20 OCTOBER 2026 Get ready for action-packed exploration of the Sonoran Desert By Alex Gross T he desert can be treacherous, and no one can attest to that more than Phoenicians in the summertime. But it can also be beautiful, and Stellar Adventures has made it their goal over the last 30 years to make sure everyone gets to experience that splendor. After living in Indiana for most of his life, founder JJ Briles found the perfect place to explore his innate love for the outdoors. In a city whose backyard is lined with mountains and gorgeous sunsets, he wanted to make a living in a way that let him appreciate nature. As a concierge at The Phoenician, Briles made connections with Valley companies in the tourism industry. One of those connections became a friendship and eventually a business partnership. What started with one Hummer in 1997 has now turned into an operation with 35 all-terrain vehicles and 25 utility task vehicles – one of the largest fleets in the Southwest. “I just enjoy creating the activities and meeting the guests,” Briles said. “It’s really amazing to be part of people’s bucket list and to get to show them the Sonoran Desert – just like I slowly fell in love with it.” Whereas guests 10 years ago preferred “safari style” tours where they relaxed in the backseat and learned about the desert’s flora and fauna, today’s clientele wants to be in the thick of it. Guides take the front and rear to ensure safety, but guests get to push the throttle, navigate around cacti and shrubs, and plow through water. What has kept Stellar Adventures alive is their ability to adapt, growing from offering just off-road excursions to food and whiskey tastings. “I learned early on that you can’t just offer the same thing over and over again,” Briles said. “I’m a one-stop shop. Adventure means something different to everybody.” They partner with Cien Agaves in Old Town Scottsdale for a tour called Trails and Tequila. Prickly pear margaritas and street tacos provide the perfect refreshment after a day in the desert. Stellar Adventures doesn’t only serve the tourist crowd either – one of their most popular offerings is team-building events for corporate groups. “Once they get back, they’re all showing each other pictures or talking about what they did. It’s giving them a different feel than a regular banquet lunch or seminar dinner,” Briles said. To explore an environment as diverse as the desert, you have to be versatile. In winter, up to 18 guides lead tours throughout the day, but summer heat becomes a seasonal obstacle. Briles’ solution? Stargazing. At night, guests dodge the heat and meet an astronomer on the trail. “Guests are taking four, five hours from their vacation, which might be the only one they get for the whole year, to spend with us,” Briles said. “We need to make sure it’s what they expect and what they want.” Stellar Adventures offers experiences that keep guests coming back. stellaradventures.com M ED I C A L • D EN TA L • SU R G ERY • B OA R D I N G • O B ED I EN CE T R A I N I N G Member Since 1959 4855 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix AZ 85018 | ingleside.com HOSPITAL 602-840-3446 BRIAN A. SERBIN, DVM • FELICITY GESINA, DVM • MOLLY R. KLEIN, DVM HEBAH MOHAMED, DVM • ASHLEY BROWN, DVM DR. ANNABELLE BRIGHT • DR. PETER TSIVIKAS • DR. LIZZIE TAMAS We ALWAYS accept new clients! OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

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