Where Few Vehicles Can Go: A Guide's Take on the H1 Hummer Adventure
The Closest You'll Get to a Humvee
There's a reason the U.S. military built its fleets around the Humvee: bold, versatile, and capable of going where almost nothing else can. The H1 Hummer is the closest a civilian can get to that machine - and on this tour, you don't even have to drive it.
The H1 Hummer Adventure is a guided trek out of Phoenix and Scottsdale into the wilder corners of the Sonoran Desert: mud, dirt, water, and rocks - all the same to an H1.
What the H1 Can Actually Do
The numbers read like exaggerations, but they're the spec sheet:
- Climb a 22-inch vertical wall without losing momentum.
- Scale 60-degree slopes and traverse 40-degree side slopes.
- Ford 30 inches of water - that's a 2.5-foot river crossing, done dry.
- 16 inches of ground clearance over rock and rut.
Up to 12 guests ride high above the ground, with room for the whole crew - bachelor parties, families, corporate teams, and anyone who wants the story afterward.
Bulldog Canyon and the Superstition Mountains
The route covers nearly 20 miles of rugged trails through Bulldog Canyon, with panoramic views of the Superstition Mountains and Four Peaks. Apache legend says the entrance to the underworld lies somewhere in this range; others swear a lost gold mine is still hidden in it. Either way, the scenery is the real treasure.
One minute you're rolling along a dusty desert corridor, the next you're fording a seasonal wash - the Sonoran Desert keeps changing the script. The tour operates with express permission from the Bureau of Land Management and the Tonto National Forest, which is how it reaches country ordinary vehicles never see.
Your Guide Drives - You Take It All In
No off-road experience needed. A professional guide handles the wheel, the line choices, and the tricky bits while you focus on the views. Expect a bumpy, exhilarating ride - and free daytime photos of your tour delivered via SmugMug, so the group shot actually gets taken.
Who Should Ride
- First-timers welcome: no experience necessary; the guide does the driving.
- Families: ages 3 and up; car seats required for children 5 and under.
- Groups: the H1 holds up to 12 - ideal for celebrations and team outings.
Wear closed-toe shoes and long pants (no flip flops or sandals) and bring sun protection. One honest note: the ride is not recommended for pregnant guests or anyone with back or neck injuries.
Timing & Logistics
The adventure runs about 3 hours total with roughly 2 hours on trail, at $169 per person. Departures are at 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM year-round - arrive 15 minutes early. Hotel and resort pickup is included in most cases for select Phoenix and Scottsdale locations, and snacks and bottled water ride along. There are no restrooms at the trailhead, and each tour time needs a minimum of 4 guests to operate (parties can be grouped together).
The full rundown is on the H1 Hummer Tour FAQ.
Ready to Ride?
Check availability and details on the H1 Hummer Adventure tour page - and find out what a Hummer can really do.