Scottsdale: Small Group Desert UTV Tour & Sunset Ride

Summary

Small group utv ride in tonto forest with sunset views and guide

You’ll drive your own late model UTV through over 25 miles of Arizona desert outside Scottsdale in a small group — no big crowds or dust clouds here. With a local guide leading the way, flexible start times, snacks and water included, plus stops for sunset views you’ll probably remember long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

“You guys ready?” That’s what Mike — our guide — called out as we fumbled with helmets and tried to look like we’d done this before. I could smell the sun-baked dust already, kind of sharp but not unpleasant, and there was this low hum from the other UTVs as everyone got settled. There were only four vehicles counting ours, so it didn’t feel like one of those big tourist lines you see sometimes. I liked that right away. Mike grinned at us and said something about the saguaro cacti being older than my grandma (he wasn’t wrong). We set off into the Tonto National Forest with the sun still high but starting to soften around the edges.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much bouncing over those rocky trails — my partner kept whooping every time we hit a dip, which made me laugh even harder. The UTV felt solid but wild at the same time; you can really feel every bump through your hands. At one point Mike stopped us and pointed out a hawk circling overhead — he knew its name, which I’ve already forgotten, but it was cool how he just noticed stuff like that. The air smelled dry and clean, except when you caught a whiff of creosote after a gust of wind. We swapped drivers halfway through (I was nervous at first, but honestly? It’s easier than it looks), then just let loose for a while.

The best part was when we pulled up to this ridge right as the sky started turning gold and pink — not exaggerating, it was almost too much to take in at once. Everyone got quiet for a second except for someone crunching on trail mix (which made me hungry so I grabbed some too). Mike handed out bottled water and joked about how nobody ever finishes their neck gator snacks (I still don’t know what that means). The light changed fast; I tried to take photos but none of them really caught how it felt standing there with dust on my shoes and sweat drying on my face. We headed back after that, headlights flicking on one by one as dusk settled in. I still think about that view sometimes when city noise gets too loud.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Off-road UTV tour in Scottsdale

• Schedule start time with office
• Meet at designated location
• Drive UTV with guide
• Explore 25 miles of Tonto Forest

Top questions

How many people are in each UTV tour group?

Each group is limited to 5 or fewer vehicles for a more personal experience.

Where does the UTV tour take place?

The tour runs through over 25 miles of trails in Tonto National Forest near Scottsdale, Arizona.

Do I drive my own UTV?

Yes, you drive your own late model Honda Talon UTV during the tour.

Are snacks or drinks provided?

Bottled water and snacks are included during the tour.

Is pickup included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; directions to the meeting location are provided after booking.

What equipment is provided?

You get helmets, goggles, head sock, neck gator—everything needed for safety and comfort.

Can beginners join this UTV tour?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels unless you have certain health conditions listed.

Is this tour recommended for pregnant travelers?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

What’s included

Your day includes driving a late model Honda Talon UTV through scenic desert trails near Scottsdale with all safety gear provided—helmets, goggles, head sock and neck gator—plus bottled water and snacks along the route under guidance from an experienced local guide before returning at dusk or sunset depending on your chosen start time.