Desert Adventures, Inc upcoming events

Core Group Meeting - Rudy's home (07/19/2026)

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Photo courtesy of Google Images

Learn what makes Desert Adventures the best LGBTQ+ organization in Phoenix. This organization started in 1980 and we are still running strong!

As a member, you should WANT TO BE INVOLVED in the operation of DA! The Core Meeting's success is thanks to members who choose to be more than a member. Put a notch in your belt, and choose to become an Officer. Give a year and help steer us into new adventures!

The Core Group meets monthly to review where we've been and plan where we go next. These meetings are open to all members. You too should be a part of planning our future.

Bring your ideas.

This idea stuff works up an appetite, so please bring a snack to share.

We will meet at Rudy's home in Phoenix. The address will be provided in your registration confirmation email.

Don’t forget to check out our DA store. http://www.desertadventures.org/Store

Rudy's info will be sent in your registration confirmation email.

Don’t forget to check out our DA store. http://www.desertadventures.org/Store

Christmas in July (07/25/2026)

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 22:00:00 GMT

This popular event sells out quickly.

We're staying with our traditional holiday theme of turkey and ham with all the fixings! Please bring a side dish, appetizer or dessert. We will have water/ice so bring your favorite beverage.

Our infamous white elephant gift exchange will continue this year, so please bring a wrapped-up and fun new or used gift. These gifts will be anonymously exchanged while we're gathered around the festive Christmas tree. This event is at Scott's spectacular house and is limited to 20 attendees. Scott lives in Peoria and his address will be supplied once you complete your registration.

And of course, what's a Christmas in July without a pool, so don't forget a swimsuit and towel! Join your Desert Adventures friends for an afternoon of sun, swimming, great conversation and fantastic food!

Nonmembers can save the difference on this event and additional discounts throughout the year by joining Desert Adventures.

Scott is your host.

**See special note on reminder email for registrants.

Fort Tuthill Camping (08/07/2026)

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 21:00:00 GMT

photos compliments of Fort Tuthill website

A Getaway in the pines

Nestled within the Coconino National Forest

Fort Tuthill offers an idyllic retreat for families and friends seeking a getaway. Enveloped by the stunning Ponderosa Pine Forest and captivating mountain vistas, Fort Tuthill immerses you in boundless natural splendor. Our dedicated staff is committed to ensuring your stay is exceptional. Your time at Fort Tuthill promises not just a stay, but an exploration of wonder and discovery amidst nature’s grandeur. compliments of Fort Tuthill website

Come join your Desert Adventures Family for a cool getaway. Fort Tuthill has a number of events to choose from. There are also a number of accommodations if you prefer not to camp. {Check out forttuthill.com for details of all they have to offer for alternate accommodations and to stay busy}

Friday check in time is 4:00pm.
Friday and Saturday, everybody’s on their own to hike, shop, nap, or do some combination.
Saturday evening we’ll have happy hour around 5pm (please bring your favorite adult beverage to enjoy), followed by dinner around six. We’ll provide a meat (a vegetable protein if requested) for dinner. We ask that people bring snacks, sides, or desserts to share.
Sunday morning checkout time is 11:00am.

PET POLICY: Pets are only allowed in pet friendly units. Emotional Support Animals are not Service Animals and must stay in a pet-friendly unit. Pet shot records are REQUIRED at check-in - Rabies, Bordetella, and Distemper. Dog(s) and/or cat(s) are the only approved pets. Guests are restricted to three (3) pets per reservation.
PLEASE NOTE - Failure to present all shot records for all pets will prohibit check-in.
In conjunction with regular room rates, an additional pet fee of $25.00 for the 1st night and $10.00 for every additional night will be charged to the reservation for pet-friendly lodging units.

Registration will close on July 29, 2026.

Roy Mead will be your event leader, his contact information will be supplied when you register.

Don’t forget to check out our DA store. http://www.desertadventures.org/Store

Core Group Meeting (08/30/2026)

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Photo courtesy of Google Images

Learn what makes Desert Adventures the best LGBTQ+ organization in Phoenix. This organization started in 1980 and we are still running strong!

The Core Group meets monthly to review where we've been and plan where we go next. These meetings are open to all members. You too should be a part of planning our future.

Bring your ideas.

This idea stuff works up an appetite, so please bring a snack to share.

We will meet at Barb's home in Phoenix. Barb's information will be provided in your registration confirmation email.

Don’t forget to check out our DA store. http://www.desertadventures.org/Store

Grand Canyon Camping (09/10/2026)

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Join Desert Adventures for yet another fabulous year camping at the Grand Canyon! We are continuing our decades-long tradition of camping in the Mather Campground, just a 10-minute walk to the south rim. In addition to your DA family, you may see families of deer, javelina, and elk walking through the campground. We welcome you to commune with nature and socialize with us.

Itinerary

Thursday check-in time is at 2:00 pm.
Thursday night, campers can gather with their dinners and cocktails at the group site and make plans for their Friday adventures.
Friday and Saturday, everybody’s on their own to hike, shop, nap, or do some combination.
Saturday evening we’ll have happy hour around 5pm (please bring your favorite adult beverage to enjoy), followed by dinner around six. We’ll provide a meat (a vegetable protein if requested) for dinner. We ask that people bring snacks, sides, or desserts to share.
Sunday morning checkout time is 11:00am.

Amenities

The Group Site, is a tent-only campout per park policy. If you like, you may reserve a site in Trailer Village or in one of the other loops in the Mather Campground the weekend we are camping and join us for dinner and other activities. Parking at our group site is limited to two vehicles at Sage Loop Site 5, so carpooling is highly encouraged. Extra vehicles may be parked in the parking lot adjacent to Camper Services at the Mather Campground entrance.

There are potable water pumps and restrooms with electricity and running water right next to our group site. Showers, laundry facilities, and pay phones are available at Camper Services (bring quarters and flip-flops).

Market Plaza is a short walk or drive away and offers shopping and dining, as well as lodging at Yavapai Lodge. If you like, you may reserve a room at Yavapai Lodge the weekend we are camping. Market Plaza features free Wi-Fi, albeit slow and unreliable. Please note that cellular connectivity in the park can be spotty, and your campout leader(s) may not be reachable in the park. Always try texting first.

For anyone that is interested in camping without the work of setting up the tent, this is where Hans stayed last year and he liked it.

https://highlandgrandcanyon.com/ The bathrooms aren’t close, FYI

We will have the DA propane fire pit to enjoy in the evening! Donations of/for gas are welcome.

Cancellation refunds are available until August 24th.

Don’t forget to check out our DA store. http://www.desertadventures.org/Store

Paul Harper and Jeff Kita will be our Trip Leaders. Their information will be provided with your registration confirmation.

Cerreta Candy Factory Tour (09/25/2026)

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 20:00:00 GMT

{photo and write up complements of Cerreta's Candy Co. website}\

Cerreta Candy Company is a family-owned business founded over 50 years ago by Jim Cerreta, Sr. Jim learned the art of candy production in his father-in-law’s factory in Canton, Ohio. He then passed the skill on to his children and grandchildren. Four generations of the candy business now oversee production & operations of our delightful chocolates and candy products.

Join your DA family in the fun of candy making. We are doing the VIP Tour that includes the tour, candy tasting, and chocolate making.

Barb and Deby are your trip leaders. You will receive their info when you register.

Meet at Phoenix Pride (10/17/2026)

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Core Group Meeting (10/25/2026)

Sun, 25 Oct 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Photo courtesy of Google Images

Learn what makes Desert Adventures the best LGBTQ+ organization in Phoenix. This organization started in 1980 and we are still running strong!

The Core Group meets monthly to review where we've been and plan where we go next. These meetings are open to all members. You too should be a part of planning our future.

Bring your ideas.

This idea stuff works up an appetite, so please bring a snack to share.

The address will be provided in your registration confirmation email.

Don’t forget to check out our DA store. http://www.desertadventures.org/Store

Deby's info will be sent in your registration confirmation email.

Don’t forget to check out our DA store. http://www.desertadventures.org/Store

Usury Halloween Camping - DRAFT (10/30/2026)

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Dinner at Blue Water Grill (11/07/2026)

Sun, 08 Nov 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Lake Pleasant Camping - DRAFT (11/13/2026)

Fri, 13 Nov 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Core Group Meeting (11/22/2026)

Sun, 22 Nov 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Photo courtesy of Google Images

Learn what makes Desert Adventures the best LGBTQ+ organization in Phoenix. This organization started in 1980 and we are still running strong!

The Core Group meets monthly to review where we've been and plan where we go next. These meetings are open to all members. You too should be a part of planning our future.

Bring your ideas.

This idea stuff works up an appetite, so please bring a snack to share.

We will meet at Rudy's home in Phoenix. The address will be provided in your registration confirmation email.

Don’t forget to check out our DA store. http://www.desertadventures.org/Store

Rudy's info will be sent in your registration confirmation email.

Don’t forget to check out our DA store. http://www.desertadventures.org/Store

Thanksgiving (11/26/2026)

Thu, 26 Nov 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Member Holiday Dinner (12/05/2026)

Sat, 05 Dec 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Core Group Meeting / Holiday Dinner (12/13/2026)

Sun, 13 Dec 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Photo courtesy of Google Images

Learn what makes Desert Adventures the best LGBTQ+ organization in Phoenix. This organization started in 1980 and we are still running strong!

The Core Group meets monthly to review where we've been and plan where we go next. These meetings are open to all members. You too should be a part of planning our future.

Bring your ideas.

This idea stuff works up an appetite, so please bring a snack to share.

We will meet at Rudy's home in Phoenix. The address will be provided in your registration confirmation email.

Don’t forget to check out our DA store. http://www.desertadventures.org/Store

Rudy's info will be sent in your registration confirmation email.

Don’t forget to check out our DA store. http://www.desertadventures.org/Store