Phoenix: ATV & Shooting Combo Tour with Desert Trails

Summary

Sonoran desert dust on my face and a Glock in my hands

You’ll ride ATVs across real Sonoran Desert trails near Phoenix, then learn to shoot at a private range with expert instructors guiding you step by step. Expect cold bottled water, good company, and plenty of adrenaline—all gear included. It’s one of those tours where you’ll surprise yourself and maybe find grit you didn’t know you had.

What’s the experience like?

Wiping sweat from my brow, I fumbled with the helmet strap while our guide—Jake, I think—grinned and handed me goggles. The sun was already high over Phoenix, making the red dust shimmer. We’d barely started the ATV engines when a coyote darted across the trail ahead, so close I could hear the crunch of gravel under its paws. Jake just shrugged—“That’s Arizona for you.” I still had sand in my teeth from grinning too much.

The Sonoran Desert is wild in a way that’s hard to explain until you’re bouncing over its trails on an ATV, wind whipping past your ears. Every saguaro seemed to wave us along. When we stopped for water (they actually keep it cold, which felt like magic), Jake pointed out tiny lizards sunning themselves on rocks. He knew every plant by name—cholla, ocotillo, creosote—and told stories about monsoon storms rolling through here. I tried to imagine rain in this place; couldn’t quite picture it.

After riding, we pulled up at a private shooting range tucked behind some mesquite trees. The instructor—Lisa, NRA-certified and patient as a saint—showed us how to handle a Glock 17 and an AR-15. My hands shook a little at first (never shot anything before), but she talked me through it without making me feel dumb. The smell of gunpowder stuck to my shirt long after. There was this weird silence after each shot—like the desert was listening in.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much or feel so steady by the end. If you’re looking for a day trip from Phoenix that’ll get your heart going (and leave you picking sand out of your socks), this ATV and shooting combo is kind of perfect—even if you’re not exactly Annie Oakley material.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — ATV riding and shooting experience

• Check in for tour
• Receive NRA-certified firearm instruction
• Explore Sonoran Desert trails by ATV
• Shoot Glock 9mm and AR-15 firearms

Top questions

How long does the ATV & shooting combo tour last?

The total experience is up to 4 hours including check-in, riding, training, and shooting.

Is there a guide or instructor during the tour?

Yes, a professional guide leads the ATV ride and an NRA-certified instructor supervises shooting.

What firearms are included in the tour?

The tour includes use of a Glock 17 and an AR-15; other firearms may be available for upgrade on-site.

Are safety gear and water provided?

Yes, helmets, goggles, face masks, ear plugs, eye protection, and bottled water are included.

Is this ATV tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, but travelers should have good physical fitness; instruction is provided for both ATVs and firearms.

Where does the tour take place?

The tour takes place on trails in Arizona’s Sonoran Desert near Phoenix.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No lunch is included; only bottled water is provided during the experience.

Can I book as a solo traveler?

You can book single-seat ATVs for this tour; multi-passenger vehicles require booking a different option.

What’s included

Your day includes guided ATV riding through Sonoran Desert trails near Phoenix with all safety gear provided—helmets, goggles, face masks—as well as cold bottled water along the way. At the private shooting range you’ll receive instruction from an NRA-certified expert and use both a Glock 17 and AR-15 before heading back dusty but happy.