One Trail, Every Rider: A Guide's Take on the Scottsdale ATV & UTV Combo Tour

Every group that books an off-road tour has the same quiet argument. Half the group wants to drive - hands on the wheel, reading the trail, picking their own line through the wash. The other half wants to ride along, camera out, enjoying the scenery without the responsibility. Book one kind of machine and somebody compromises. That argument is exactly why the ATV & UTV combo tour exists, and after guiding it, I can tell you it's the easiest recommendation we make to mixed groups.

The Problem the Combo Solves

Most operators run ATV tours and UTV tours as separate products, on separate departures. If your group splits between the two, you end up on different trails at different times - and the whole point of doing this together evaporates.

The combo tour works differently: single-rider ATVs and 2- or 4-seat Kawasaki Teryx4 UTVs roll out as one group, on one trail, behind one lead guide. The drivers who want their own machine take an ATV. Couples, kids, and anyone who'd rather ride share a UTV. Everyone gets the same views, the same stops, and the same stories at the end - nobody splits up.

Choosing Your Machine

Here's how I steer groups when they ask which to pick:

• Solo ATV ($199 per ATV): Sit-on-top, handlebars, just you and the trail. Best for confident drivers who want the hands-on experience. Drivers must be 16 or older, and ATVs are single-rider only - no passengers.
• 2-Seat UTV ($325 per vehicle): Sit inside with a steering wheel, side by side with a partner. The pick for couples, or a parent with a kid along. Drivers 16+, passengers 6 and up.
• 4-Seat UTV ($575 per vehicle): The same Teryx4 platform with room for up to three passengers. This is the one I point families and friend groups toward - one vehicle, whole crew together.

No experience is required on either machine. Every departure starts with a full safety briefing and vehicle orientation, and the guide leads the whole way, so first-timers settle in within the first few minutes.

How the Day Runs

You'll meet at our staging area in the Four Peaks area of the Tonto National Forest - an easy drive from Scottsdale or Phoenix, with exact directions and your meeting time arriving with your confirmation. Plan to be there 20-30 minutes before departure for check-in, waivers, and gear fitting; helmets, goggles, and bandannas are all provided.

Once everyone's geared up, the convoy rolls out together. The route winds through technical washes and climbs toward elevated ridges, with stops at scenic viewpoints for water and photos. After a series of mountain passes, the group loops back to the staging area - roughly two hours on the trail, and free photos of your daytime tour to take home.

Departures run at 8:00 AM from May through October, and at 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 3:00 PM from November through April. A minimum of four guests is required for the tour to operate; smaller parties may be combined.

What to Know Before You Go

• Footwear: Closed-toe shoes are mandatory. Long pants and sun protection are strongly recommended.
• Bring: Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a camera with a wrist strap - your guide will pause at the good spots.
• Transportation: Optional hotel/resort pickup may be available for $35 per person (8-person minimum) or a $280 flat rate.
• The fine print: 8.1% tax and a 5% federal land-use permit fee are added to your total, and a 15% gratuity is automatically added for groups of 8 or more. There are no restrooms at the trailhead, so plan ahead.
• Booking: This tour is inquiry-based - you request availability, and we confirm your vehicle mix and pricing before any card is charged. Cancellations are free up to 72 hours before departure.

Who It's For

Families with kids old enough to ride (6+). Bachelor and bachelorette parties where the group can't agree on anything - except this. Corporate outings and reunions that need one coordinated run for a big, mixed group. Honestly, if your group has more than one opinion about how to ride, this is the tour.

Ready to put your group on one trail? Request availability for the ATV & UTV combo tour, and have more questions? Our combo tour FAQ covers everything else.