Serving Phoenix & the East Valley
Phoenix ATV & sand-buggy 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 just 35 minutes from Phoenix and the East Valley.
- 27+ years · #1 in Arizona
- You drive · no experience needed
- Free adventure photos
- From $299 / 2-seat buggy
Why Desert Dog
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 $199–299 → Sunset ATV TourChase golden hour as the Sonoran sky ignites.From $199–299 → VIP Private TourYour group only — private buggies & custom times.From $349 → Bachelorette AdventureThe bride tribe’s best day out in the desert.Group pricing →
Tour at a glance
- Price
- From $199 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 35 minutes from Phoenix · easy from Mesa, Tempe & the East Valley
- Included
- Expert guide, safety gear, water & snacks, free photos, all trail permits
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 35 minutes from Phoenix. We ride exclusive Tonto National Forest trails just northeast of the city — an easy drive from downtown Phoenix, 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 & sand-buggy 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.
Your Phoenix desert adventure starts here
Reserve online in under two minutes, or call a real person who knows every trail.
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