Arizona ATV Tours: Guided, Self-Guided and Buggy

Sedona ATV tour: four hours in the western canyons

Helmets, goggles and water are provided, and the operator works in Coconino National Forest under a permit from the Red Rock Ranger District. At $230, it is the longest ride here and suits riders who want real distance. The driver must be 15½ with a learner's permit or license, a short driving test comes first, and the refundable deposit is $500 per vehicle. A single rider must weigh under 463 lb, and a tandem pair under 615 lb together.

Centipede ATV tours north of Phoenix

The guided Centipede ride costs $108 and has two hours of training and riding with helmet, goggles, face mask and water. The self-guided rental costs the same $108 and has no guide along, so it suits confident riders. Drivers must be 16 and renters 18 with ID and a credit or debit card. Each ATV is a single-seater with a 400 lb limit, so passengers need a UTV.

Buggy and UTV tours near Phoenix

If you would rather sit side by side than ride alone, two guided tours use buggies and UTVs. The sand buggy tour near Scottsdale costs $175 and lasts about two hours in a two-seat vehicle, with guide, helmet, fuel, snacks, water and photos included. Drivers must be 16 with a full license, passengers 8 and up, and you should arrive 15 minutes early because the guides cannot wait. The off-road UTV tour costs $164 and runs for about two and a half hours with a guide, helmet, goggles, water and snacks. Two and four seat UTVs are assigned by group size, and directions to the trailhead come with your confirmation email, since no tours leave from the office.

Which ride fits you

Choose the Sedona tour for the most trail and red rock scenery. Choose guided Centipede as the lowest-priced way to learn ATV riding. Choose a buggy when you want to share the vehicle, and read the age and weight rules of your option before booking. From June 15 to September 30 afternoon storms are common in northern Arizona, so morning rides are the better bet in summer.