ATV Riding in Scottsdale: 2-Hour Desert Trail Adventure

Two hours operating your own vehicle across sandy washes in the Sonoran Desert.

A 2-hour guided UTV ride in Tonto National Forest near Scottsdale where you operate the vehicle yourself across sandy trails with views of the Superstition Mountains and Lost Dutchman State Park. The guide reorders riders after the first 10 minutes so everyone can ride at their own speed, and stops periodically to point out terrain ahead, check on water intake and photograph the group in action. Helmet, goggles, water and snacks are included. A minimum of 4 people per booking is required.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Tonto National Forest2h · entry included
2. Superstition Mountainspassing by
3. Lost Dutchman State Parkpassing by
4. Saguaro Lakepassing by

Guided 2-hour desert UTV tour

• Meet at trailhead parking area
• Check in and get helmet and goggles
• Attend safety briefing
• Follow guide onto off-road trails
• Ride 2 hours covering 20 miles
• Guide reorders group after 10 minutes
• Traverse sandy washes and desert scenery
• Guide stops for pointers, water, and photos
• Return to starting point

The experience

You meet at the trailhead parking area, check in, get fitted with a helmet and goggles, and run through a safety briefing on how to operate the UTV. Once everyone is ready, you follow your guide into the off-road trails of Tonto National Forest. The ride covers about 20 miles of trail over 2 hours, crossing sandy washes where you can kick up dust while taking in views of the Sonoran Desert. The vehicles can reach speeds of 40 mph, but the guide reorders the group after the first 10 minutes so you can ride at whatever pace feels right, not everyone wants to go that fast, and the setup accounts for it.

Along the way you pass through the Yavapai Reservation on the approach to the trailhead and get views of the Superstition Mountains, Weavers Needle in Lost Dutchman State Park, and Saguaro Lake from the trailhead. The guide stops periodically to walk you through the upcoming terrain, make sure you're drinking water, and take photos of everyone riding. You may spot a bald eagle or mule deer, and you'll see Saguaro, barrel and prickly pear cactus scattered across the landscape. After the ride, you return to the starting point where your car is waiting.

Choose the 4-person UTV if you want to ride with others in your group. The 2-person option is a solo or pair experience. Either way, you're the one operating the vehicle. This is not a guided tour where you watch from a seat.

What’s included

• Full-face helmet and goggles.
• bottled water and snacks.
• a live English-speaking guide who stops to point out terrain and take photos.
• free photography of the group in action.

Options for this experience

2 options

UTV Adventure for 2 PersonsUp to 2 people · Guide in English · 11:00 and 14:00Lasts 2 hours, with snacks and water; Kawasaki Teryx 800 vehicle

UTV Adventure for 4 PersonsUp to 4 people · Guide in English · 11:00 and 14:00Lasts 2 hours, with snacks and water; 4 Person UTV

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to FridayDepartures at 11:00 and 14:00

Book up to1d before

GroupUp to 80 · max 4 per booking

Live guideEnglish

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

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Stellar Adventures

Is this one for you?Book the 4-person UTV if you're riding with family or friends and want to share the vehicle. Choose the 2-person option if you're going solo or as a pair and want a more intimate experience. Either way, you're in control of the throttle. This is for someone who wants to operate the machine, not watch from a passenger seat.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I ride a UTV in Scottsdale if I've never done it before?

Yes. The guide covers a safety briefing at the start and reorders the group after the first 10 minutes so everyone can ride at their own pace. Moderate physical fitness is recommended, and you'll be operating the vehicle yourself, but the setup is built for first-timers.

What will I see on the 2-hour UTV ride near Scottsdale?

The ride covers trails in Tonto National Forest with views of the Superstition Mountains, Lost Dutchman State Park, and Saguaro Lake. You'll see Saguaro, barrel and prickly pear cactus, and may spot a bald eagle or mule deer crossing the sandy washes.

How fast do the UTVs go and can I choose my own speed?

The vehicles can reach 40 mph, but the guide reorders the group after the first 10 minutes so you can ride at whatever speed feels comfortable, not everyone wants to go that fast, and the tour accommodates different paces.

What's included in the ATV riding experience?

The ride includes a full-face helmet and goggles, bottled water, snacks, an English-speaking guide, and free photography of you in action. You operate the UTV yourself across about 20 miles of trail.

Is there a minimum group size for the UTV ride in Scottsdale?

Yes, a minimum of 4 people per booking is required. You can choose between a 4-person UTV or a 2-person UTV depending on your group size.

What should I know before booking the ATV riding tour?

The ride is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or pregnant travelers. Moderate physical fitness is needed, and you'll be operating the vehicle yourself across sandy terrain for 2 hours. It's an active experience, not a passive ride.