Las Vegas: Nellis Dunes ATV Tour with Strip Pickup

Summary

ATV adventure across Nellis Dunes desert trails with skyline views

You’ll feel adrenaline kick in as you ride an ATV across real Nevada dunes with Las Vegas shimmering in the distance. Expect hands-on guidance from local experts, plenty of dust (and laughs), plus time to snap photos above the Strip before heading back—maybe still hearing that engine in your ears.

What’s the experience like?

There’s this moment right after you pull your helmet on at Nellis Dunes — everything muffled except your own breath and the wind scraping over sand. Our guide, Marcus, checked my goggles and grinned, “Ready to eat some dust?” I laughed but honestly felt my stomach flip a bit; I’d never been on an ATV before. The desert looked endless, pale gold and white under the morning sun, with the Las Vegas skyline just a weird little mirage in the distance. It smelled dry, like warm rocks and engine oil.

The safety orientation was no joke — they actually make sure you can handle the ATV before letting you loose (which I appreciated, even if my nerves didn’t). Once we started moving, it was all rumble and grit. I kept thinking I’d tip over on those sandy peaks but somehow didn’t. At one point we stopped at the top of a ridge and you could see jets slicing through the sky overhead — apparently there’s an Air Force base nearby so that’s normal? Marcus pointed out which trails were best for beginners like me and which ones he called “the rollercoasters.” I stuck to the easy side, no shame.

I still think about that view from halfway up — city glinting in the haze, nothing but desert around us. Someone tried to take a selfie and dropped their phone in the sand (don’t worry, they found it). The whole thing felt fast and loud but also kind of peaceful in between; just you, the machine, and this huge empty space. My hands were buzzing for hours after. So yeah, if you’re looking for a day trip from Las Vegas that’s not just casinos or shows… this is pretty different.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — ATV adventure through Nellis Dunes

• Pickup from Las Vegas Strip
• Receive safety briefing and orientation
• Wear helmet and goggles
• Ride single-rider ATV on dunes
• Stop for photo of Strip and desert
• Continue off-road ATV ride

Top questions

How long is the Nellis Dunes ATV tour?

The guided ATV ride lasts 30 or 60 minutes depending on your chosen option.

Is pickup included from Las Vegas Strip hotels?

Pickup is included from a designated central point on the Strip.

Do I need previous ATV experience?

No prior experience is needed; all riders must complete a safety orientation before starting.

What should I wear for the tour?

You must wear closed-toe shoes; sandals or open footwear are not allowed.

Is there an age requirement for driving an ATV?

You must be at least 18 years old to drive an ATV on this tour.

Are helmets provided during the tour?

Yes, helmets and goggles are provided and must be worn throughout the ride.

Can two people share one ATV?

No, only one person is allowed per ATV for safety reasons.

Is lunch included in this tour?

No meals are included; only equipment and transportation are provided.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transportation from a central Las Vegas Strip pickup point, all necessary gear like helmet and goggles, a guided 30- or 60-minute ride through Nellis Dunes with photo stops overlooking both desert landscapes and the city skyline, plus all taxes and fees covered before returning to town.