Gave 4 stars cause our guide got upset with me and my bf cause our horses wanted to eat and not fully cooperate with the group. Had to stop and help us a few times. Sorry! We don’t know how to control a horse. Lol!
Place rating: 4
Phoenix, AZ
Looking for something different to do? Friday Night Fanks! You drive into the darkness of nowhere (the road is now paved) and BAM! you’re in the Wild West cookin’ your own dog and makin’ s’mores over the open flames while being entertained with live music, cornhole and wagon rides under the stars! My only reason for deducting a star is because they’re gas fire pits and I really would prefer a wood fire, but I totally get what a challenge that would be to manage!
Place rating: 4
Anaheim Hills, CA
Thanks to Groupon we found this place. We’ve been horseback riding here several times. Here’s why we’re big fans of this place:
+ It offers a nice variety of scenery… Sonoran desert & the river.
+ You cross the river at least twice on your horse. This is fun!
+ Horses are well kept and behave.
+ Speaking of horses… there’s a herd of Wild Mustangs and there’s a good chance you’ll see them. We’ve seen them every time we’ve rode.
+ There’s a Bald Eagle’s next on the trail… we’ve seen it twice. Once with little chicks in the nest… very cool!
Tip — if you want to hear about the landscape and plants, try to be one of the 1st 2 horses behind the guide… otherwise, you won’t hear him.
This is a great horseback riding experience for beginners and intermediate riders… advanced riders would probably get bored. It’s also a great way to experience the Sonoran Desert!
Return Factor — 95%
Place rating: 4
Tempe, AZ
It was Friday night and I went with my son, his boyfriend and some friends up to Fort McDowell Adventures for their Friday Night Franks, The boys have never been, so I was looking forward to taking them.
We got their and ordered up our meal packages, we had brats & hot dogs, chips, soda, and good olé snores! The boys picked out a spot next to the fire and we began roasting our dogs, I have to say I am not very good at this, it seemed to me no matter were I moved the fire was set on trin to burn my face, but everything worked out. We ate our dogs, and made our smores.
Also during Friday Night Franks was Adult Education, hell yea I signed up for some schoolin! It was a fun time; I did try tequila that almost knocked me on my ass, after that shot I was done for the night haha
It was a fun time for the family and very happy to have gone, look forward to going back when its opened for the season and def going to do another Adult Education, can never get too much schoolin haha.
If you haven’t been out to Fort McDowell Adventures, I suggest that you give it a try! It’s a fun lil place with plenty to do.
Place rating: 4
Tempe, AZ
This venue looks like it woul be a great spot for a casul event during the fall winter or spring in AZ and it is all loutdoors or covered patio.
Firepits, stages, saloons and activties are pepperd around this location. It is a bit far from the city, but this will give you a chace to have a drink and look at some stars.
Place rating: 5
Scottsdale, AZ
We participated in one of their «Adult Education» nights last Friday. For $ 29pp (we were lucky enough to have a 2 for 1 coupon) you get dinner, endless drinks, live music, some type of team building activity (we had a salsa challenge) and trips on the tequila bus!
They offer alternatives to driving home and ask you during sign up how you are getting home, which is great. You can either stay in a local hotel, get a ride home in your own car for $ 50, or camp for free on the grounds! We opted to camp, and although there are no shower facilities the bathrooms are open all night.
We arrived about an hour before the event to set up our tents, which I would recommend if you’re going that route.
What a fun, goofy night!
Place rating: 5
Scottsdale, AZ
Are you an adult? do you like to have fun with other adults while learning something? well cowboy up to Fort McDowell Adventures for Adult Education!
thanks to Unilocal, we took advantage of their buy one, get one free tickets to this monthly shindig. for 30 bucks, the wife and i met 2 other adult couples for a night of craziness!
it started with setting up our tent on the outskirts of the grounds, facing the 4peak mountains. shortly thereafter, we were registering complete with nicknames provided by the event. they provided a BBQ buffet and even offered vegetarian meals for us weirdos. all drinks were included throughout the night, which as you know, can lead to some awfully bad head and belly aches later on.
we were separated into teams of about 6 for our first lesson, a salsa making challenge. and our team won! yay! they picked random people not involved in Adult Education to be tasters, and a professional chef was the MC. next was a lesson in pumpkin seed spitting, followed by multiple rounds in the tequila bus!
they let the tequila flow liberally, which is why you should sit in the bus, and avoid dancing lest you enjoy doing the worm on the bus floor!
next lesson on to the rum bus area for limbo and beachy concoction drinking.
it all culminates with a graduation ceremony, wherein everyone is praised for successfully being inebriated.
what an awesome, awesome fun time! they are big proponents of not drinking and driving and have a service that will drive you and your car home for 50 bucks, or they offer discount room rates at the nearby Radisson, or you can camp for free! there is a live band playing all night, firepits everywhere to keep you cozy and toasty and for roasting smores if you want. they keep the food and drinks coming throughout the night and all is done around midnight.
if you are looking for a cheap and extremely fun event and to meet some really nice partygoers, this is your event!
Place rating: 5
Mesa, AZ
I’ve attended several «Adult Educations» at Fort McDowell Adventures.
This place knows how to throw a party. A crazy, amazing hang from the ceiling fans sorta party.
The staff is genuinely thrilled to host an event, and do a great job of making guests feel welcome on a personal level. The grounds are gorgeous, and so are the event spaces, along with fun things like a RUM BUS and a TEQUILA BUS! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! I’m looking forward to taking a the Jeep tour, or something similar when things warm up a bit. Fort McDowell Adventures is truly one of the gems of The Valley of The Sun, and I always look forward to the next adventure!
Place rating: 5
Scottsdale, AZ
Fort McDowell is set in beautiful surroundings with fun for all ages! I highly recommend coming out here for one of their many party or outdoor activities. It’s located on a Native American reservation so the land is truly unspoiled and is beautiful every direction you look. If you’re looking to get away from «it» (the city) for a little bit or to have a little cowboy experience, this is the place to come!
On Friday nights they have a family-​friendly event for families to come and roast hot dogs & s’mores, watch movies outdoors, and just have fun out in nature. Once a month they have something called Adult Education, which is sooooo much fun! For $ 30 it’s all you can drink, all you can eat, and you get to run around the desert. My fiancé & I went to one and can’t wait to go back for another. They have a Tequila Bus, a party bus in school bus-​form, that they drive everyone out to the desert in all while doing shots and playing fun fiesta music. There is also a stationary Rum Bus with a sandy floor, delicious daiquiris and pina coladas, and fun island music. We had food catered by Bobby Q’s and it was so delicious (and there were vegetarian options, too!).
There are two wonderful buildings on the land for hosting parties and events, both with a very nice spanish hacienda feel to them. We were really close to having our wedding here, but ended up choosing someplace else because it’s far from where we live. However if you live closer, this would be such a great wedding venue!
Most of all, the people working here are genuinely nice & kind and want to make sure you’re having a great time. It’s a very welcoming place and I love it!
Place rating: 4
Omaha, NE
Horseback riding for an hour and a half, my @$$ hates me right now… but it was so much fun.
The terrain varies from dusty paths to shallow streams and rocky roads. I’d consider myself a beginner as far as horse riding goes. I don’t count horse camp 20 years ago to count towards «experience». But riding a horse is kinda like riding a bike. Once you learn you don’t forget how to do it, but every horse is different.
We had a successful ride, seeing wild horses, a roadrunner (yes, they do exist but look nothing like the cartoon one), bald eagles and their nest, roaming cattle and waded on horseback through shallow rivers and streams in the breathtaking desert. I wanna move to Arizona!