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Riders and off-road machines on the desert trails near Mesa and the East Valley in Arizona
Serving Mesa & the East Valley

ATV tours near Mesa, AZ

Mesa is one of the closest Valley cities to real off-road terrain. Drive your own 800cc buggy through Tonto National Forest trails out toward Saguaro Lake, exclusive routes, an expert guide, and no experience needed.

  • Short drive from the East Valley
  • You drive · no experience needed
  • 4.9★ from 1,700+ riders
  • From $150 / person
Why Desert Dog Offroad Adventures

The closest real off-road adventure to the East Valley

Skip the long haul. From Mesa, Gilbert and Chandler you're a quick drive from our trailhead, where you'll pilot your own buggy across sandy washes, rock gardens and saguaro-lined canyons with a CPR-certified guide leading the way. Everything's included, and hotel pickup is available across the Valley.

East Valley riders

Built for Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler & Apache Junction

Our trailhead sits northeast of the East Valley near Saguaro Lake, so riders from Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Queen Creek and Apache Junction reach real desert faster than almost anywhere else in Metro Phoenix, often in half an hour or less. More time on the trail, less time in the car.

It’s an easy day out for East Valley locals and a favorite for visitors staying near the Spring Training ballparks, guests at Mesa and Gilbert resorts, and groups marking birthdays, bachelorette weekends and corporate offsites. You’ll wind through Tonto National Forest washes and rock gardens with the Superstition Mountains and Four Peaks on the horizon: the real Sonoran Desert, minutes from home. Planning around a game or event? See our Valley events guide and pair it with a morning ride.

Getting here from Mesa

Real drive times from the East Valley

Our meeting point is the Butcher Jones OHV Staging Area on the Bush Highway near Saguaro Lake, in the Tonto National Forest. The road is paved the whole way, so any car gets there; arrive 15 minutes early to park, sign the waiver and gear up. From Mesa you take the Loop 202 or Power Road north to the Bush Highway.

Sloan Park and west MesaAbout 30 minutes via the Loop 202 and the Bush Highway.
Downtown Mesa and the Arts CenterAbout 35 minutes.
Gilbert and ChandlerAbout 40 to 45 minutes: Loop 202 east, then north on Power Road.
Apache Junction and Queen CreekAbout 30 minutes; you are already on the east side of the Valley.

Would rather not drive? Round-trip pickup from Mesa and East Valley hotels is available for groups and priced by group size; ask when you book. Sunset departures put you back in Mesa in time for a late dinner.

Good to Know

Mesa ATV tour FAQs

What East Valley riders ask before they book.

How far are your ATV tours from Mesa?
Close, Mesa is one of the nearest Valley cities to our trailhead. We ride Tonto National Forest trails out toward Saguaro Lake, a short drive northeast of Mesa and the East Valley. You’ll get exact directions when you book; see our maps & directions page.
Do I need experience to drive?
None. If you can drive a car, you can drive our 800cc U-Drive buggies. A full safety briefing comes first and an expert guide leads the route. Drivers must be 16+ with a valid license; riders 8+.
How much do the tours cost, and what’s included?
Tours start at $299 for a 2-seat buggy ($150 per person, or $199 for a single driver) plus tax and fees, and that covers your machine, an expert guide, all safety gear, water and snacks, free adventure photos and every trail permit. Check availability & book.
Can I rent an ATV in Mesa instead of taking a tour?
We’re a guided tour company, not a rental yard, so we don’t hand over unsupervised machines. You still do all the driving, though. On our U-Drive tours you pilot your own buggy the whole way, with a guide, gear and trail permits included. Here’s why a guided tour beats a rental.
Is this a good group activity for a Mesa birthday, bachelorette or work event?
It’s one of the most popular group activities in the East Valley. We run multi-buggy bachelorette, corporate team-building and birthday trips with group rates and round-trip transportation available. Everyone drives, every fitness level welcome.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations are handled by phone and must be made at least 48 hours ahead for a refund, less a cancellation fee of $25 per buggy ($50 per buggy on private tours). Cancel within 48 hours for a 50% refund; within 24 hours, or a no-show, there is no refund. To cancel, call (480) 837-3966.
How long is the drive from Mesa to the trailhead?
About 30 minutes from Sloan Park and west Mesa, 35 from downtown Mesa, and 30 from Apache Junction. Take the Loop 202 or Power Road north to the Bush Highway; the meeting point is the Butcher Jones OHV Staging Area near Saguaro Lake, and the road is paved the whole way.
Can you pick up our group in Mesa?
Yes. Round-trip transportation from Mesa and East Valley hotels is available for groups and is priced by group size. Mention it when you book or call (480) 837-3966 for a quote.

Your East Valley desert adventure starts here

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Loved by riders

Rated 4.9 by riders since 1997

4.9Average rating
1,700+Verified reviews
27+Years on these trails
CPRCertified guides, every ride

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The Real Desert

Scottsdale was one road in and one road out. We have run the backcountry beyond it since 1997, and we never left. The tour you book online shows you the postcard. Meet the real desert →