ATV Riding in Tonto National Forest: 24 Miles of Desert Trails

Two hours driving desert trails in the Tonto National Forest, switching drivers halfway through

ATV riding in Tonto National Forest near Scottsdale puts you behind the wheel of a late-model CAN-AM UTV for two hours, covering 24 miles of off-road service trails in the Sonoran Desert. You meet your guide at the Four Peaks parking lot, get outfitted with helmet, goggles, head sock and neck gator, receive a safety briefing and vehicle rundown, then drive the trails with a couple of stops to switch drivers, drink water and eat a light snack. The guide provides photos and information about the desert's plants and wildlife.

The experience

You drive the UTV yourself, not as a passenger. After meeting your guide at Four Peaks and getting fitted with safety gear, you'll spend two hours operating the vehicle over 24 miles of Tonto National Forest service trails. The guide rides with you, handles the camera and explains what you're seeing in the desert around you. Two driver switches built into the route mean you both get time behind the wheel, and the stops give you water and a snack.

The trails stay within the Sonoran Desert's scenic parts of the Tonto National Forest, where the guide knows the area well enough to point out plants, wildlife and the landscape itself. Your photos get sent to you by text after the ride ends. The whole thing (gear fitting, briefing, driving, stops and return to the parking lot) fits into the two-hour window.

What’s included

• Use of a late-model CAN-AM UTV.
• professional guide.
• helmet, goggles, head sock, neck gator and gloves.
• safety briefing and vehicle instruction.
• bottled water and light snacks at the stops.
• photos sent via text after the tour.

Before you book

Days and timesThursday to SaturdayDeparts at 11:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (3 to 17 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 80

Live guideEnglish

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.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Desert Monsters Tours LLC

Is this one for you?The two-hour ride involves active driving over uneven terrain, so it suits riders comfortable with off-road handling and the physical engagement of operating the vehicle. Children from age 3 can ride along, though the operator does not recommend this activity for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy or cardiovascular concerns.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 17 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I ride in the UTV if I've never driven one before?

Yes. Your guide gives a full safety briefing and walks you through how the vehicle operates before you start driving. The trails are off-road but the guide is with you the whole time and the pace is set for the group.

What happens during the driver switches?

You stop twice during the two hours so both riders can spend time driving. At each stop you'll also get water and a light snack before heading back out on the trails.

What's included in the safety gear?

Helmet, goggles, head sock, neck gator and gloves if needed come with your rental. All gear is provided before you start the safety briefing.

How far into the Tonto National Forest do you go?

You cover 24 miles over the two-hour ride on Tonto National Forest service trails. The route stays within the scenic parts of the Sonoran Desert that the guide knows well.

Will the guide take photos during the ride?

Yes. Your guide takes photos throughout the tour and sends them to you by text after you finish and return to the Four Peaks parking lot.