Sedona: Guided ATV Tour in Red Rock Desert Trails

Summary

Ride wild trails in western sedona with local guides and epic valley views

You’ll kick up real desert dust on this guided ATV tour from Sedona—riding solo along rough red rock trails most visitors never see. Expect big canyon views from Skeleton Bone Mountain, quick wildlife surprises, and plenty of laughs with your guide. It’s not polished or predictable—and that’s honestly why I loved it.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t really know what to expect when we rolled up to the meeting point west of Sedona — just a gravel lot, a few dusty ATVs lined up, and that weird electric smell you get from sun-baked metal. Our guide, Mike, handed out helmets and goggles (they actually fit better than I thought) and cracked a joke about “not losing anyone in the canyons today.” He’d been running these tours for years and seemed to know every inch of this place. There were only six of us, so it felt more like a group of friends than anything official.

The first few minutes on the trail were honestly a little nerve-wracking — the ATV’s engine rattled under me, and I kept thinking I’d tip over. But then you get used to it, and suddenly you’re weaving between red rock walls that look way taller up close than in any photo. At one point we stopped near Skeleton Bone Mountain (Mike said over 40 movies had been shot around here — he started listing them but I lost track after three). The air smelled dry and sharp, almost metallic, and all you could hear was wind scraping through scrubby bushes. We climbed up for the view over Verde Valley — 800 feet up apparently — and it kind of hit me how far from town we’d come in just an hour.

On the way back down the valley floor, there was this random moment where a couple antelope actually ran alongside us. I thought Mike was joking about that part but nope — they sprinted right past, dust flying everywhere. My jeans were covered by then anyway. Someone in our group tried to take a selfie with them (didn’t work), but we all laughed about it later when we stopped for water under some scraggly tree. If you do this ATV tour from Sedona, bring sunglasses — the glare off those rocks is wild. And don’t wear white shoes unless you want them orange forever.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided ATV tour in West Sedona

• Arrive 30 minutes before tour
• Travel to trailhead by van
• Begin 3-hour ATV tour
• Ride through West Sedona Valley trails
• View Verde Valley from Skeleton Bone Mountain
• Spot antelope along valley floor
• Return from tour

Top questions

How long does the Sedona ATV tour last?

The guided ATV tour lasts approximately 3 hours once you reach the trailhead.

Is hotel pickup included for this Sedona ATV experience?

No, you make your own way to the departure point west of Sedona; pickup is not included.

What should I wear for an ATV tour in Sedona?

Wear closed-toed shoes, long pants, sunglasses, and clothes you don’t mind getting dusty.

Are double quads or two-person ATVs available?

No, only single ATVs are available through third-party bookings; call directly if you need a double quad.

Is there an age requirement to drive an ATV?

Yes—drivers must be at least 15.5 years old with a learner’s permit or driver’s license.

Are helmets and goggles provided on the tour?

Yes—helmets and goggles are included for all participants.

How many people are on each guided tour?

The maximum group size per booking is 18 people.

Is bottled water provided during the ride?

Bottled water is included as part of your tour.

What’s included

Your day includes all safety gear—helmets and goggles—plus bottled water for breaks along the trail. Local sales taxes are covered too; just remember to arrive early at the departure point west of Sedona before your guided ride begins through those famous red rock desert trails.