Everything you need to know before you ride

Looking for ATV tours? We feature guided Polaris RZR UTV tours (side-by-side ATVs) for a safer, more comfortable desert experience.

We’ve been guiding the Sonoran Desert since 1997, with the closest trailhead to town. You get expert local guides, exclusive Tonto National Forest permits, and safe, adrenaline-packed ATV/UTV tours built for families, bachelorette and bachelor parties, and corporate groups alike.

Very close. Our trailhead in Tonto National Forest is the nearest to Old Town Scottsdale, the top resorts and Phoenix, roughly a 45-minute drive from central Scottsdale. No long, remote drives or endless dirt roads, which means more time on the trail and less hassle getting there.

All of them shine, for different reasons. Mornings are cooler with the best chance of spotting wildlife; afternoons show the desert at its most dramatic; and sunset tours bring golden light and a relaxed pace. Whenever you ride, you’re in for an unforgettable trip through the Sonoran Desert.

Booking is easy, reserve online in minutes. You can view tour times, check live availability and book private tours right on the website. We recommend booking early, especially for weekends and peak season. Prefer to talk it through? Call (480) 837-3966.

Tours are $299 per 2-seat buggy, which is $150 per person when two ride together, or $199 for a single driver. VIP private tours start at $349 per buggy with a 2-buggy minimum. Prices are plus tax and a credit card processing fee. Booking online through FareHarbor also adds a 6% booking fee at checkout, so the total you see there includes tax and those fees. Your guide, safety gear, water and snacks, free photos and every trail permit are included. Questions about a total? Call (480) 837-3966.

A standard tour covers 20 to 25 miles of Tonto National Forest trail over 2+ hours. A typical tour runs 5 to 10 buggies, and only your own party rides in your buggy: you are never paired with a stranger. Tours run 7 days a week, with morning and sunset departures. Sunset rides roll out about 2 hours before sunset, so you watch the sun go down the whole way and finish at dusk.

Yes, private group tours are our specialty: corporate events, bachelorette and bachelor parties, birthdays and family reunions. We’ll plan a personalized ride with UTV caravans, custom start times and extra photo time so your whole crew rides together.

Yes. We offer special group rates for parties of all sizes and can customize a package to fit your group and budget, plus private options, flexible scheduling and concierge-style service. Call (480) 837-3966 for a custom quote.

None at all. Every tour starts with a full safety orientation and driving instruction, and your guide makes sure you’re confident and comfortable before you hit the trail. Our Polaris RZR Trail Sports have automatic transmissions, so there’s no clutch and no shifting: just gas, brake and steer. First-timers and seasoned riders both have a blast.

Yes, our UTV side-by-sides are perfect for families. Children ages 8 and up are welcome to ride along, and drivers must be at least 16 with a valid driver’s license, a learner’s permit does not qualify. Our trails are scenic, safe and thrilling for every age.

Every tour includes a 2-hour guided adventure through the Sonoran Desert, safety gear (helmet and neck gaiter), ice-cold water, snacks, and expert instruction. And don’t forget the photos, we take plenty of free adventure shots so you leave with memories to share.

Wear closed-toe shoes, comfortable athletic or outdoor clothing, and sunglasses. We provide helmets with face shields and neck gaiters to keep the dust out of your nose and mouth. Wear your hair down so the helmet fits comfortably, and apply sunscreen before you arrive so it has time to absorb. Come ready to get a little dusty, that’s half the fun.

You’ll meet us at the Butcher Jones OHV Staging Area in Tonto National Forest (GPS 33.593716, -111.543582), not at our office. Arrive 15 minutes early to sign a quick waiver, park in the back dirt lot past the cattle guard, and your guide will be waiting. Cell service is spotty out there, so load your directions before you head out. See our map & directions page for details.

Yes, a small backpack is fine. Storage is limited to the passenger-side floor, so pack light with just your essentials, including any medication you might need during the tour.

Summer in the Sonoran Desert is intense, so pack extra water, electrolyte packets, SPF lip balm, a cooling towel, and extra sunscreen and sunglasses. These small additions keep you cool and comfortable and make the ride a lot more enjoyable.

Yes, drivers and passengers can swap midway, so everyone gets a turn behind the wheel. Bottled water and snacks are provided on every tour.

Our tours run rain or shine, so come dressed for the day’s weather. If conditions ever become genuinely unsafe, our team will be in touch, when in doubt, give us a call at (480) 837-3966.