
Tour Overview
Pilot your own 800cc 2-seat sand buggy through the Sonoran Desert on a guided dune buggy tour featuring rugged trail navigation and professional instruction.
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
Your adventure begins when you meet at the Butcher Jones OHV trailhead (please arrive 15 minutes early). Prefer door-to-door service? Round-trip resort transportation is available as an add-on (see Pricing).
Gear up and brief: Helmets on, a full safety briefing, and you meet your buggy. Then take the wheel - you'll drive the whole route through washes, rock gardens, and water crossings (when in season), with your guide leading and keeping it safe.
Switch at the midpoint so everyone gets behind the wheel, then ride out the full 2+ hours on the trail - with free action photos to remember it by.
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 (please call)
Private tours available for an additional $250.
Prices do not include tax (9.02%), Tonto permit ($7.99/vehicle), or fuel surcharge ($12.99).
Groups of 8+ vehicles incur an automatic 15% gratuity.
Guide gratuity is not included.
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
This tour operates year-round, rain or shine, with morning, afternoon, and sunset departure times. Summer schedules earlier starts so you ride in the best conditions. Typical duration is 2+ hours on the trail.
Important Notes
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED: Please book in advance to ensure guide availability. Please call for groups larger than 12 vehicles.
Cancellation Policy
This tour has a 72-hour cancellation policy. Please read your confirmation email for details.











