Book Now
4.9/5Rated by 1,700+ adventurerson Google, TripAdvisor & YelpSee reviews
Sand buggy on a Sonoran Desert trail near Phoenix, Arizona
Serving Phoenix & the East Valley

Phoenix ATV/UTV tours

Trade the traffic for open desert. Drive your own 800cc buggy across exclusive Tonto National Forest trails, no experience needed, an expert guide the whole way, and about 50 minutes from downtown Phoenix, closer from the East Valley.

Check availability & bookor call (480) 837-3966
  • Since 1997 · #1 in Arizona
  • You drive · no experience needed
  • Free adventure photos
  • From $150 / person
Why Desert Dog Offroad Adventures

The closest real off-road adventure to Phoenix

Most Phoenix “desert tours” put you in the back seat. We hand you the keys. You pilot your own high-powered sand buggy through sandy washes, rock gardens and saguaro-studded canyons on Tonto National Forest trails no other outfitter can reach, with a CPR-certified guide leading every turn.

Exclusive trailsPermitted Tonto National Forest routes near Phoenix & Scottsdale.
You take the wheelSelf-drive 800cc buggies, swap driver & passenger mid-tour.
Everything includedGuide, safety gear, water, free photos & all trail permits.
Lowest price in the ValleyThe longest-running and lowest-priced tours in the forest.
Choose Your Ride

Phoenix off-road tours & experiences

U-Drive Guided ATV TourTake the wheel with a guide leading every turn.From $150 / person →Sunset ATV TourChase golden hour as the Sonoran sky ignites.From $150 / person →VIP Private TourYour group only, private buggies & custom times.From $349 →Bachelorette AdventureThe bride tribe’s best day out in the desert.Group pricing →All Arizona ATV ToursEvery guided desert tour we run across Arizona.Explore tours →
Getting here from Phoenix

Real drive times from your part of the city

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 most of Phoenix the fastest route is the Loop 202 or Loop 101 to Shea Boulevard or Power Road, then the Bush Highway.

Downtown PhoenixAbout 50 minutes.
Sky Harbor and the airport hotelsAbout 45 minutes.
Biltmore and the Camelback corridorAbout 40 minutes via the Loop 101 and Shea Boulevard.
Desert Ridge and north PhoenixAbout 40 minutes via the Loop 101.

Round-trip pickup from Phoenix resorts and downtown hotels is available for groups and priced by group size; ask when you book. Morning departures get you back to the city by lunch, and sunset tours return after dark, so plan dinner reservations accordingly.

Tour at a glance

Price
$299 per 2-seat buggy ($150 per person) · VIP private from $349
Duration
2+ hours on the trail
You drive
Yes, no experience needed
Ages
Drive 16+ (valid license) · Ride 8+
Distance
About 50 minutes from downtown Phoenix, 45 from Sky Harbor · 30 from Mesa
Included
Expert guide, safety gear, water & snacks, free photos, all trail permits
Check availability & book
Good to Know

Phoenix ATV tour FAQs

What Phoenix and East Valley riders ask before they book.

How far are your ATV tours from Phoenix?
About 50 minutes from downtown Phoenix and 45 from Sky Harbor. We ride exclusive Tonto National Forest trails northeast of the city, an easy drive from the East Valley, Mesa, Tempe and Scottsdale. You’ll get exact directions to the meeting point when you book; see our maps & directions page for the route.
Do I need experience to drive an ATV or dune buggy near Phoenix?
None at all. If you can drive a car, you can drive our 800cc U-Drive sand buggies. Every tour begins with a full safety briefing and an expert guide leads the entire route. Drivers must be 16+ with a valid license, and passengers must be at least 8 years old to ride.
What kinds of Phoenix off-road tours do you offer?
Take the wheel on a U-Drive guided ATV tour, chase golden hour on a sunset tour, book a VIP private tour for your group, or plan a bachelorette adventure. All ride the same Sonoran Desert trails near Phoenix and Scottsdale.
How much do Phoenix ATV/UTV tours cost?
U-Drive tours start at $299 for a 2-seat buggy and include your machine, an expert guide, all safety gear, bottled water and snacks, free adventure photos, and all trail permits. Check live availability & book.
When is the best time to ride in the Phoenix desert?
We run tours year-round. Mornings are coolest and sunset rides are a favorite as the desert lights up. In the summer heat we schedule earlier departures so you ride in the best conditions.
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.
How long is the drive from downtown Phoenix or Sky Harbor?
About 50 minutes from downtown and 45 from Sky Harbor, via the Loop 202 or Loop 101 to the Bush Highway. The meeting point is the Butcher Jones OHV Staging Area near Saguaro Lake, on paved roads the whole way.
Do you pick up from Phoenix hotels?
Yes, for groups. Round-trip transportation from Phoenix resorts and downtown hotels is priced by group size; mention it when you book or call (480) 837-3966 for a quote.

Your Phoenix desert adventure starts here

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

Book your adventureor call (480) 837-3966
Loved by riders

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

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

Real, verified reviews across Google, TripAdvisor & Yelp

Book your adventure
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 →