Explore the Mojave Desert with guided excursions departing from Las Vegas. Choose from off-road ATV and RZR adventures, outdoor shooting experiences, or scenic trips to the Valley of Fire.
Explore the Mojave Desert on a 1.5-hour guided ATV tour with round-trip transport from the Las Vegas Strip.
Ride 450cc ATVs through the Mojave Desert on a guided trail tour with round-trip shuttle service from Mandalay Bay.
Free Cancellation Drive a Polaris RZR through Mojave Desert trails and Joshua tree forests on this 2.5-hour guided off-road tour.
Fire military weapons at an outdoor Mojave Desert range near Las Vegas, with optional ATV tours and explosive targets.
Free Cancellation Walk among ancient red sandstone formations and prehistoric carvings in Nevada’s oldest state park near Las Vegas.
Likely to Sell Out Drive new off-road buggies through Mojave Desert canyons and sandy trails with transport from Mandalay Bay.
Explore the Mojave Desert and Red Rock Canyon with scenic photo stops along Blue Diamond Road.
Free Cancellation Drive a Polaris RZR through the desert to the historic Pioneer Saloon for lunch on a 3.5-hour guided tour.
Drive an ATV across the Mojave Desert's rugged trails on a guided tour suitable for all skill levels near Las Vegas.
Free Cancellation Explore the Valley of Fire’s red sandstone and desert 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.
Exploring the Mojave Desert offers a thrilling mix of rugged off-road adventures and breathtaking natural scenery. Whether you are tearing through sandy washes in a guided ATV or marveling at the glowing red Aztec sandstone of Valley of Fire, these tours provide an unforgettable way to experience the wild, untamed beauty of the high desert.
Get behind the wheel of an ATV, RZR, or dune buggy. Guided tours take you off the paved roads and into the dusty, rugged trails of the Mojave.
Many sightseeing tours visit Nevada's oldest state park, known for its 40,000 acres of brilliant red sandstone formations that seem to catch fire in the sun.
Discover a landscape shaped by ancient tectonic activity. You'll see towering rock walls, shifting sand dunes, and deep desert canyons.
Keep an eye out for iconic desert plants, including native cacti and the famous, twisted Joshua trees that thrive in this arid environment.
Some excursions combine desert exploration with outdoor shooting packages, allowing you to safely test military-grade firearms with professional instructors.
Before you secure your spot on a Mojave Desert excursion, it is crucial to understand the strict safety rules, footwear requirements, and logistical details to ensure a smooth trip.
The Mojave Desert offers a wide variety of experiences. You can choose from high-adrenaline ATV and RZR off-road tours, outdoor shooting range packages, or more relaxed, small-group sightseeing van tours to places like Valley of Fire and Seven Magic Mountains.
To drive an off-road vehicle, you must be at least 18 years old and present a valid photo ID or passport. Minors (usually 12 and older, or at least 54 inches tall) can join as passengers on specific RZR or buggy tours, provided they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Closed-toe shoes are absolutely mandatory for all off-road and shooting tours. Crocs, sandals, flip-flops, and Yeezy Foam Runners are strictly prohibited. If you arrive without proper footwear, you will be denied participation without a refund.
Off-road desert tours are bumpy and physically demanding. They are not recommended for pregnant travelers, or anyone with spinal injuries, neck problems, or poor cardiovascular health. Additionally, a strict zero-tolerance policy for drugs and alcohol is enforced.
Most Las Vegas-based tours include round-trip transportation from designated Strip hotels (like Mandalay Bay or Excalibur), bottled water, and all necessary safety gear such as full-face helmets and goggles. Sightseeing tours typically cover state park entrance fees.
Be sure to check the specific refund policy of your chosen tour. Many ATV, buggy, and shooting experiences are strictly "All sales are final" with no refunds for cancellations. Sightseeing van tours generally offer a 24-hour cancellation window for a full refund.
| Guided ATV/Buggy Tour | Valley of Fire Sightseeing | RZR Adventure with Lunch | Desert Shooting Experience | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 3-4 hours | 5-6 hours | 5 hours | 4 hours |
| Best for | Adrenaline seekers & solo drivers | Photography, families, & relaxed pacing | Couples & groups wanting a longer ride | Bachelor parties & firearm enthusiasts |
| Includes | Safety gear, water, Vegas hotel pickup | Park admission, guided van transport, snacks | RZR vehicle, Pioneer Saloon lunch, gear | Firearm package, instructors, optional ATV |
| Price from | $109 | $120 | $185 | $126 |
The outdoor areas of the Mojave National Preserve are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can access the roads, trails, and campgrounds at any time, provided weather conditions allow safe passage.
If you are looking for visitor information, note that the Kelso Depot Visitor Center is currently closed for extensive renovations. However, the park's Headquarters Information Center located in Barstow is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Commercial guided tours generally operate during daylight hours, with morning pickups starting around 7:00 am to 8:00 am to beat the intense afternoon heat, especially in the summer months.
The Mojave Desert spans a massive area across California and Nevada. If you are taking a guided tour, almost all operators provide round-trip shuttle transportation from major Las Vegas Strip hotels (such as Mandalay Bay, Excalibur, or Treasure Island) to their desert base camps in areas like Jean, NV or Nelson Hills.
If you are driving yourself into the Mojave National Preserve, you can rent a car from cities like Bakersfield (about an hour's drive to the desert edge) or Las Vegas. Crucial warning: There are absolutely zero gas stations inside the 1.6-million-acre Preserve. You must fill your tank completely in surrounding towns like Baker, Fenner, or Needles before entering.
For budget travelers, Greyhound and FlixBus offer daily routes connecting Bakersfield to the town of Mojave, dropping passengers off at the local Carl's Jr. station.
The absolute best times to visit the Mojave Desert are during the spring and autumn months. Late spring is particularly spectacular, as the desert floor and hillsides explode with vibrant wildflower blooms, and the daytime temperatures remain mild and comfortable for hiking or riding.
Summer (June through August) is the most dangerous time to visit. Temperatures frequently soar above 110°F (43°C). If you take a tour during summer, operators will often schedule early morning departures, and you must drink copious amounts of water to prevent heatstroke.
Winter offers a unique, stark beauty, with occasional snow sparkling on the higher mountain peaks. However, temperatures drop rapidly to near freezing after sunset, so packing warm layers is essential.
Accessibility varies wildly depending on what part of the desert you are visiting and what type of tour you book. Inside the Mojave National Preserve, most trails are unmaintained, featuring uneven gravel, loose rocks, and deep sand that are not suitable for wheelchairs.
However, there are accessible gems nearby. The Ash Meadows Wildlife Refuge features the excellent Crystal Boardwalk, which is fully wheelchair-accessible and offers views of vibrant turquoise springs.
For guided tours, sightseeing van tours to Valley of Fire can often accommodate foldable strollers and guests with limited mobility. Conversely, ATV, RZR, and Buggy tours are not wheelchair accessible and require participants to have a moderate level of physical fitness, full use of their limbs, and no spinal or neck injuries.
When venturing into the Mojave Desert, you must be highly self-sufficient. There is no cell phone service across the vast majority of the preserve, so digital maps will not load. Always carry physical maps or dedicated off-road GPS devices.
There are no gas stations, restaurants, or convenience stores inside the National Preserve. Visitors are advised to bring at least one gallon of water per person, per day, along with salty snacks to replenish electrolytes.
If you book a guided tour from Las Vegas, the tour operators will provide you with bottled water, safety helmets, goggles, and sometimes snacks or lunch (like the Pioneer Saloon RZR tour). Restrooms are generally available at the tour base camps before you head out onto the trails.
The Mojave Desert is a protected environment with strict regulations. Inside the Mojave National Preserve, non-street-legal vehicles like ATVs, UTVs, and dirt bikes are strictly prohibited. This is why commercial ATV tours operate on designated BLM lands or private base camps just outside of Las Vegas (like Jean, NV), rather than inside the National Preserve.
For most standard ATV and Buggy tours, a driver's license is not required, but you must be at least 18 years old and present a valid photo ID or passport. However, some specific RZR tours do require the driver to hold a valid driver's license. Always check your specific tour's requirements.
Minors cannot drive ATVs, as the minimum driving age is 18. However, children who are at least 12 years old and approximately 54 inches tall can usually ride as passengers in RZRs or Buggies, provided they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
You will be denied participation. Tour operators have strict safety policies requiring closed-toe and closed-heel shoes. If you show up in Crocs, flip-flops, or sandals, you will not be allowed to ride and you will not receive a refund.
No, there is currently no entrance fee to drive into or explore the Mojave National Preserve. However, if your tour goes to Valley of Fire State Park, there is an admission fee, which is typically included in the price of your guided tour.
No, cell phone service is extremely unreliable and mostly non-existent throughout the Mojave Desert and off-road trail systems. If you are driving yourself, do not rely on smartphone GPS; bring a physical map or dedicated off-road GPS.
No. Due to the extremely bumpy, rugged terrain and the physical demands of off-roading, pregnant travelers are strictly prohibited from participating in ATV, RZR, and Buggy tours for safety reasons.
If you are inside the Mojave National Preserve or Valley of Fire State Park, drones are strictly prohibited by law. Tour operators also generally do not allow drones during off-road excursions due to safety and time constraints.
Most half-day ATV and sightseeing tours only provide bottled water and light snacks. However, certain upgraded tours, such as the RZR Adventure to the Pioneer Saloon or the Outdoor Shooting Experience, do include a full lunch.
Wear comfortable, breathable clothing that you don't mind getting very dusty or dirty. Closed-toe shoes are mandatory. Even in summer, it is smart to bring a light jacket, as desert temperatures can drop rapidly in the early morning or late afternoon.
No, non-street-legal vehicles like ATVs and UTVs are completely banned inside the Mojave National Preserve. Guided ATV tours from Las Vegas operate in designated off-road recreational areas of the Mojave Desert, such as Jean, NV or the Nelson Hills.
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This excursion begins with a pickup from a central location on the Las Vegas Strip. Your guide will drive you to the nearby Mojave Desert, where you will receive a safety orientation and all necessary gear before starting the ride. The tour features 90 minutes of guided ATV riding through the desert terrain. The route includes a stop for photos before heading back to the base. Once the ride is finished, you will be transported back to the Las Vegas Strip.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
English
Your tour begins with a pickup at the Mandalay Bay Hotel's lower-level front entrance. An air-conditioned shuttle transports you to a dedicated riding area in the Mojave Desert. Upon arrival, staff provide all necessary safety equipment and a practical orientation to teach you how to operate a 450cc ATV. Following the safety briefing, you will head out for a 60-minute guided ride through desert trails. The route showcases the natural landscape and local wildlife of the Mojave. Once the ride concludes, the shuttle returns you directly to the original pickup location at Mandalay Bay.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
English
This 2.5-hour guided tour takes you into the Mojave Desert behind the wheel of a Polaris RZR. You’ll navigate a mix of sandy trails and hilly terrain, moving away from the paved roads to see the high desert landscape up close. The route is designed to highlight the natural features of the area, including dense stands of Joshua trees. Along the way, your guide will share information about the local ecosystem, from the native plants to the wildlife that lives here, such as the protected desert tortoise. There are designated stops during the trip where you can switch drivers, giving everyone in the vehicle a chance to handle the RZR on the desert trails.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
Head out to an outdoor range in the Mojave Desert, located just outside Las Vegas, to fire a selection of military-grade firearms. Professional instructors are on-site to provide safety briefings and shooting techniques for every guest. You can choose from tiered packages—Copper, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, or Ultimate Platinum—which include different weapon combinations and explosive targets. For those looking to extend the trip, you can pair the shooting experience with a guided ATV tour through Lake Mead National Park. This route takes you through desert trails and ends at the banks of the Colorado River. All equipment and instruction are included for both the shooting and the riding portions of the day.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
English
Located just outside Las Vegas, Valley of Fire State Park is known for its 40,000 acres of bright red Aztec sandstone. These formations often appear to glow under the desert sun, particularly late in the afternoon, giving the valley its name. The landscape is a mix of jagged rock walls, shifting sand dunes, and unique geological features formed over millions of years. In addition to the scenery, the park holds significant archaeological history. Visitors can see prehistoric petroglyphs carved into the canyon walls by Ancestral Puebloans and Basketmaker cultures who lived in the region thousands of years ago. The tour includes stops at several major viewpoints and trailheads, offering a close-up look at both the natural formations and the ancient artwork left behind by the area's early inhabitants.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Portuguese, English, Spanish
Your desert adventure begins with a pickup at the Mandalay Bay Hotel’s front entrance, located on the lower level shuttle and tour pickup area. We provide transport to an exclusive riding site in the Mojave Desert characterized by rugged terrain and canyons that resemble a classic Western film set. Once at the staging area, you will drive a new off-road buggy through a network of sandy trails and desert washes. This tour is designed for all skill levels and requires no prior off-roading experience. As you navigate the landscape, you may encounter local wildlife and should be prepared for a dusty environment.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
English
Take a trip through the Mojave Desert, traveling along Blue Diamond Road past the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. This tour focuses on the natural landscape, featuring scheduled stops at key viewpoints for photography and sightseeing. Our refund policy covers cancellations and delays based on the cause. For weather or traffic issues, we offer a full refund if the tour is canceled, but no refunds for partial trips or delays. If a bus mechanical issue prevents the tour from starting, you will receive a full refund; if an issue occurs during the trip, a 50% refund is provided. No refunds are issued for delays caused by mechanical problems.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
English, Spanish
This 3.5-hour guided excursion takes you into the desert behind the wheel of a Polaris RZR. You will navigate rocky trails and sandy washes while passing through areas filled with native cacti and local wildlife. The route offers a direct look at the Mojave landscape as you make your way to the destination. Upon reaching the historic Pioneer Saloon, you will have time to eat lunch and look around the landmark, which dates back to 1913. The tour includes the off-road ride, a guide to lead the way, and a meal at the saloon before heading back.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
This guided ATV tour takes you into the heart of the Mojave Desert, located just a short drive from the Las Vegas Strip. After a safety briefing and gear fitting, you will 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 previous off-road experience. As you navigate the desert landscape, the path winds through sandy washes and over rocky ridges, offering wide-open views of the surrounding mountains. Your guide leads the group through the raw environment, providing a direct way to experience the scale of the desert away from the city. All necessary riding gear is provided for the excursion.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
English
This small-group tour handles all transportation from Las Vegas, providing hotel pickup and drop-off so you can avoid the stress of driving and navigation. You will head into the Mojave Desert to spend the day at Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada's oldest state park, known for its distinct red sandstone formations and ancient geology. Your guide will lead you through several key landmarks, including Elephant Rock, the historic stone cabins, and the overlook at Rainbow Vista. The itinerary includes time for hiking along desert trails and visits to two specific locations off the main path that are typically missed by larger tour groups. Because this is a small-group experience, you will have a more flexible pace and direct access to your guide for questions. There are frequent stops to take photos and explore the landscape before the tour concludes with a return trip to your hotel.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish