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U-Drive Guided · Scottsdale & Phoenix

Scottsdale ATV & sand-buggy tours

Grab the wheel and own the desert. This is no sit-back-and-watch ride — on our guided ATV & sand-buggy tours outside Scottsdale and Phoenix, you pilot your own high-powered 800cc buggy through sandy washes, rock gardens and water crossings (when in season), with an expert guide leading the way.

800cc 2-seat buggies Over 2-hour tour Lowest UTV tour prices in Scottsdale 16+ to drive
A sand buggy on a dusty desert trail near Scottsdale
800ccYou're driving
Riders driving their own sand buggy on the trail
What "U-Drive" Means

You're the driver, not a passenger

Most desert tours sit you in the back. Ours hands you the keys. You operate your own machine the entire way — feeling every wash, rock garden and water crossing (when in season) through the wheel — while a pro guide leads the route and keeps it safe.

Drive the whole route — guided, never just along for the ride.
Switch at the midpoint — trade driver and passenger so everyone gets seat time.
Expert guide, always — full safety briefing and desert know-how throughout.
Why Desert Dog

Built for the best ride out there

800cc 2-seat buggies

High-powered machines built to tear through rocky terrain and sandy washes.

Closest trails to Scottsdale

Minutes from Old Town and Phoenix — more time on the trail, less in transfer.

Best price in Scottsdale

The most affordable guided ATV & UTV tour in Tonto National Forest.

27 years, family-owned

Arizona's longest-running off-road outfitter — over two decades on these trails.

Exclusive Tonto access

Rugged terrain and canyons other operators simply can't take you to.

Free action photos

Your run, captured by the team — every tour, no extra charge.

How It Works

From trailhead to throttle

1

Meet at Butcher Jones

Arrive 15 minutes early at the Butcher Jones OHV trailhead.

2

Gear up & brief

Helmets on, a full safety briefing, and you meet your buggy.

3

Take the wheel

Hit the trail — washes, rock gardens and water crossings (when in season).

4

Switch at the midpoint

Swap driver and passenger so everyone gets behind the wheel.

5

Two hours of trail

Ride out the full adventure with your guide — and free photos.

Straightforward Pricing

Book your U-Drive tour

$299per 2-seat sand buggy
Two riders, one machine — drive and ride together.
$199 for a single driver (when groups have an odd number of drivers) — call for more information
Book Your U-Drive Tour
  • Over 2-hour experience, year-round
  • 16+ with a valid license to drive · ages 8+ to ride
  • Departs the Butcher Jones OHV trailhead
  • Morning, afternoon & sunset times · runs rain or shine

Taxes & fees not included.

On the Trail

Real riders, real dust

Free action photos on every tour — yours to keep and share.

Group on a Scottsdale desert sand buggy adventure
Friends with hands up in the desert
Bachelor party sand buggy tour
Big time fun in the desert
Guys on a desert off-road adventure
Friends on the trail
Family hands-up desert adventure
Family sand buggy tour
All In

Everything's included

DOT-certified helmets
Desert Dog Souvenir Face Gator
Beverages & snacks
Full safety briefing
Expert guides, 50+ years of experience
Free action photos

Wear: closed-toe shoes and sunscreen — round-trip resort transport available (additional fee).

A sand buggy ready for a desert tour

More Ways to Ride

Explore our other desert tours

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Your Buggy Is Waiting

Get behind the wheel

Morning, afternoon or sunset — pick your time and take on the desert yourself.

17212 E. Shea Blvd., Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 · Serving Scottsdale, Phoenix & the Valley

Tour at a glance

Price
From $199–299 per 2-seat buggy
Duration
2+ hours on the trail
You drive
Yes — no experience needed
Ages
Drive 16+ (valid license) · Ride 8+
Where
Tonto National Forest trails · ~35 min from Phoenix (exact directions when you book)
Included
Expert guide, safety gear, water & snacks, free photos, all trail permits
Check availability & book
Good to Know

Scottsdale ATV tour FAQs

Everything first-timers ask before they grab the wheel.

Do I need experience to drive an ATV or sand buggy in Scottsdale?
No experience needed. If you can drive a car, you can drive our 800cc U-Drive buggies. Every Scottsdale ATV tour starts with a full safety briefing, and an expert guide leads the whole route at a pace that works for your group.
Where do your Scottsdale ATV tours meet — and do you serve Phoenix?
We ride exclusive Tonto National Forest trails just northeast of Scottsdale — an easy drive for guests coming from Scottsdale, Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe and Fountain Hills. You’ll get the exact meeting point and directions when you book; see our maps & directions page for details.
What is the minimum age, and do I need a license to drive?
Drivers must be 16 or older with a valid driver’s license, and passengers must be at least 8 years old to ride. Families can share a 2-seat buggy and swap the wheel between licensed drivers mid-tour.
What should I wear and bring for a desert ATV tour?
Closed-toe shoes, clothes you don’t mind getting dusty, sunglasses and sunscreen. We provide the machine, helmet, goggles and a full safety briefing — you just bring a sense of adventure (and a phone for photos, though we take free ones too).
How hot does it get, and when is the best time to ride?
We run tours year-round. Mornings are the coolest, and our sunset ATV tours are a favorite when the desert lights up and temperatures drop. In summer we schedule earlier starts so you ride in the best conditions.
How much do your ATV tours cost, and what’s included?
U-Drive tours start at $299 for a 2-seat buggy. Every ride includes your own machine, an expert guide, all safety gear and briefing, bottled water and snacks, free adventure photos, and all Tonto National Forest trail permits — nothing held back. Check live 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. Corporate events are non-refundable within 14 days. To cancel, call (480) 837-3966.
Loved by riders

Voted the #1 off-road tour in Scottsdale & Phoenix

4.9Average rating
1,700+5-star reviews
27+Years on these trails
CPRCertified guides, every ride

Real, verified reviews across Google, TripAdvisor & Yelp

Book your adventure
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Desert Dog OffroadU-Drive ATV/UTV Guided Sonoran Desert Tours
4.9·1,700+ reviews Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars from 1,700+ reviews across Google, TripAdvisor & Yelp
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