Tour Overview
Drive your own 800cc 2-seat dune buggy through the Sonoran Desert on a guided UTV tour built for first-timers: 2+ hours on the trail, a driver switch at the midpoint so everyone gets wheel time, and free action photos of your run. No experience needed - if you can drive a car, you can drive this buggy.
Duration: 2+ hours on the trail
Tour Highlights
- You Drive: Pilot your own high-powered 800cc 2-seat sand buggy through sandy washes, rock gardens, and water crossings (when in season) - no experience needed.
- Switch at the Midpoint: Trade driver and passenger so everyone gets seat time behind the wheel.
- Expert Guide, Always: Full safety briefing and desert know-how throughout, with a pro leading the route.
- Tonto National Forest: Exclusive access to rugged terrain and canyons just minutes from Scottsdale.
- Free Action Photos: Your run, captured by the team - every tour, no extra charge.
Tour Itinerary
Meet your pro guide at our Tonto National Forest OHV staging area (exact turn-by-turn directions arrive in your confirmation email). We'll get you fitted with DOT-certified helmets, goggles, and a complimentary souvenir Face Gator before walking through a comprehensive safety and vehicle briefing.
Strap in and pilot your 800cc sand buggy behind your lead guide. You'll navigate iconic Sonoran Desert terrain-carving through sandy washes, tackling rugged rock gardens, and splashing through seasonal water crossings with constant guide support.
Swap roles at the trail midpoint so both riders get equal time behind the wheel. Enjoy 2+ full hours of active trail riding, complete with high-res action photos captured by our team-included free with every tour.
Pricing
$299 per 2-seat sand buggy - two riders, one machine ($150 per person)
$199 for a single driver - when groups have an odd number of drivers (write to [email protected])
Contact us to confirm vehicles and pricing.
Want the desert to yourselves? See our Private VIP Dune Buggy Tours.
Who This Tour Is For
- First-timers and beginners: If you can drive a car, you can drive this buggy - full instruction and a safety briefing are included.
- Couples and pairs: Two seats, one machine, and a driver switch at the midpoint so you both get wheel time.
- Friend and celebration groups: Birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and reunions ride together in a convoy of buggies.
- Social-content seekers: Free action photos of your run, with saguaro-lined trails and desert sky as the backdrop.
Dune Buggy, ATV, or UTV - Which Off-Road Tour Is Right for You?
Looking for an "ATV tour"? Here's the difference: an ATV is a machine you sit on top of and straddle, like a motorcycle - that's our Solo ATV tour. A UTV or sand buggy is a machine you sit inside, with a steering wheel, seat belts, and a roll cage - that's this tour. Both are a blast; they just fit different riders.
- Dune Buggy (this tour): The easiest self-drive format we offer. A 2-seat 800cc sand buggy with a driver switch at the midpoint - $299 per buggy ($150 per person), drivers 16+, passengers 8+. Best for first-timers, couples, and pairs.
- Solo ATV: Your own single-rider ATV, straddle-style - $199 per ATV, drivers 16+, no passengers. Best for independent drivers who want full control of the throttle.
- UTV Adventure: 2-seat ($325) or 4-seat ($575) UTVs with room for passengers ages 6+. Best for families and groups who want to ride together in one vehicle.
All three run guided on Sonoran Desert trails in the Tonto National Forest. Prefer golden hour? This same buggy tour runs at sunset too - see our Scottsdale Sunset Dune Buggy Tours. Not sure which fits your group? Contact us and we'll point you to the right ride.
Requirements
- Skill Level: Beginner - no experience needed. If you can drive a car, you can drive our buggies.
- Drivers: 16+ with a valid driver's license.
- Passengers: 8 years and older.
- Attire: Closed-toe shoes required. Helmets and goggles provided.
What's Included
- Buggy: High-powered 800cc 2-seat sand buggy.
- Guide: Expert guide leading the route, with a full safety briefing.
- Safety Gear: DOT-certified helmets, goggles, and a souvenir Face Gator.
- Refreshments: Beverages and snacks.
- Photos: Free action photos of your tour.
- Permits: All Tonto National Forest trail permits.
What to Bring
- Footwear: Closed-toe shoes required.
- Clothing: Clothes you don't mind getting dusty.
- Sun Protection: Sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Camera: Your phone for extra shots (we take free photos, too).
Season & Departure Times
From May through October, rendezvous times are at 7:00 AM. From November through April, departures are at 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, and 3:00 PM.
Important Notes
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED: Please book in advance to ensure guide availability. Please write to [email protected] for groups larger than 12 vehicles.
Cancellation Policy
This tour has a 72-hour cancellation policy. Please read your confirmation email for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the dune buggy tour cost?
$299 per 2-seat sand buggy - two riders, one machine ($150 per person). When groups have an odd number of drivers, a single-driver buggy is $199. Price does not include tax (9.02%), a permit fee ($7.99 per vehicle), a fuel surcharge ($12.99), or optional guide gratuities.
How long is the tour?
2+ hours on the trail, plus additional time at check-in for gearing up and the full safety and vehicle briefing.
What time do tours depart?
From May through October, tours depart at 7:00 AM. From November through April, departures are at 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, and 3:00 PM.
What are the age requirements?
Drivers must be 16 or older with a valid driver's license; passengers must be 8 or older. No experience is needed - if you can drive a car, you can drive this buggy.
Is there a minimum number of participants?
Yes - a 2-person minimum is required for this tour to operate. The $199 single-driver option is only for groups with an odd number of drivers, not a solo-traveler rate. Solo travelers should contact us about joining an existing group.
What is the cancellation policy?
This tour has a 72-hour cancellation policy. All cancellations are subject to a one-time $25 cancellation fee. Please read your confirmation email for full details.
Have more questions? View our Scottsdale Dune Buggy Tour FAQ →
You might also like
Private VIP Dune Buggy & UTV Tours from Scottsdale
Your group. Your guide. Your desert. A fully private 2-seat dune buggy expedition through the Sonoran Desert - custom start time, your pace, no strangers on the trail.
Explore →
Scottsdale Sunset Dune Buggy & UTV Tours
Chase golden hour across the Sonoran Desert in your own 2-seat sand buggy - fiery skies, cooler air, and free sunset photos on every tour.
Explore →