ATV Riding in Scottsdale: Tonto National Forest Trails

You control the speed on 20 miles of Sonoran Desert sand

ATV riding in Scottsdale takes you into Tonto National Forest on a 2-hour guided ride covering 20 miles of off-road trails. You operate the UTV yourself: the guide reorders the group after the first 10 minutes so everyone can ride at their own pace, from 10 mph to 40 mph. Helmet, goggles, bottled water and snacks are included. A minimum of 4 people per booking is required.

Step-by-step itinerary

Guided UTV tour in Sonoran Desert

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

The experience

You meet at the trailhead parking area, get fitted with a helmet and goggles, and run through a quick safety briefing on how to operate the vehicle. Once everyone is ready, you follow the guide into the off-road trails of Tonto National Forest. The guide reorders the group after the first 10 minutes to make sure each rider can find their own rhythm: the UTVs reach 40 mph, but not everyone wants to go that fast, and the trails let you choose.

For the next 2 hours you traverse sandy washes, kick up dust, and move through the Sonoran Desert scenery. The guide stops periodically to point out what's coming on the terrain, check that you're drinking water, and snap photos of riders in action. You'll see saguaro, barrel and prickly pear cactus, and if you're lucky, a bald eagle or mule deer. The vehicles handle the terrain. You handle the throttle.

When you're done, you return to the starting point where your car is waiting. Bottled water and snacks are provided throughout, and the guide is there to keep everyone safe and moving together without slowing anyone down.

What’s included

• Full face helmet and goggles.
• off-road UTV vehicle.
• bottled water and snacks.
• live guide.
• free photography throughout the ride.

Options for this experience

2 options

UTV adventure for 2 peopleGuide in English · 14:00Lasts 2 hours, with snacks and water. Off-road UTV.

UTV adventure for 4 peopleGuide in English · 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

Information

Lasts 2h, runs Tuesday and Friday at 14:00, from US$ 450 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesTuesday and FridayDeparts at 14:00Another time? ›

GroupUp to 80 · max 4 per booking2 private ›

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.1 with pickup ›

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (6 to 80 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

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 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Stellar Adventures

Is this one for you?Book the 2-person UTV if you want to ride with one other person in your own vehicle and control the pace together. Choose the 4-person UTV if you prefer a larger vehicle and don't mind sharing the ride. Either way, the guide reorders after the first 10 minutes, so you're never locked into someone else's speed for the full 2 hours.

Traveler reviews

4.99★★★★★★★★★★

95 verified traveler reviews

5 ★94

4 ★1

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

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 at my own speed, or does the whole group go together?

The guide reorders the group after the first 10 minutes so each rider can go at their own pace. The UTVs reach 40 mph, but you control your speed on the trails: some riders prefer slower, some faster, and the terrain accommodates both.

What's included in the ATV riding experience?

The UTV, helmet, goggles, bottled water, snacks, and a live guide in English are all included. You bring a valid driver's license and wear closed-toe shoes. The guide handles the rest.

How far and how long is the ride?

You cover about 20 miles of trail over 2 hours in Tonto National Forest. The guide stops periodically to point out terrain, check on riders, and take photos.

What wildlife or plants will I see?

The Sonoran Desert around Tonto National Forest holds saguaro, barrel and prickly pear cactus, and dozens of other plant species. You may spot a bald eagle or mule deer, though wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

What's the minimum group size?

A minimum of 4 people per booking is required. You can book a 2-person or 4-person UTV. Either way, the total group riding together will be at least 4 people.