What is the difference between a private and a shared ATV tour?

On a shared tour, you drive your own buggy in a guided group that can include other guests, on a set departure schedule. On a private VIP tour, the guide and the trail are reserved for your party only, you pick the start time, and the pace is set around your group.

How much does a private VIP ATV tour cost in Scottsdale?

At Desert Dog Offroad Adventures, private VIP tours start at $349 per two-seat buggy with a two-buggy minimum, compared with $299 per buggy on the standard shared tour. Both include your guide, safety gear, water, trail permits, and free photos. Final VIP pricing depends on group size and date.

Is a private ATV tour worth the extra cost?

For celebrations, families with younger riders, corporate groups, and anyone who wants a specific start time, usually yes. The difference is about $50 per buggy, split between two riders. For a couple or a solo rider who is happy riding with others on a set schedule, the standard shared tour is a great value.

How many people do you need for a private tour?

The minimum is two buggies, which is up to four people. There is no hard maximum, so private tours scale to large groups, bachelorette parties, and corporate events. Larger groups and corporate events are quoted by phone.

Can kids go on a private ATV tour?

Yes. Riders must be at least 8 and drivers at least 16 with a valid license. A private tour is a great fit for families because the guide can set the pace around your youngest riders.

Private vs. Shared ATV Tour: Is VIP Worth It?

Name: Desert Dog Offroad Adventures
Address: 17212 E. Shea Blvd., Fountain Hills, AZ, 85268, US
Telephone: (480) 837-3966
Price range: $$
Rating: 4.9

You’ve decided to drive the Sonoran Desert. Now there’s one more choice: ride on a shared tour with other guests, or book a private VIP tour that’s just your group? Here’s the honest breakdown of what you get, what it costs, and who should upgrade.

The Quick Answer

Book shared if you’re a couple or solo rider, you’re flexible on timing, and you want the best price.
Book private if you’re celebrating something, bringing kids, running a team event, or you want to pick your own start time.

The price gap is smaller than most people expect.

What’s the Same on Both

This part matters, because the core experience doesn’t change. On both tours you get:

Your own two-seat sand buggy to drive, no experience needed
A certified guide leading the route, plus a full safety briefing
Real trails in the Tonto National Forest, with permits included
Safety gear and water
Free adventure photos of your group
About two hours on the trail

Private doesn’t mean a better machine or a different desert. It means the tour is built around you.

What Changes With Private

	Shared Tour	Private VIP Tour
Who’s in your group	Your party plus other guests	Your party only
Start time	Set departure times	Flexible, you pick
Pace	Set for the whole group	Set for your group
Price	From $299 per buggy	From $349 per buggy
Minimum	1 buggy (solo from $199)	2 buggies
Ages	Drivers 16+, riders 8+	Drivers 16+, riders 8+

Your group, and nobody else

On a shared tour, you might ride with a family from Ohio and a couple on their honeymoon. That’s part of the fun for a lot of guests. On a private tour, the only people on the trail are yours, so the inside jokes, the music at the photo stops, and the celebrating all belong to your group.

Your start time

Shared tours run on a set schedule. Private tours let you choose when to go, which is huge when you’re working around flights, a spa appointment, a wedding timeline, or a sunset you don’t want to miss.

Your pace

On a private tour, the guide reads your group. Nervous first-timers get extra time to settle in. Confident drivers get more room to open it up. Families with younger riders get a pace that keeps everyone smiling. Want more time at the photo stops? It’s your call.

The Real Price Difference

Private VIP tours start at $349 per buggy with a two-buggy minimum. The standard shared tour starts at $299 per buggy. That’s roughly $50 more per buggy, or about $25 per person when two riders share a machine.

For a group of four in two buggies, private runs about $100 more in total than shared. For most celebrations, that’s less than a round of drinks in Old Town. Final VIP pricing depends on group size and date, so call for an exact quote on larger groups. For the full cost picture, see how much a Scottsdale ATV or UTV tour costs.

Who Should Go Private

Bachelorette and bachelor parties. Matching outfits, loud music, and zero strangers in your photos. See our bachelorette party tours.
Birthdays and anniversaries. Make it about the guest of honor. Our adult birthday party ideas have more.
Proposals. A private sunset ride gives you the privacy and the golden-hour backdrop. Here’s how to book a private sunset tour.
Families with kids. A pace built around your youngest riders.
Corporate teams. Custom timing, one group, and room to celebrate. See corporate team building.
Groups on a tight schedule. When you need a specific start time, private is the way to get it.

Who Should Book Shared

Couples and solo riders who are flexible on timing
Budget-minded travelers who want the full experience for less
Social riders who like meeting other people on the trail

There’s no downside to shared if the schedule works for you. It’s the same desert, the same machines, and the same guides. It’s our most popular ride for a reason.

Our Honest Take

If your group is four or more people celebrating something, go private. The extra cost is small, split across your group, and the experience is noticeably more yours. If you’re two people who just want to drive the desert, the shared tour is a great deal.

Ready to Book?

Reserve a VIP private tour for your group, or book a shared Scottsdale ATV and sand buggy tour. Still deciding? Call us at (480) 837-3966 and we’ll help you pick the right fit for your group.