Las Vegas: Valley of Fire ATV & Vegas Dunes Buggy Combo

Summary

ATV rides through red rock, dune buggy chases and desert silence

You’ll ride ATVs through Valley of Fire’s surreal red rocks with a local guide who knows every twist, then switch gears for a fast dune buggy chase across Vegas Dunes. Expect picnic sandwiches with desert views, cold water all day, and stories that stick long after you shake off the dust.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the crunch of red sand under my boots — it sticks differently than beach sand, somehow grittier. Our guide, Mike, grinned as he handed over the helmets. “Don’t worry, you’ll get dusty,” he said. The Valley of Fire looked almost fake with those wild rock shapes and colors that shift as the sun moves. I kept thinking how quiet it was out here except for the wind and our laughter when someone (okay, me) stalled their ATV on a hill.

We stopped for lunch at a spot where you could see forever — deli sandwiches and icy water never tasted so good. There was this moment when a bighorn sheep just wandered by like we weren’t even there. Mike told us about old Star Trek scenes filmed right where we sat; he does this route all the time but still gets excited pointing out weird rock faces or animal tracks. “That’s Rattlesnake Rocks,” he said later, which made me double-check where I put my feet.

The second part felt completely different — louder, faster. The Vegas Dunes are right by the Speedway but feel a world away from all that neon. Driving the dune buggy is wild; it rattles your bones and throws you around corners (I might’ve screamed once or twice). We chased each other up to Look Out Dune and suddenly you could see Lake Mead glinting way off and even the Strip in the haze. It’s strange how close everything looks from up there — makes Las Vegas seem small for a minute.

I didn’t expect to enjoy the quiet parts as much as the adrenaline rushes. There’s something about dust in your teeth and sunburn on your arms that stays with you longer than you’d think.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — ATV tour and dune buggy adventure

• Ride ATV in Valley of Fire
• See rock formations and wildlife
• Visit Star Trek filming locations
• Drive dune buggy at Vegas Dunes
• Explore dried river beds and cliffs
• Stop at Look Out Dune viewpoint

Top questions

How long is the ATV & dune buggy tour from Las Vegas?

This is a full-day adventure combining both ATV riding at Valley of Fire and a 1-hour dune buggy chase at Vegas Dunes.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

Yes, picnic-style deli sandwiches are served at the halfway point along with unlimited bottled water.

Are hotel pickups available for this tour?

The tour includes air-conditioned vehicle transport but does not specify hotel pickup in the reference content.

Can beginners join the ATV & buggy combo tour?

The experience is suitable for all physical fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal/cardiovascular issues.

What wildlife might I see at Valley of Fire?

You may spot bighorn sheep and other local wildlife during your ride through Valley of Fire State Park.

How far is Valley of Fire from Las Vegas?

Valley of Fire State Park is about an hour’s drive northeast of Las Vegas.

What should I bring on this adventure tour?

You should wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting dusty; helmets and cold water are provided.

What’s included

Your day covers air-conditioned transportation out to both Valley of Fire State Park and Vegas Dunes, unlimited icy bottled water to keep cool in that dry heat, plus a picnic lunch with deli sandwiches right in the middle of all those red rocks before heading back to Las Vegas after chasing dunes in state-of-the-art buggies.