ATV Training & Guided Desert Tour near Phoenix

Training on a test course, then three hours riding desert canyons and mountain trails with a guide

This ATV training and guided tour combo near Phoenix pairs a beginner safety session on The Sidewinder test course with a full afternoon riding deep into the Sonoran Desert, through canyons and over the Bradshaw Mountains. A certified guide leads the whole day, and safety gear, water and instruction are included. The experience runs about three hours of riding after training, and riders must be 16 or older with a valid ID.

Step-by-step itinerary

ATV training and desert tour

• Attend ATV safety briefing
• Practice riding on The Sidewinder course
• Begin Centipede ATV Tour
• Explore Sonoran Desert trails
• View Bradshaw Mountains and wildlife

The experience

The day starts with a safety briefing and a check-in period, then you move to The Sidewinder: a test course built specifically to take you from beginner to confident on an ATV. It's full of turns, bumps and hills designed to teach you how the machine handles before you hit the real terrain. Once you've got the basics down, you ride out with your guide into the Sonoran Desert, heading north toward the Bradshaw Mountains.

The Centipede route takes you deep into canyons and over mountain trails that most people never see from the ground. You'll pass through landscape that shifts from desert floor to ridge, with views of the Bradshaw range opening up as you climb. A certified guide rides with you the whole way and knows the area well enough to point out wildlife and navigate the terrain safely. The riding itself is the point, not a sightseeing loop, but actual off-road trails that demand your attention and reward it.

Helmet, goggles, face mask and bottled water come with the tour. You'll need to wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, and bring a valid ID. Anyone under 18 needs a parent along. The operator recommends booking an early morning slot: temperatures are lower, groups stay smaller, and you'll have better traction on the trails. A signed waiver is required before you start.

What’s included

• Safety gear including helmet, goggles and face mask.
• bottled water.
• professional certified guide for the full day.
• training on The Sidewinder test course before the desert ride.

Information

Lasts 3h, runs every day at 07:00, 10:00 and 14:00, from US$ 179.65 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery day except Saturday: 07:00, 10:00 and 14:00Saturday: 07:00Last departure this season: 31 Jan 2027Another time? ›

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (16 to 17 years) · Under 16: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Arizona Outdoor Fun Rentals

Is this one for you?This tour works best if you can get to the meeting point on your own or arrange a ride: the operator doesn't include hotel or airport pickup. Book an early morning departure if you want cooler temperatures and smaller group sizes. The trails are easier to navigate and the desert is more comfortable to ride in before the heat builds.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (16 to 17 years). Children under 16 can't be included in the booking.

What's the difference between the training part and the actual tour?

The training happens first on The Sidewinder test course, a controlled space with turns, bumps and hills designed to teach you ATV basics. Once you're comfortable with the machine, you move to the real trails in the Sonoran Desert and Bradshaw Mountains with your guide.

How long does the whole day take?

Plan for up to an hour of check-in and safety briefing, then up to three hours of training and riding combined. Arriving early gives you time to get settled before the riding starts.

What do I need to bring or wear?

Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes: no skirts, dresses or open-toed footwear. Bring a valid ID and be ready to sign a waiver. Safety gear (helmet, goggles, face mask) and water are provided.

Can I do this tour if I've never ridden an ATV before?

Yes, the training session is designed for beginners. You'll spend time on The Sidewinder learning how to handle the machine before heading into the desert with your guide.

Is this tour good for someone staying in Phoenix without a rental car?

The tour operates north of Phoenix in the Bradshaw Mountains area. You'll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point. The tour itself does not include a pickup from your hotel or Phoenix airport.