ATV Riding in Scottsdale: Small Groups in Tonto National Forest

You're the one operating the machine, not watching from a passenger seat.

ATV riding in Scottsdale puts you behind the controls of a late-model Honda Talon UTV for a 2-hour off-road run through Tonto National Forest. You drive over 25 miles of desert terrain following a professional guide, with groups capped at five vehicles to keep the experience personal instead of crowded. The operator provides the UTV, helmet, goggles, head sock, neck gator, bottled water and snacks; the office contacts you after booking to confirm your 8am start time and meeting location.

The Experience

What separates this from the standard desert ATV experience is the group size. Most operators in Arizona run convoys of 15, 20 or 30 vehicles where you spend half the ride staring at dust kicked up by the machine in front of you. This one caps each departure at five UTVs, which means you actually see the terrain you're driving through and the guide can pace the ride to the group instead of herding it. You're operating the vehicle yourself—not a passenger—so the skill and the attention matter.

The 8am departure gets you on the trail early, when the desert is still cool and the light is sharp. You'll cover over 25 miles through Tonto National Forest, which sits just outside Scottsdale and gives you genuine backcountry without a long drive from town. A Honda Talon UTV handles the terrain, and you get a helmet, goggles, head sock and neck gator so the sun and wind don't wear you down. The guide is a professional who knows the route and the machine; they speak English or Spanish depending on the group.

Bring sunscreen and water beyond what's provided, and wear long sleeves and pants—the desert scrub is sharp and the sun is direct. The office will call after you book to lock in your exact start time and give you directions to the meeting location, so there's no guessing on the morning of the ride.

What’s included

• Late-model Honda Talon UTV.
• helmet, goggles, head sock and neck gator.
• bottled water.
• snacks.
• professional guide in English or Spanish.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Desert Monsters Tours LLC

Is this one for you?Choose this ride if you want to be the one in control of the machine rather than a passenger, and if small groups matter to you—the five-vehicle cap means you're not part of a dust-choked convoy and the guide can actually see and respond to the group instead of just herding it forward.

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Top questions

How much off-road experience do I need to drive a UTV in Scottsdale?

No prior experience is required. The guide will brief you on the machine before you leave, and the terrain is open enough that a beginner can manage it. The ride is designed to be accessible to all fitness levels, though the 2-hour duration and the physical demand of operating the UTV matters more than prior skill.

What's the difference between a UTV and an ATV on this ride?

A UTV (utility terrain vehicle) is larger and more stable than an ATV, with a steering wheel instead of handlebars and room for a passenger if you want one. This ride uses a Honda Talon UTV, which is easier to control on longer desert runs and sits lower to the ground, so you're less exposed to wind and sun.

Will I be riding alone or with other people?

You'll be in a group of up to five vehicles, each with its own driver. The group stays together on the same route with the guide leading, but you're operating your own machine the whole time. If you book for two people, you can ride as a pair in the same UTV or in separate vehicles.

What happens if I'm not comfortable driving partway through?

The office will discuss any concerns when they call to confirm your booking. If you decide during the ride that you want to stop, the guide can arrange it, though the 2-hour duration is built around continuous riding and stopping early means missing the rest of the route.

Does the 8am start time work for hotel pickups in Scottsdale?

The ride itself starts at 8am at the meeting location outside Scottsdale. The office will provide directions when they call after booking. Hotel pickups are not included, so you'll need to arrange your own transport to the trailhead or ask the office about options when they contact you.