7 Best Spots for ATV Riding in Las Vegas: Trails, Rentals & Prices 2026

You land in Vegas for the thrill, but the real adrenaline kicks in when you leave the neon lights behind. While the Strip offers endless entertainment, the surrounding Mojave Desert serves up some of the most aggressive and scenic off-road terrains in the United States.

If you want to trade the casino air conditioning for dust, grit, and horsepower, you need to know exactly where to go. Most first-timers get confused between the scenic routes and the technical dunes. This guide breaks down the top trails, honest pricing for 2026, and why booking a tour often beats renting on your own.

• Best for Beginners: Nellis Dunes (Soft sand, open space)
• Most Scenic: Valley of Fire (Red rock formations)
• Closest to Strip: Nellis Dunes (15-20 min drive)
• Average Cost: $120 - $300 per person
• License: Not required for most guided tours (Age 16+ to drive)

Why Las Vegas is the Ultimate ATV Destination?

Las Vegas sits in a unique geological bowl. Drive 30 minutes in any direction, and the landscape shifts dramatically. You have the soft, rolling dunes to the north and the jagged, ancient red rock formations to the northeast. This diversity means you get a completely different riding experience depending on which trail you choose.

Unlike other riding spots where you might trail behind a slow leader on a flat road, Vegas tour operators know you want speed. The competition here is fierce, which pushes companies to offer better machines and more aggressive tour options. Whether you want a leisurely sightseeing ride or a full-throttle desert race, the Nevada desert delivers.

5 Best ATV Riding Spots Near Las Vegas (Ranked by Experience)

Choosing the right trail defines your entire day. Here are the top spots based on terrain difficulty and visual payoff.

1. Nellis Dunes (Closest to The Strip)

If you hate long bus rides, Nellis Dunes is your best bet. Located just 15 miles northeast of the Strip, you arrive at the staging area before you even finish your morning coffee. The terrain here offers a mix of soft sand dunes and harder-packed dirt trails.

Why ride here: It feels like a giant playground. Because it is an open riding area (OHV), you have more freedom to cut loose compared to state parks. You also get a cool visual bonus; fighter jets from the nearby Nellis Air Force Base often fly directly overhead while you ride.

• Distance: \~20 minutes from the Strip.
• Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate.
• Key Feature: The Righter dune runs and fighter jet views.

2. Valley of Fire State Park (Most Scenic)

This is not just a ride; it is a visual masterpiece. The Valley of Fire glows with intense red sandstone formations that look like they belong on Mars. Riding here is stricter because it is a protected State Park, but the views are unbeatable.

Important: You cannot ride freely on the dunes here. You must stick to designated off-road trails (like the Logandale Trail System just outside the park boundaries). Most tours combine a ride in Logandale with a sightseeing tour of the park. If you want Instagram-worthy shots, you choose this spot.

• Distance: \~50-60 minutes from the Strip.
• Difficulty: Intermediate (Rocky sections).
• Key Feature: Jurassic-era red rock scenery.

3. Eldorado Canyon (Historic Gold Mine)

Head south towards Boulder City to find Eldorado Canyon. This area offers a completely different vibe. You ride through mountainous desert terrain that leads you past the famous Techatticup Gold Mine. This place looks straight out of a Wild West movie because it actually was one.

The trails here are rockier and involve more elevation changes than the dunes. It is perfect if you want to combine history with adventure. Many tours here include a walking tour into the actual gold mine tunnels.

• Distance: \~45 minutes from the Strip.
• Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate.
• Key Feature: Old mines, cactus forests, and antique cars scattered in the desert.

4. Hidden Valley & Primm

Located south of Las Vegas near the California border, this area creates a Mad Max atmosphere. The wide-open dry lake beds allow you to hit top speeds that you simply cannot reach on the technical trails of Valley of Fire. If your goal is raw speed and testing the limit of the speedometer, check out tours operating near Primm.

5. Amargosa Big Dune

This is for the serious enthusiasts. Located about 100 miles away, it is a commitment to get there, but the payoff is a massive star dune formation that stands over 500 feet tall. This is technical riding. You need to know how to handle an ATV on steep sand faces. Renting here usually requires your own transport trailer, or you need to find a specialized tour provider.

ATV Rentals vs. Guided Tours: Which is Better?

You might think renting an ATV and going solo offers more freedom, but in Vegas, the logistics bite back.

The Reality of Rentals: If you rent a machine, you typically need a truck or a trailer to haul it to the trail. You are also responsible for gas, insurance, and navigation. If you get lost in the desert (which happens often), you are on your own.

The Reality of Guided Tours: Tours in Vegas are seamless. A shuttle picks you up from your hotel, drives you to the site, gears you up, and a guide leads the way. These guides know exactly where the dangerous drop-offs are and how to fix a thrown chain in two minutes. For 95% of visitors, a guided tour saves time, money, and stress.

Top Rated ATV Tour Companies in Las Vegas 2026

To avoid tourist traps, stick to these reputable operators who maintain their fleets well:

• SunBuggy Fun Rentals: Famous for their specialized dune buggies and aggressive ATV tours at Nellis. They run 365 days a year.
• Adrenaline ATV Tours: They specialize in the Valley of Fire and Logandale trails. Great for scenic riders.
• Las Vegas ATV Tours: A solid option for the Eldorado Canyon/Gold Mine experience.

Practical Tips: What to Wear & Bring

The desert is unforgiving. I have seen riders show up in flip-flops, and they regret it instantly. Here is your survival checklist from our Travel Tips collection:

• Footwear: Closed-toe shoes are mandatory. Sneakers are okay, but boots are better. The engine gets hot near your ankles.
• Clothing: Wear long pants. Engine heat and scratchy desert brush will tear up your legs in shorts. A light long-sleeve shirt protects you from the intense sun.
• Eyewear: Sunglasses are not enough. You need sealed goggles to keep the fine dust out of your eyes. Most tour companies provide these, but ask to be sure.
• Hydration: The dry air sucks moisture right out of you. Drink water before you feel thirsty.

Safety & Legal Requirements (Nevada Laws)

Before you book, know the rules to avoid disappointment at the gate.

• Age Limits: You typically need to be 16 years old with a valid driver's license to operate a full-size adult ATV. Kids as young as 12 might be allowed on smaller units or as passengers in UTVs (Side-by-Sides).
• Sobriety: This is strict. Do not show up hungover or under the influence. Guides will breathalyze you if they suspect anything, and there are no refunds for safety ejections. Save the drinks for the post-ride celebration.
• Helmets: Helmets are non-negotiable in Nevada OHV areas.