Scottsdale Sunset UTV Riding: Tonto National Forest

Drive canyon trails and desert ridges as the Sonoran Desert shifts through golden hour

Sunset UTV riding in Tonto National Forest near Scottsdale puts you behind the wheel of a Honda Talon 1000 for 2 hours 15 minutes of guided off-road riding through canyon terrain and scenic desert routes, with a stop at the Rio Verde River. The tour includes a live guide in English or French, safety gear, bottled water, light snacks, and photos and videos captured during the ride; you drive your own vehicle while the guide leads from the front, and vehicle size is assigned based on group size (single riders get their own 2-seater, pairs ride 2-seaters, groups of three to four ride 4-seaters). Riders must be at least 21 years old with a valid driver's license, and every guest signs a waiver before departure.

The Experience

You meet at the GPS coordinates in North Scottsdale and get fitted with mandatory safety gear — helmet, goggles, seat belt, door net and gaiter neck — then climb into your assigned UTV. The guide leads from the front vehicle while you operate your own, navigating winding canyon trails and wide-open desert routes through Tonto National Forest. The landscape shifts as the sun drops, turning the rock and scrub into warm reds and golds, and the ride moves at a pace that works for both beginners and experienced riders.

Midway through, the group stops near the Rio Verde River for a break. You can step out, stretch, drink bottled water, eat light snacks, and take photos while the guide captures video of the ride. The river sits quiet and green against the desert, and this is where most people linger longest — the moment the adrenaline settles and the landscape becomes the point.

The ride back follows a different line through the same terrain, and by the time you return to the starting point, the sun is gone and the desert has cooled. You get copies of all the photos and videos shot during the tour, and if you want music playing while you ride, the guide can set that up. Single riders book at a different rate and ride alone in a 2-seater; groups of two to eight split across vehicles sized to fit.

What’s included

• High-performance Honda Talon 1000 UTV.
• expert desert guide leading from the front vehicle.
• mandatory safety gear including helmet, goggles, seat belt, door net and gaiter neck.
• bottled water and light snacks.
• all photos and videos captured during the ride.
• speaker for music while riding.
• required permits.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Bigfoot Desert Adventure UTV Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if your group is between two and eight people and you want to drive yourself through the desert instead of watching from a passenger seat — the guide leads from the front, you operate your own vehicle, and the sunset timing means you're riding when the light is best and the temperature drops.

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Top questions

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

Yes. The tour is designed for both beginners and experienced riders, and the guide leads from the front vehicle at a pace that works for all skill levels. You must be at least 21 years old with a valid driver's license, and every guest signs a waiver before the ride starts.

What's included in the price?

The price covers the UTV rental, expert guide, safety gear (helmet, goggles, seat belt, door net and gaiter neck), bottled water, light snacks, and all photos and videos taken during the ride. A speaker for music is also available if you want it.

How are the vehicles assigned if I'm in a group?

Vehicle size depends on group size: two guests ride in a 2-seater, three to four guests in a 4-seater, five to six guests split between one 4-seater and one 2-seater, and seven to eight guests ride in two 4-seaters. Single riders book at a different rate and get their own 2-seater.

What happens if I'm traveling with young children?

Children must be at least 4 years old to participate. Specialized infant seats are available if you need them, and kids ride in the UTV with an adult.

Is the Rio Verde River stop a swimming break or just a photo stop?

The stop at Rio Verde River is for photos, water, snacks and rest — it's not a swimming break. You step out of the vehicle, relax, and take pictures of the river and the surrounding desert before heading back.

What language does the guide speak?

The guide is live and speaks English or French, depending on which option you select at checkout.