ATV riding in Scottsdale: 2-person sand buggies in Sonoran Desert

You operate the buggy across desert terrain, not watch from a passenger seat.

ATV riding in Scottsdale puts you behind the wheel of a 2-person sand buggy on trails through Tonto National Forest and the Sonoran Desert, with a professional guide leading the route. The tour runs two hours, includes helmets, water, snacks and photos, and stops midway so drivers and passengers can swap. A valid driver's license is required to operate the buggy.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each4 stops

1. Tonto National Forest2h
2. Saguaro Lakepassing by
3. Salt Riverpassing by
4. Sonoran Desertpassing by

Guided off-road tour in Sonoran Desert

• Climb into 2-seated Sand Buggy
• Drive through rock gardens and desert washes
• Cross water if in rainy season
• Stop midway for water and snacks
• Swap driver and passenger roles
• View Saguaro Lake
• View Four Peaks Mountain Range
• Explore Sonoran Desert flora and fauna

The experience

You'll drive a 400cc, 2-seated sand buggy across rock gardens, desert washes and water crossings in Tonto National Forest. The terrain changes as you move through the Sonoran Desert (the only place where saguaro cacti grow), and you'll see views of Saguaro Lake and the Four Peaks Mountain Range along the way. An expert local guide leads the entire route and handles the navigation, so you focus on the driving itself.

The tour lasts two hours total. Midway through, the group stops for water and snacks (both provided), and that's when drivers and passengers trade places if they want to. Desert Dog Offroad, which has run these tours for over 27 years, supplies everything: the buggy, helmet, protective gators, fuel, water and snacks. You bring a valid driver's license and a sense of what you're after: adrenaline, desert scenery, or both.

Rain or shine, the tour runs. If the season brings rain, the Salt River may have water crossings on the trail. The operation is minutes from Scottsdale itself, so travel time to the trailhead is short. Transportation to and from the site can be arranged for an additional fee if you need it. The operator notes that Uber and Lyft aren't reliable for this location.

What’s included

• Professional guide leading the route.
• 2-person sand buggy and fuel.
• helmet and protective gators.
• bottled water and snacks at the midway stop.
• photos taken during the tour.

Information

Lasts 2h, runs every day, 4 start times, from US$ 175 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery day except Friday: 09:00, 12:00 and 15:30Friday: 09:00, 12:00, 15:30 and 15:45

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish

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

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (8 and older) · Under 8: 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 3 days ago

Good to know

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

Operated by Desert Dog Offroad Adventures

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and leads the entire route, so you follow the trail without navigating yourself: your focus stays on driving the terrain. If you want to operate the buggy rather than ride as a passenger, or if you're traveling with someone who wants to take turns driving, this setup lets both of you get behind the wheel.

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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.

What's the terrain actually like on this ATV ride near Scottsdale?

The route crosses rock gardens, desert washes and water crossings through Tonto National Forest in the Sonoran Desert. You'll see saguaro cacti, views of Saguaro Lake and the Four Peaks Mountain Range as you drive.

Do I have to drive the whole time, or can I ride as a passenger?

The buggy seats two people, and you can swap roles at the midway stop so both the driver and passenger get a turn behind the wheel if you want to.

What do I need to bring or know before booking?

You must have a valid driver's license to operate the buggy. The tour runs rain or shine. There is a 400-pound weight restriction per buggy, and the operator does not recommend this activity for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or poor cardiovascular health. Moderate physical fitness is expected.

What's included in the price?

The sand buggy, helmet, protective gators, fuel, bottled water, snacks and professional guide are all included. Photos are taken during the tour and provided to you.

How long is the ATV tour and what time does it start?

The tour runs for two hours. Specific start times are available when you book. Contact the operator for the schedule that fits your day.

Is transportation from my hotel included?

Transportation to the trailhead can be arranged for an additional fee. The operator recommends calling to discuss options, as Uber and Lyft service to this location is unreliable.