Explore the rugged terrain of the Mojave Desert on a guided or self-drive ATV tour. Most excursions include round-trip transportation from the Las Vegas Strip and all necessary safety gear for a thrilling off-road adventure.
Explore the Mojave Desert on a 1.5-hour guided ATV tour including round-trip transport from the Las Vegas Strip.
Ride through the Nellis Dunes on an ATV with Strip pickup and views of the Las Vegas skyline.
Explore the Mojave Desert on a guided 450cc ATV tour with round-trip shuttle service from Mandalay Bay.
Free Cancellation Drive a Polaris RZR through Mojave Desert trails on a 2.5-hour guided tour with opportunities to swap drivers.
Ride an ATV through the Mojave Desert’s rugged terrain on a guided tour suitable for all skill levels.
Drive an ATV or UTV through rugged Nevada trails on this 2-hour desert adventure 20 minutes from the Strip.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Mojave Desert — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Riding an ATV through the Mojave Desert offers an adrenaline-pumping way to experience Nevada's rugged, arid landscapes. Most tours operate just outside Las Vegas in designated off-road areas like Nellis Dunes, Nelson Hills, or Jean, providing a thrilling mix of sandy trails, dry washes, and rocky terrain while keeping you safe with professional guides and top-notch gear.
Every tour starts with a mandatory safety briefing and vehicle orientation. You will complete a practice lap to ensure you are comfortable before hitting the open desert.
Expect to navigate a variety of desert landscapes. Routes feature sandy dunes, hilly sections, and ancient volcanic rock formations that require active, full-body riding.
You do not need to bring your own equipment. All tours provide mandatory DOT-approved helmets, goggles, and often gloves or face masks to protect against the heavy dust.
Most guided tours include round-trip, air-conditioned transportation. Shuttles typically pick up from major Las Vegas Strip locations like Mandalay Bay, Bellagio, or Excalibur.
Choose between riding a solo 450cc ATV or driving a multi-passenger UTV/Polaris RZR. UTV options usually include designated stops so licensed drivers can swap seats.
Before you rev up your engine, here are the essential details you need to know about booking an off-road adventure in the Mojave Desert.
To drive a solo ATV, you must be at least 18 years old and present a valid photo ID or passport. Minors cannot drive ATVs. If you book a UTV or RZR, passengers can be younger (usually 4+ or 12+ depending on the operator), but the driver must have a valid driver's license.
Closed-toe and closed-heel shoes are absolutely mandatory. Crocs, flip-flops, sandals, and Yeezy Foam Runners are strictly rejected, and you will not get a refund if you show up in them. Long pants and comfortable UPF clothing are highly recommended to protect against the sun and brush.
Operating an ATV requires full-body exertion to steer, brake, and balance over uneven terrain. These tours are not recommended for pregnant travelers, individuals with spinal or neck injuries, or those with poor cardiovascular health.
Drug and alcohol use before or during the activity is strictly forbidden. If guides suspect you are under the influence, you will be disqualified from riding and no refund will be issued.
Full-face helmets must be worn at all times while operating vehicles. If your hair or religious headwear prevents the helmet from fitting securely, you will not be allowed to participate.
Most ATV tours operate with a strict 'all sales final' policy, meaning no refunds are available for cancellations or failing the safety orientation. Only a few specific UTV/RZR tours offer a 24-hour cancellation window.
For UTV and RZR self-drive tours, you may be required to bring a valid credit card for a temporary hold (often around $750) to cover potential vehicle damage deductibles.
| Guided Solo ATV Tour | Guided Multi-Passenger RZR | Self-Drive UTV Experience | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Type | Single-rider ATV | 2 to 4-seat Polaris RZR | 2 to 4-seat UTV |
| Duration | 2 to 4 hours | 4 hours | 2.5 hours |
| Minimum Age to Drive | 18+ years old | 18+ (Passengers 12+) | 16+ (with adult) |
| Starting Price | $95.00 | $114.99 | $103.55 |
The natural outdoor areas of the Mojave Desert are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. However, ATV tours operate on specific schedules, typically offering morning and afternoon departure times. You will need to select a specific time slot when booking.
If you plan to visit the Mojave National Preserve independently, note that the Kelso Depot Visitor Center is currently closed for renovations. The Headquarters Information Center in Barstow is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Most ATV tours include complimentary round-trip shuttle service from designated meeting points on the Las Vegas Strip, such as Mandalay Bay, Bellagio, or Treasure Island. The drive to the desert base camps (like Jean, NV or Nellis Dunes) takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
If you choose a self-drive option or are visiting the wider Mojave Desert on your own, you will need a rental car. Warning: There are zero gas stations inside the 1.6-million-acre Mojave National Preserve, so you must fill your tank completely in surrounding towns like Baker or Needles before entering.
The best time to book a desert ATV tour is during the spring and autumn months. Late spring is especially beautiful as wildflowers bloom across the dunes and hillsides, and temperatures are mild enough for physical exertion.
Summer (June through August) is the worst time to visit. Temperatures frequently exceed 110°F (43°C), making outdoor activities extremely dangerous. If you must ride in the summer, book the earliest morning tour available to avoid peak afternoon heat.
Driving a solo ATV is not wheelchair accessible and requires full-body mobility, hand strength to operate brakes, and the ability to absorb impacts from rough terrain. However, some multi-passenger RZR tours allow individuals with limited mobility to ride securely as passengers.
For general sightseeing in the wider Mojave region, there are accessible options like the Crystal Boardwalk in the Ash Meadows Wildlife Refuge, which features flat, wheelchair-accessible paths and accessible parking.
Facilities at ATV base camps are generally limited to basic restrooms, safety briefing areas, and gear storage. Bottled water is provided on almost all tours to prevent dehydration.
Out in the desert, there are no facilities. Cell phone service is completely non-existent across most of the Mojave. You should never rely on smartphone GPS apps alone if exploring independently; always carry physical maps or dedicated off-road GPS devices.
Off-Roading Limits: Non-street-legal vehicles (like ATVs and UTVs) are strictly prohibited inside the official boundaries of the Mojave National Preserve. This is why all commercial ATV tours operate on designated BLM lands or private sites just outside Las Vegas (like Nellis Dunes or Nelson Hills).
For solo ATVs, a driver's license is usually not required, but you must be at least 18 years old and present a valid photo ID or passport. If you are booking a multi-passenger UTV or RZR, the driver must present a valid driver's license.
No, standard ATVs are strictly limited to one person per vehicle for safety reasons. If you want to ride together, you should book a 2-seat or 4-seat UTV/RZR tour instead.
You must wear closed-toe and closed-heel shoes, such as sneakers or hiking boots. Tour operators strictly prohibit Crocs, flip-flops, sandals, and Yeezy Foam Runners, and you will be denied participation without a refund if you wear them.
No. Non-street-legal vehicles like ATVs and UTVs are strictly prohibited inside the Mojave National Preserve. The tours operate in the wider Mojave Desert region on designated off-road trails near Las Vegas, such as Nellis Dunes, Nelson Hills, or Jean, Nevada.
Minors under 18 cannot drive their own ATVs. However, they can join as passengers on UTV or RZR tours. Depending on the specific tour operator, passengers must be at least 4 or 12 years old and accompanied by a parent or guardian.
All riders must successfully complete a safety orientation and vehicle assessment. If the guides determine you cannot safely operate the ATV, you will be disqualified from the tour and no refund will be issued.
Yes, the majority of guided ATV tours include complimentary round-trip shuttle service from designated meeting points on the Las Vegas Strip, such as Mandalay Bay, Excalibur, or Treasure Island.
No, cell phone service is extremely unreliable and mostly non-existent throughout the Mojave Desert. Do not rely on your phone for communication or GPS while out on the trails.
Most desert ATV tours operate rain or shine. You should dress appropriately for the weather. In the rare event of severe, unsafe weather conditions, the operator will contact you regarding rescheduling.
No prior experience is necessary. Every tour includes a comprehensive safety briefing, gear fitting, and a practice session to teach you how to operate the handlebars, brakes, and throttle before heading out.
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This tour begins with a shuttle pickup from a central location on the Las Vegas Strip. After a short drive into the Mojave Desert, your guide will walk you through a safety briefing and provide all the necessary gear for your ride. You will spend 1.5 hours riding an ATV across the desert landscape. The guided route is designed to show you the local terrain, with a scheduled stop for photos along the way. Once the ride is finished, your guide will transport you back to the Las Vegas Strip.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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This tour includes round-trip transportation from a central meeting point on the Las Vegas Strip. After arriving at the dunes, you will be fitted with a helmet and goggles. Every rider is required to pass a safety orientation and vehicle assessment to proceed with the tour. The ride covers the natural desert landscape of the Nellis Dunes, offering views of the Las Vegas skyline throughout the trip. If you select the sunrise time slot, you can watch the sun come up and may see military jets flying nearby from the local airbase. Note that all bookings are final and no refunds are issued for cancellations.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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Your tour begins with an air-conditioned shuttle pickup at the Mandalay Bay Hotel (Front Entrance, Lower Level). You will be transported to a dedicated riding site in the Mojave Desert, where the team provides all necessary safety gear and a briefing on how to operate your 450cc ATV. Once prepared, follow your guide on a 60-minute ride through desert trails. The route offers views of the rugged landscape and the chance to see local wildlife in their natural habitat. After the ride, the shuttle returns you directly to the hotel.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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This 2.5-hour guided tour takes you into the Mojave Desert behind the wheel of a Polaris RZR. You will follow a guide through varied desert terrain, navigating sandy trails and hilly sections. For groups sharing a vehicle, there are designated stops where you can switch drivers so everyone gets a turn behind the wheel. As you ride, you will pass through groves of Joshua trees and learn about the desert's ecosystem. Your guide will provide information on the local environment, including the protected desert tortoise and other native flora and fauna found throughout the region.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Located just a short drive from Las Vegas, this guided tour takes you into the heart of the Mojave Desert. After a safety briefing and gear fitting, you’ll head out onto a network of trails that showcase the region's diverse terrain. The route is designed to accommodate everyone from first-time riders to those with more off-road experience. As you navigate the desert floor, you’ll encounter wide-open flats, rocky paths, and elevated points offering views of the surrounding mountains. Your guide leads the group, ensuring everyone stays on track while highlighting the natural features of the landscape. This tour provides a direct way to experience the Mojave’s raw environment away from the city.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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Located 20 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, this two-hour excursion allows you to pilot your own vehicle through the Nevada desert. You can choose between a solo ATV or a UTV that seats two to four passengers. No prior off-roading experience is required to participate. Before heading out, on-site staff provide a hands-on orientation and safety briefing. Every driver must complete a mandatory practice lap to ensure they are comfortable with the vehicle’s controls. Once prepared, you will navigate wide-open desert trails, sandy dunes, and rugged terrain at your own pace.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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