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Dune buggies on a Sonoran Desert trail at sunset near Scottsdale
You Drive · Scottsdale & Phoenix

Dune buggy tours in Arizona

Take the wheel of your own 800cc sand buggy, what most people call a dune buggy, and rip through sandy washes, rock gardens and saguaro-lined canyons on exclusive Sonoran Desert trails. An expert guide leads the way, and no experience is needed.

  • Drive your own buggy
  • No experience needed
  • Everything included
  • From $150 / person
Real Trails, Real Buggies

The dune-buggy thrill, on Arizona's best desert terrain

Forget a fenced-off lot. You'll drive across miles of exclusive Tonto National Forest trails no other outfitter can reach, feeling every wash and rock garden through the wheel. Our side-by-side buggies are easy to drive, comfortable, and built for the Sonoran Desert.

Exclusive trailsPermitted routes near Scottsdale & Phoenix.
You take the wheelSelf-drive 800cc buggies, swap driver & passenger mid-tour.
Everything includedBuggy, guide, safety gear, water, photos & permits.
Any occasionGreat for families, groups, dates and bachelorettes.

Scottsdale dune buggy tour at a glance

What you drive
800cc 2-seat side-by-side sand buggy (a "dune buggy")
Price
$299 per 2-seat buggy ($150 per person) · $199 single driver · plus tax & fees
Duration
2+ hours on the trail · 20 to 25 trail miles
Days
Open 7 days a week · morning and sunset departures
Your buggy
Only your party rides in your buggy, never paired with strangers
Ages
Drive 16+ (valid license) · Ride 8+
Where
Tonto National Forest trails near Scottsdale & Phoenix · 45 min from Scottsdale, 50 from Phoenix
Included
Buggy, expert guide, safety gear, water & snacks, free photos, all permits
Check availability & book
Good to Know

Dune buggy tour FAQs

What first-timers ask before they grab the wheel.

Are these dune buggies?
Yes, our 800cc side-by-side sand buggies are what most people mean by a "dune buggy." You sit side by side, buckle in, and steer with a wheel like a car. They handle the sandy washes, rock and desert terrain of the Sonoran Desert, so you get the dune-buggy thrill on real Arizona trails.
Do I drive the dune buggy myself?
You do, that’s the whole point. On our U-Drive tours you pilot your own buggy the entire way while an expert guide leads the route. No experience needed, and a full safety briefing comes first.
Do I need experience to drive a dune buggy?
No. If you can drive a car, you can drive our buggies. Drivers must be 16 or older with a valid license, and passengers must be at least 8 years old to ride.
How much is a dune buggy tour, 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.
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.

Grab the wheel of your own dune buggy

Reserve online in under two minutes, or call a real person who knows every trail.

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 →