Tour Overview
You ride your own ATV on this one. Take full control of a fully automatic, single-rider machine and follow your guide into the Tonto National Forest, where sandy washes, rocky climbs, and Saguaro-lined trails unfold beneath the iconic Four Peaks. No passengers, no sharing the wheel - just you, the throttle, and the Sonoran Desert.
Duration: 2 Hours
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Solo Pilot Experience: Take full control of your own fully automatic, single-rider ATV for the entire duration of the tour.
- No Experience Needed: Every tour starts with a safety briefing and hands-on riding instruction from your guide.
- Tonto National Forest Trails: Navigate the diverse terrain of the Four Peaks area, from deep sandy washes to rugged forest tracks.
- Sonoran Scenery: Ride through dense stands of Saguaro cacti with the massive granite spires of Four Peaks as your backdrop.
- Free Daytime Photos: Photos of your daytime tour are included at no extra charge.
TOUR ITINERARY
After meeting at the Four Peaks Staging Area, we'll get you fitted for your helmet and goggles before a thorough safety briefing on ATV operation. Once the group is ready, we head straight into the Tonto National Forest, transitioning from wide-open desert floor to more technical, winding trails. You'll feel the power of the machine as we cut through dry washes and climb steady grades through the foothills.
The middle of the run features a stop at a primary scenic overlook, giving you a chance to clear the dust, grab some water, and take in the scale of the Four Peaks wilderness. We keep a steady pace on the return leg, utilizing different trail segments to ensure you see as much of the Sonoran Desert landscape as possible. We wrap up the session back at the staging area, leaving you with plenty of trail stories and desert photos.
Pricing
$199/ATV.
*Prices don't include 5% fuel surcharge & 8.1% tax.
*Transportation may be available from select hotels/resorts for $35/person (8-person minimum); if there are fewer people transportation is still available for $280.
*Groups 8+ incur a 15% gratuity.
WHO THIS TOUR IS FOR
- Solo riders: You get your own machine - no passengers, no sharing the wheel.
- Adrenaline seekers: Sandy washes, rocky climbs, and winding desert trails at a pace matched to your skill.
- Independent drivers: Every rider drives a fully automatic, single-rider ATV for the entire tour.
Traveling with passengers or younger riders? Our Sonoran Desert UTV Adventure seats 2-4 people per machine, and our Scottsdale Dune Buggy Tours let pairs trade driving duties in a 2-seat sand buggy.
ATV, UTV, OR DUNE BUGGY - WHICH OFF-ROAD TOUR IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
- Solo ATV (this tour): One rider per machine. You drive your own fully automatic ATV - $199 per ATV, drivers 16+. 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 couples, families, and groups who want to ride together in one vehicle.
- Scottsdale Dune Buggy Tours: A 2-seat 800cc sand buggy you drive yourself, with a driver switch at the midpoint. Best for pairs who both want time behind the wheel.
All three run guided on Sonoran Desert trails in the Tonto National Forest. Not sure which fits your group? Contact us and we'll point you to the right ride.
REQUIREMENTS
- Skill Level: Beginner-friendly; no experience required. Drivers must be 16+ with a valid ID.
- Minimum Age: 16 years old (single-rider ATVs only; no passengers).
- Walking: Minimal; primarily limited to mounting/dismounting and scenic stops.
- Special Requirements: Closed-toe shoes are mandatory. Long pants and sun protection are highly recommended.
- Not Recommended For: Pregnant travelers or anyone with significant back or neck conditions - desert trails are rough and bumpy.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Guide: Professional off-road trail guide.
- Vehicle: Fully automatic, single-rider ATV and fuel.
- Safety Gear: Helmet, goggles, and bandanna.
- Refreshments: Bottled water and light snacks.
- Photos: Free photos of your daytime tour.
- Permits: Bureau of Land Management and Tonto National Forest land-use permits.
What to Bring
- Footwear: Comfortable closed-toe shoes.
- Clothing: Weather-appropriate layers.
- Sun Protection: Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Personal Items: Camera, medications, and a small bag for personal essentials.
SEASON & DEPARTURE TIMES
Departure times vary by season. From March through May and in September, tours depart at 8:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 2:00 PM. From June through August, departures are at 8:00 AM only. From October through February, departures are at 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 3:00 PM.
IMPORTANT NOTES
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED: Your party DOES NOT have to meet the 4 person minimum, we can group parties together. Please arrive 15 minutes early to complete paperwork and safety orientations. Please note: there are no restrooms at the trailhead.
CANCELLATION POLICY
This tour has a 72-hour cancellation policy. Please read your confirmation email for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the tour?
Approximately 2 hours on the trail, with additional time for check-in, the safety briefing, and hands-on riding instruction at the staging area.
How much does the tour cost?
$199 per ATV, plus a 5% fuel surcharge and 8.1% tax. A 15% gratuity is added for groups of 8 or more guests. Optional transportation may be available from select hotels and resorts for $35 per person (8-person minimum) or $280 for smaller groups.
Can I bring a passenger on my ATV?
No - all ATVs on this tour are single-rider only, with no passengers. Traveling with someone who'd rather ride along? Our Sonoran Desert UTV Adventure takes passengers ages 6+ in 2-seat ($325) or 4-seat ($575) vehicles, and ATVs and UTVs can ride together on the same tour.
What are the age requirements?
Drivers must be 16 or older with a valid ID. ATVs are single-rider only - there is no passenger minimum age because ATVs do not take passengers.
When does the tour depart?
Departure times vary by season: March through May and September at 8:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 2:00 PM; June through August at 8:00 AM only; October through February at 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 3:00 PM. A minimum of 4 guests is required for each departure to operate - your party does not have to meet the minimum, as smaller groups may be combined.
What is the cancellation policy?
This tour has a 72-hour cancellation policy. Please read your confirmation email for full details.
Have more questions? View our Sonoran Desert Solo ATV Tour FAQ →
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