ATV riding in Mesquite Nevada: Polaris Xpedition trails

The trails here are filmed because the geology is that dramatic.

ATV riding in Mesquite, Nevada puts you on a Polaris Xpedition XP 5 NorthStar through desert backcountry, red rock canyons, and the Virgin River Mountains. You launch from Main Street into vast trail systems, navigate with provided maps and equipment, and choose between a 4-hour or 8-hour ride. All skill levels can handle the routes, and you need to be 21 with a valid driver's license (25 if you ride a turbo model).

The experience

What makes this different from a guided tour is that you operate the machine yourself. You start from Main Street in Mesquite and head straight into desert backcountry, following a suggested route and trail map you receive before you ride. The Polaris Xpedition handles the terrain (towering red rock cliffs, deep canyons, winding ridge trails through the Virgin River Mountains), and you control the pace. Navigation equipment and vehicle-specific safety gear come with the rental, along with a helmet and goggles.

The landscape shifts as you ride. You'll pass through hidden caves and waterfalls, skirt wide-open desert valleys, and climb into overlooks where the geology opens up. Bar 10 Ranch and Virgin River Gorge Canyon sit along the routes, and if you're watching the slopes, you might spot Bighorn Sheep moving across the rocks. The terrain is featured in films because it is genuinely striking, not because it's been softened for visitors. Routes are designed for all skill levels, so the challenge is what you make it.

The 4-hour option covers the core experience. The 8-hour ride lets you push deeper into the backcountry and spend more time at the standout sites. Either way, you're riding your own machine through genuine high-desert country, not sitting in a vehicle watching someone else navigate it.

What’s included

• The rental includes the Polaris Xpedition XP 5 NorthStar ATV.
• helmet and goggles.
• vehicle-specific safety gear.
• navigation equipment.
• a trail map and suggested route.
• and a list of sites and attractions to explore along the way.

Options for this experience

2 options

4 Hour ExperienceNo fixed timeLasts 4 hours

8 hour ExperienceNo fixed timeLasts 8 hours

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Friday and Saturday

GroupUp to 10

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

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

Prices and times updated 15 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Prime Polaris Adventures

Is this one for you?Choose the 4-hour option if you want a focused afternoon in the red rock canyons and mountains. Pick the 8-hour ride if you plan to cover more ground and spend time at multiple sites like Bar 10 Ranch and Virgin River Gorge Canyon without rushing.

Top questions

Do I need off-road riding experience to book this ATV riding in Mesquite?

No. The trails are designed for all skill levels, and you control your own pace. A valid driver's license and age requirement (21 for standard models, 25 for turbo) are the only prerequisites.

What's included with the ATV rental?

The Polaris Xpedition XP 5 NorthStar, helmet, goggles, vehicle-specific safety gear, a trail map, and a suggested route with a list of sites and attractions. Navigation equipment is provided so you can find your way through the backcountry.

Can I ride the Virgin River Mountains on the 4-hour option?

Yes. The 4-hour ride covers the core experience including climbs into the Virgin River Mountains for panoramic overlooks and winding ridge trails. The 8-hour option simply allows more time to explore deeper into the backcountry and linger at standout sites.

What kind of wildlife might I see while riding?

Bighorn Sheep navigate the rocky slopes throughout the area and are commonly spotted moving across the terrain. Wildlife sightings depend on the time of day and season, but the high-desert habitat supports native species along the routes.

Does the ride include Bar 10 Ranch and Virgin River Gorge Canyon?

Both are listed as iconic destinations along the suggested routes. Your trail map and route guide point them out, and you decide whether to stop and explore them as you ride through the backcountry.