Ancient Ruins UTV Tour near Phoenix: Bradshaw Mountains off-road

Three hours of trail, river crossing, and desert ruins in one morning

The Ancient Ruins UTV Tour is a guided three-hour off-road excursion from Phoenix that takes you deep into the Bradshaw Mountains to explore Hohokam archaeological sites, navigate the Agua Fria River, and ride some of Arizona's most challenging trails. A professional guide leads the way. Safety gear, water and expert storytelling about the area's history and geology are included. You'll choose between a 1-person, 2-seater, 3-seater or 4-seater UTV at checkout, and the full outing runs up to four hours with setup and briefing.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Bradshaw Mountains and Ancient Ruins

• Off-road in Sonoran Desert
• Navigate Bradshaw Mountains trails
• Cross Agua Fria River
• Explore Hohokam ancient ruins
• Enjoy scenic photo stops
• Learn history and wildlife from guide

The experience

The tour departs north of Phoenix into the Sonoran Desert, where you'll spend three hours navigating the Bradshaw Mountains on trails that go deeper into the backcountry than the operator's other rides. A professional guide leads the group, handling the route and stopping at viewpoints, photo spots and the Hohokam ruins themselves. You'll cross the Agua Fria River and learn about the area's history, wildlife and geology as you ride. The guide's storytelling is built into the pace, not tacked on at the end.

You choose your vehicle at checkout: a 1-person or 2-seater UTV, a 3-seater, or a 4-seater. Drivers must be at least 16 with a valid license. Passengers as young as 4 can ride along with a parent. Everyone gets a helmet, goggles, gloves, and bottled water. Expect to be on-site for up to four hours total, which covers the safety briefing, gear setup, the three-hour ride itself, and any final photos before you head back.

Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes: no skirts, dresses or sandals. Bring sunscreen and a camera. The trails are genuine off-road terrain, so this is not a paved scenic loop. The guide will brief you on what to expect and how to handle the UTV before you leave the trailhead.

What’s included

• Professional guide leading the route.
• safety gear including helmet, goggles and gloves.
• bottled water.
• expert storytelling about Hohokam history, local wildlife and desert geology.

Options for this experience

4 options

2-Seater UTVUp to 2 people · Guide in English · 10:00 and 14:00UTV for two people: each booking covers one vehicle, so create multiple bookings if you have more than four people.

3-Seater UTVUp to 3 people · Guide in English · 10:00 and 14:00UTV for three people: each booking covers one vehicle, so create multiple bookings if you have more than four people.

4-Seater UTVUp to 4 people · Guide in English · 10:00 and 14:00UTV for four people: each booking covers one vehicle, so create multiple bookings if you have more than four people.

One person in a two-seater UTVUp to 1 people · Guide in English · 10:00 and 14:00UTV for one person: each booking covers one vehicle, so create multiple bookings if you have more than four people.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Information

Lasts 3h, runs every day at 10:00 and 14:00, from US$ 150 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00 and 14:00Another time? ›

GroupUp to 40 · max 4 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.1 with pickup ›

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (4 and older) · Under 4: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessiblePets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Arizona Outdoor Fun Rentals

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to ride genuine backcountry trails and see archaeological sites most visitors never reach. The guide handles navigation and the route itself is the point, not a scenic backdrop to a vehicle ride.

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Top questions

How far into the desert does this tour actually go?

The Ancient Ruins UTV Tour reaches further into Arizona's backcountry than any other tour the operator runs, taking you deep into the Bradshaw Mountains north of Phoenix to the Hohokam ruins and across the Agua Fria River.

Do I have to drive the UTV myself, or can I ride as a passenger?

You can choose to drive or ride as a passenger depending on which vehicle option you pick at checkout. The 1-person UTV is driver-only, while the 2-seater, 3-seater and 4-seater options let you ride with others or have someone else drive.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes a professional guide, all safety gear (helmet, goggles and gloves), and bottled water. Transportation to and from the trailhead is not included, and gratuities are separate.

What do I need to bring or wear?

Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes: no skirts, dresses or open-toed footwear. Bring sunscreen and a camera. The guide will provide everything else you need to ride safely.

How much time should I plan for the whole experience?

The ride itself is three hours, but plan for up to four hours total on-site to account for the safety briefing, gear setup and any final photos before departure.

Can children go on this tour?

Passengers as young as 4 can ride along, but must be accompanied by a parent. Drivers must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver's license.