Explore the stunning red sandstone formations of the Valley of Fire and ride ATVs through the rugged Mojave Desert. These guided tours include round-trip transportation from Las Vegas, making it easy to escape the city for a day of adventure.
A guided 1.5-hour ATV tour through the Mojave Desert with round-trip transportation from the Las Vegas Strip.
Free Cancellation Explore ancient petroglyphs and glowing red sandstone formations at Nevada’s oldest state park near Las Vegas.
Free Cancellation Explore Valley of Fire’s red sandstone formations and hidden trails on a guided small-group day trip from Las Vegas.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Mojave Desert — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Tours from Las Vegas to the Mojave Desert offer an incredible escape into a vast, 1.6-million-acre landscape of striking geological formations and rich history. Expect guided adventures ranging from high-octane ATV rides across dusty trails to scenic, small-group hikes through vibrant red sandstone canyons.
Ride across rugged desert trails on a guided ATV tour. Gear and a comprehensive safety orientation are provided for an adrenaline-pumping experience.
Witness dramatic red Aztec sandstone formations that appear to glow in the sunlight. Many tours include stops to explore ancient Indian petroglyphs.
Scramble up massive, 650-foot golden sand dunes. If you listen closely, you can hear the rare 'singing' sound as the sand cascades down the slopes.
Hike through Banshee Canyon using mounted metal rings to climb vertical rock walls. The wind-eroded holes create an otherworldly, dramatic atmosphere.
Descend into a dark, underground volcanic cave. Watch as spectacular beams of sunlight pierce through the ceiling to illuminate the dark basalt walls.
Marvel at the dense forests of iconic, twisted Joshua trees endemic to the region. The resilient landscape offers stunning photography opportunities.
Planning your Mojave Desert excursion from Las Vegas is straightforward, but there are a few important details to keep in mind before reserving your spot.
Choose between high-energy ATV excursions and relaxed, small-group sightseeing tours in climate-controlled vans. Most tours are half-day or full-day guided experiences departing directly from the Las Vegas Strip or Downtown Fremont areas.
Most guided tours include roundtrip transportation, unlimited bottled water, and necessary admission fees (like Valley of Fire entry). ATV tours also provide essential safety gear including helmets, goggles, and gloves.
ATV tours strictly require drivers to be 18 or older with a valid photo ID, and minors cannot ride on the standard tour. These active excursions are not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.
Closed-toe shoes are absolutely mandatory for ATV rides and highly recommended for hiking. Dress in breathable layers, as desert temperatures fluctuate wildly after sunset, and bring sunglasses and strong sunscreen.
While some visitor centers and nearby areas like Ash Meadows have wheelchair-accessible boardwalks, ATV tours and rugged backcountry hikes are not wheelchair accessible. Small-group van tours can accommodate strollers and specialized infant seats.
Always check your specific tour's policy before booking. Sightseeing van tours typically offer a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours in advance, while ATV tour sales are often final with no refunds available.
Drug and alcohol use is strictly forbidden on all tours, especially ATV rides, and guests under the influence will be turned away without a refund. Additionally, drones are entirely prohibited in the Mojave National Preserve to protect local wildlife.
| Half-Day ATV Tour | VIP Small Group Sightseeing | Hiking & Scenery Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 4 hours | Half to Full-Day | Full-Day |
| Best for | Adrenaline seekers & solo drivers (18+) | Families, photographers, relaxed sightseeing | Nature lovers & active hikers |
| Includes | ATV, safety gear, Las Vegas pickup | Van transport, park fees, water | Round-trip transport, snacks, admission |
| Price from | $130 | $130 | $120 |
Mojave National Preserve: All outdoor areas, including roads, trails, parking lots, and campgrounds, are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, unless adverse weather conditions impact access.
Visitor Centers: The Kelso Depot Visitor Center is currently closed for extensive renovations. If you need in-person information, the park's Headquarters Information Center in Barstow is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Guided Tours: Tour departure times vary, but most Las Vegas pickups occur in the early morning to beat the intense midday desert heat.
Guided Tours: The easiest way to visit from Las Vegas is by booking a guided tour. Most operators provide round-trip transportation in climate-controlled 7-seat minivans or 15-seat passenger vans, picking up directly from select Strip and Fremont Street hotels.
Driving Yourself: If you rent a car to explore independently, the preserve is easily accessible via I-15 or I-40. Crucial Warning: There are zero gas stations inside the 1.6-million-acre preserve. You must completely fill your gas tank in surrounding towns like Baker, Fenner, or Needles before entering.
Ideal Months: The best time to visit the Mojave Desert is during the late spring and autumn. Late spring brings spectacular wildflower blooms that carpet the desert floor, while autumn offers mild, bearable temperatures perfect for hiking.
Months to Avoid: Summer (June through August) is extremely dangerous. Temperatures frequently exceed 110°F (43°C), making outdoor activities hazardous. Winter can also be challenging, with temperatures dropping near freezing after sunset and occasional snow making high-elevation roads impassable.
Wheelchair Access: The Mojave Desert offers some accessible options, such as the Crystal Boardwalk hike in the nearby Ash Meadows Wildlife Refuge, which features wheelchair-accessible boardwalks. Accessible bathrooms are available at the visitor center and Point of Rocks.
Tour Accessibility: Sightseeing van tours generally accommodate strollers and offer scenic overlooks easily accessible by car. However, ATV tours and rugged backcountry trails (like Hole-in-the-Wall) are not wheelchair accessible and involve uneven gravel, sand, and loose rock.
Food and Water: Services are virtually non-existent inside the preserve. You must bring all your own food and carry at least one gallon of water per person, per day. Guided tours typically provide unlimited bottled water and snacks.
Restrooms and Camping: Outdoor restrooms are available at major trailheads and campgrounds. Camping requires reservations and fees at Hole-In-The-Wall, Mid-Hills, Group, and Equestrian campgrounds.
Communication: Cell phone service is extremely unreliable and mostly non-existent. Do not rely solely on smartphone GPS; carry physical maps.
Yes, most guided tours offer convenient round-trip transportation from designated hotels on the Las Vegas Strip and the Downtown Fremont area. You will receive an email with your exact pickup time and location 24 hours before your tour.
There is no entrance fee for the Mojave National Preserve itself. However, nearby state parks like Valley of Fire do charge admission, but these fees are typically included in the price of your guided tour.
No. The minimum age to drive an ATV on these tours is 18 years old, and a valid photo ID is required. Minors are not permitted to ride on the standard ATV tour, and no refunds are given if an underage driver is booked.
Yes, guided van tours make stops at visitor centers and designated rest areas equipped with bathrooms. However, if you are venturing deep into the preserve on your own, facilities are limited to major trailheads and campgrounds.
No, drones and unmanned aircraft are strictly prohibited in all land and airspace managed by the National Park Service. This rule is heavily enforced to protect local wildlife and preserve the natural solitude of the desert.
Closed-toe shoes are absolutely mandatory for ATV tours and highly recommended for any hiking or sightseeing tours. The desert terrain is rugged, and proper footwear protects your feet from sharp rocks, cacti, and hot sand.
Cell phone service is extremely unreliable and mostly non-existent throughout the desert. If you are driving yourself, you must carry physical maps or a dedicated off-road GPS device rather than relying on smartphone apps.
Summer temperatures in the Mojave Desert are extreme, frequently exceeding 110°F (43°C) from June through August. If visiting during this time, it is crucial to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous midday hikes, and stick to air-conditioned tour vehicles.
Yes, depending on your specific route, you are likely to see Joshua trees. The Mojave Desert is famous for them, particularly the dense Cima Forest, which remains a striking sight despite recent wildfires.
Cancellation policies vary by operator. Small-group sightseeing tours to Valley of Fire usually offer a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance. However, ATV tours generally have a strict 'all sales are final' policy with no refunds.
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Your guide will meet you at a central location on the Las Vegas Strip for the drive out to the Mojave Desert. Before starting, you’ll receive a safety orientation and all the necessary gear for the ride. The tour features 1.5 hours of guided riding across desert trails, with time included for photos of the landscape. After the ride is complete, your guide will provide transportation back to the original pickup point.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
English
Located an hour from Las Vegas, Valley of Fire State Park is known for its dramatic red Aztec sandstone formations. These rocks are famous for reflecting the sunlight in a way that makes the entire valley appear to glow, especially during the late afternoon. The park offers a stark contrast to the city, featuring vast desert landscapes and unique geological features shaped over millions of years. While the scenery is the main draw, the area also holds significant historical value. You can find well-preserved petroglyphs left by prehistoric civilizations carved directly into the canyon walls. The park is easy to navigate for groups, providing a mix of scenic overlooks and walks that highlight both the natural beauty and the ancient history of the Mojave Desert.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Portuguese, English, Spanish
This small-group tour provides round-trip transportation from Las Vegas hotels to Valley of Fire, Nevada’s oldest state park. You will spend the day exploring the Mojave Desert's distinct red sandstone landscapes and hiking through scenic desert terrain without the need for a rental car. Your guide will lead you to well-known landmarks such as Elephant Rock, Rainbow Vista, and the historic stone cabins, as well as two secluded spots off the main tourist path. The small group size allows for a more flexible pace, ensuring plenty of time for photography and exploring the trails before heading back to the city.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish