The Best ATV Tour in Scottsdale (What to Expect + Tips)
Okay, this was such a fun adventure!
When we were researching the best things to do in Scottsdale, ATV tours kept coming up over and over again, so we figured we had to try one for ourselves.
We love anything with a little adventure, beautiful views, and a good sunset, so it felt like a win all around.
Spoiler alert: we were right. 🤗
Keep reading for our full Scottsdale ATV tour experience, plus what to bring and a few tips to help you have the best time.
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The Details
Tickets: Book online in advance (tours often sell out).
Location: About 40 minutes northeast of Old Town Scottsdale
Length: ~30 miles (approximately 2 hours)
Who It’s For: Families, couples, friends, solo travelers
Driving Requirements: Drivers must be 16+ with a valid driver’s license
➡️ Book the exact ATV tour we took here ⬅️
Our ATV Tour Experience
As we arrived, we met our guide, got geared up, and learned how to drive the ATVs.
Austin started as the driver, and I was the designated photographer. We were told to stay close to the guide, and we were actually surprised by how fast he went!
It made it feel like a true adventure, not just a slow scenic ride through the desert.
Because there hadn’t been much rain recently, some parts of the trail were very bumpy and dusty. At times it was even a little hard to see, but we stayed close to the group and made it through just fine.
About halfway through, we stopped for snacks and drinks, which our guide generously provided. We took some extra photos and switched drivers—my turn behind the wheel!
➡️ Book this 5 ⭐️ ATV tour here ⬅️
I’m so glad I decided to drive because it was even more fun than riding along. I always felt safe, and our guide was super attentive the entire time.
We even drove through shallow water a few times, which was probably my favorite part.
We chose the sunset tour, and I’m so glad we did. We ended at an overlook with the most gorgeous views right as the sun was setting. Our guide took photos for us, and we had a few minutes to just pause and take it all in.
After that, we made our way back to the parking area just before dark.
➡️ See current pricing and tour times ⬅️
⬇️ See exactly what the tour is like on this YouTube video! ⬇️
What to Wear + Bring
You’ll want to wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes that you don’t mind getting a little (or a lot) dirty. You can bring a water bottle if you’d like, but the tour company we used provided water and snacks for us.
You’ll also need your driver’s license and phone. You’re definitely going to want to take photos!
Tips to Keep in Mind
- YOU WILL GET DIRTY. Embrace the dirt!
- There are port-a-potties located in the parking lot.
- Make sure to keep your phone secured inside the ATV the entire time. If it falls out on the trail, there’s a good chance you won’t be getting it back.
- If you’re prone to motion sickness, this might not be the best fit. The ride is very bumpy, and you go pretty fast at times.
- You might not have phone service on the trail.
➡️ The Highest-Rated ATV Tour in Scottsdale ⬅️
Is This Tour Good for Kids?
It really depends on the child.
Technically, kids ages 3 and up can ride along, but younger kids may not love how bumpy and fast the ride can be.
While we didn’t bring our kids this time, I think our older three (ages 10–14) would have loved it, while our youngest (age 8) might have been a little more hesitant.
One thing to keep in mind…once you’re out on the trail, you’re committed to the full experience. You have to follow the guide, so there’s not really an option to turn around early if your child isn’t enjoying it.
Teenagers can drive their own ATV if they’re 16 and have a valid driver’s license with them, which I think would make it even more fun for that age group.
Is an ATV Tour in Scottsdale Worth It?
If you love adventure and exploring more remote areas, my answer is absolutely yes!
This tour has literally THOUSANDS of 5-star reviews, so it’s a pretty safe bet. 😉
This ended up being one of the highlights of our Scottsdale trip. It’s such a fun way to experience the desert in a completely different way than just hiking or driving through.
The landscape of the Sonoran Desert is truly awe-inspiring and I can’t think of a better backdrop for an ATV trail ride. We left covered in dust, but so grateful for the experience.
So if beautiful views and the thrill of adventure are your thing, it’s 100% worth adding to your Scottsdale itinerary.
More Arizona Travel Resources:
- The Best ATV Tour in Scottsdale (What to Expect + Tips)
- 9 Things to Do in Scottsdale for an Epic Getaway
