Las Vegas: Mojave Desert ATV Tour with Shuttle Pickup

Summary

Ride powerful ATVs through Mojave desert trails with locals

You’ll ride a 450cc ATV through real Mojave desert trails outside Las Vegas with a local guide leading the way. Expect Mandalay Bay pickup, safety gear included, and plenty of sand-in-your-shoes moments. There’s laughter, some nerves at first, and probably a little dust stuck in your hair by the end — but that’s half the fun.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect my heart to start pounding before we’d even left the Mandalay Bay. There was this mix of nerves and excitement as we climbed into the shuttle — everyone sort of sizing each other up, wondering who’d be the first to eat dust (spoiler: it was me). The air-conditioning felt almost too nice, knowing what was coming. Our guide, Marco, had that dry Nevada humor — he grinned and said something about “embracing the dirt,” which made more sense later.

The drive out of Las Vegas is quick but weirdly quiet; you watch the city fade and suddenly it’s just open desert. The Mojave has this burnt-sage smell that clings to your clothes. When we got to the base camp, they handed out helmets and goggles — I fumbled with the strap for way too long. Marco ran us through how to handle the 450cc ATV (honestly easier than I thought), then we lined up like some dusty parade.

The first few minutes on those sandy trails were pure adrenaline. You feel every bump in your arms, but after a while you get this rhythm — throttle, lean, laugh when you hit a rut. Someone behind me yelled something about “Mad Max” and I nearly lost it laughing. At one point Marco pointed out a jackrabbit darting across the trail; blink and you’d miss it. The sun was sharp but not punishing, just enough to make everything look golden and endless.

By the end I was caked in dust (my shoes may never recover), but honestly? I still think about that feeling — grit on my teeth, wind in my face, everyone high-fiving like old friends even though we’d just met an hour ago. The ride back felt quieter; maybe because we were all replaying it in our heads or maybe just tired in a good way. So yeah, if you’re looking for an ATV tour near Las Vegas that actually feels wild… this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert ATV tour from Las Vegas

• Pickup at Mandalay Bay Hotel
• Transport to Mojave Desert riding location
• Receive safety gear and orientation
• Ride 450cc ATV on desert trails
• Enjoy desert views and spot wildlife
• Return transport to Mandalay Bay Hotel

Top questions

Where does the Las Vegas ATV tour start?

The tour includes pickup at Mandalay Bay Hotel (Front Entrance, Lower Level - Shuttle and Tour Pick Up).

Is prior ATV riding experience required?

No experience is needed to join this ATV tour near Las Vegas.

How long do you spend riding ATVs in the Mojave Desert?

You’ll spend about an hour riding ATVs on desert trails during this experience.

What kind of ATVs are used on this tour?

The tour uses brand new 450cc ATVs for all riders.

Is hotel pickup included for this Las Vegas desert ATV tour?

Yes, air-conditioned transportation from Mandalay Bay Hotel is included.

Are helmets and goggles provided?

Yes, safety gear including helmets and goggles is provided for all guests.

What should I wear for the ATV tour?

You must wear closed-toe shoes; expect to get dusty so dress accordingly.

Can anyone join or are there restrictions?

This activity isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or heart issues; all guests must be 18+ with valid photo ID.

What’s included

Your day includes air-conditioned shuttle pickup from Mandalay Bay Hotel, all fees and taxes covered upfront, use of helmets and goggles for safety, water to keep you hydrated in the Mojave heat, a guided hour-long ATV ride on sandy trails with a professional local guide leading every step—and return transport back to reality when it’s over.