Las Vegas Nellis Dunes: ATV Off-Road Tour with Pickup

Summary

ATV desert ride just outside Las Vegas with hotel pickup and local guide

You’ll feel your heart race as you ride an ATV across the wild Nellis Dunes just outside Las Vegas. With hotel pickup included, friendly guides keep things safe and fun while you carve through sand and rocky trails. Expect real desert smells, lots of laughter (and maybe some dust in your shoes), plus views you won’t forget anytime soon.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t worry about the sand — it gets everywhere, but that’s half the fun,” our guide Tony grinned as he handed me a helmet that still smelled faintly of last week’s sunscreen. We were barely 20 minutes from the Strip, but honestly, it felt like another planet out at the Nellis Dunes. The wind whipped up little clouds of grit around our boots while Tony explained how to handle the ATV — I tried not to look nervous, but my hands were already sweaty inside those gloves.

Once we started moving, everything changed. The engine’s rumble drowned out my doubts (and most other sounds), and suddenly we were weaving through these huge sandy waves and rocky bits that looked impossible from far away. At one point, I caught a whiff of creosote in the air—kind of sharp and earthy—and realized I was grinning like an idiot under my goggles. There was this one ridge where we stopped for water (bottled, thankfully), and you could see all of Vegas shimmering in the distance. It was weirdly quiet except for someone laughing behind me because I’d managed to get sand in places I didn’t know existed.

I liked that Tony kept checking on everyone without making a big deal about it—just a thumbs-up or a quick shout if someone lagged behind. He told us stories about people who’d wiped out on their first try (I almost joined their ranks on a steep bit) and pointed out some old tire tracks from military vehicles. It’s not something I’d have noticed on my own. The whole thing lasted just about two hours, but by the end, my arms felt like jelly and my hair was full of dust. Still think about that view from the top though—you don’t really expect to find that kind of space so close to all those neon lights.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — ATV Adventure at Nellis Dunes

• Travel to Nellis Dunes
• Receive ATV safety briefing
• Ride across sand dunes
• Explore canyon trails
• Enjoy panoramic desert views
• Take photos at scenic spots
• Return to starting point

Top questions

How far are the Nellis Dunes from Las Vegas Strip?

The Nellis Dunes are about 20 minutes by car from the Las Vegas Strip.

Is hotel pickup included in this ATV tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off from hotels along the Strip are included.

Do I need previous ATV experience?

No experience is required; guides help beginners and experienced riders alike.

How long do we spend riding ATVs at Nellis Dunes?

The tour includes approximately one hour of actual riding time on ATVs.

What should I wear for this ATV adventure?

You must wear closed-toe shoes; helmets, gloves, and goggles are provided.

Are there age restrictions for this tour?

The minimum age is 16 years old for participants.

Is bottled water provided during the tour?

Yes, bottled water is included with your tour package.

Can pregnant travelers join this ATV tour?

No, this tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from most Strip locations, all entry fees and taxes covered, bottled water during breaks in the dunes, safety gear like helmets, goggles and gloves provided by your local guide—and about an hour of guided ATV riding through Nevada’s wild desert terrain before heading back to town covered in dust but probably smiling.