How Much Does an ATV or UTV Tour in Scottsdale Cost? (2026 Guide)

Guided U-Drive ATV and UTV tours near Scottsdale generally start around $299 per buggy, and the final price depends on three things: how long the tour runs, how many people share each vehicle, and whether you book a standard shared tour or a private one. At Desert Dog Offroad Adventures, our tours begin at $299 per buggy, and because that price is per buggy rather than per person, splitting a side-by-side with your group is one of the easiest ways to keep the cost down.

Below is exactly what goes into the price, what’s already included, and how to get the most for your money.

What Drives the Price of a Desert Tour?

A few factors move the number up or down:

Tour length. Longer routes and more trail time cost more than a short introductory ride.
Shared vs. private. A standard tour groups you with other riders. A VIP private tour reserves the guide and buggies just for your party, which costs more but gives you a custom pace and start time.
Group size per buggy. Since pricing is per vehicle, seating two to four people in one buggy spreads the cost across more riders.
Season and timing. Peak season (roughly October through April) books up fast. Our best-time-to-visit guide breaks down the trade-offs by month.

What’s Included in the Price

This is where value matters more than the sticker number. A cheap tour that nickel-and-dimes you for gear and photos can end up costing more than an all-in tour. Every Desert Dog tour includes:

An expert, CPR-certified guide leading the whole route
All safety gear and a full pre-ride briefing
Bottled water and snacks
Free adventure photos — professionally captured and yours to keep
Driver and passenger swaps, so everyone gets a turn at the wheel
All trail permits for the Tonto National Forest

No hidden add-ons for the essentials. What you see is what you ride.

Are There Extra Costs to Plan For?

A couple of things to budget beyond the tour price:

Gratuity. Tips are never required, but they’re appreciated if your guide made the day. Many guests tip similarly to a restaurant, in the 15–20% range.
Hotel or resort pickup. We offer pickup options across the Valley for an additional fee — handy for groups without a vehicle.
Souvenirs and photos-plus. Your standard adventure photos are free; any extra keepsakes are optional.

How to Get the Best Value

You don’t have to spend more to get more. A few tips:

Fill your buggy. Because you pay per vehicle, a full side-by-side is the best per-person value. Great for families and friend groups.
Consider a sunset tour. Our sunset rides cost the same base rate but deliver golden-hour light and cooler temps — arguably the best experience-per-dollar we offer.
Book a group experience. Planning a bachelorette party or corporate outing? Group bookings are one of the most memorable ways to spend a shared budget.
Reserve early for peak months. Winter and spring dates go quickly. Booking ahead protects both your spot and your preferred time.

Is a Desert Tour Worth It?

For most visitors, yes — and here’s the honest reason. You’re not just paying for a vehicle rental. You’re paying for exclusive-permit trails you can’t legally reach on your own, a guide who knows every wash and ridge, all the gear and safety handled, and photos you’ll actually want to share. Rated 4.9 stars by more than 1,700 riders, our tours are built to be the highlight of the trip, not just another line item.

If you’re weighing it against other Scottsdale activities, our roundup of the best outdoor adventures in Scottsdale puts it in context.

Ready to Book?

Tours start at $299 per buggy, include everything above, and run seven days a week. Check live availability and reserve your U-Drive guided desert tour, or contact our team with any questions about pricing for your group — a real person will help you plan.