Guided ATV Tour of Western Sedona

If you’re looking for a way to experience Sedona’s famous red rock formations beyond the usual car routes, this guided ATV tour offers a unique, exhilarating perspective. For about four hours, you’ll ride through the less-visited outback of Sedona, led by knowledgeable guides who love sharing their local secrets. Costing around $238.53 per person, this tour is perfect for adventure lovers and curious travelers eager to see the desert from a whole new angle.

What we love most about this experience is the access to scenic spots unreachable by car—places that feel like your own private wilderness—and the chance to drive your own ATV under expert supervision. The tour’s small groups (maximum of 12 travelers) ensure that everyone gets personal attention from guides who are clearly passionate about the landscape and safety.

One possible consideration is the dust and exposure to the elements, so packing some long pants and closed-toed shoes is wise. Also, since the tour involves driving on rugged trails, a moderate level of physical fitness is recommended.

This experience suits those who want a thrilling, authentic adventure—whether you’re a first-time rider or a seasoned explorer—and who appreciate stunning, off-the-beaten-path views. It’s especially popular with families, solo travelers, and anyone fascinated by Hollywood filming sites or breathtaking vistas.

• Unique Access: Visit scenic areas that you can’t reach by car, including hidden lookouts and quiet spots.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Larry, Tyler, Adam, and others are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and patience.
• Stunning Vistas: Expect spectacular views of Verde Valley, red rock formations, and the iconic Skeleton Bone Mountain.
• Filming Sites: See spots used as filming locations for more than 40 movies over the last 50 years.
• Flexible Scheduling: Choose between a morning or afternoon departure to suit your plans.
• Safety & Comfort: Helmets, goggles, and gloves are provided, with safety briefings before hitting the trails.

This tour is designed to blend adventure with the natural beauty that makes Sedona famous. Starting at Arizona ATV Adventures about 8 miles west of Sedona, you’ll meet your guides and hop onto a comfortable 15-passenger van that takes you to the trailhead. Once there, you’ll gear up with helmets, goggles, and gloves—gear that keeps you protected while enhancing the fun.

Duration and Group Size: The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, with a maximum of 12 travelers per booking. This small group size means your guide can give personalized attention, making sure you’re comfortable, safe, and getting the most out of every moment.

Trail Experience: Expect to drive up hills, cross desert streams, and navigate rugged paths that reveal less-visited parts of Sedona’s wilderness. The guides excel at tailoring the route based on your skill level and interests, so whether you’re a beginner or more experienced, you’ll find a trail that challenges and delights.

Highlights Along the Trail: The journey includes several photo stops at lookouts and vistas—perfect spots for capturing that iconic Sedona landscape. Plus, you’ll visit spots used in Hollywood movies—think of it as a walk-in movie set that’s been part of more than 40 films.

The Climb to Skeleton Bone Mountain: A highlight is reaching the 800-foot-high top of Skeleton Bone Mountain. From there, the views of Verde Valley unfold in all directions, offering a panoramic picture of Arizona’s varied terrain.

Off-the-Beaten-Path: Unlike busy tourist routes, this tour takes you away from crowds, providing a peaceful and private feel, which many reviews mention as a major plus. As one traveler said, the experience “feels like your own private wilderness.”

Once properly equipped, you’ll set out on your ATV, with guides checking in to ensure you’re comfortable. The ATVs are single-rider, so you’ll be driving your own machine, which adds a certain sense of independence.

Expect a mix of thrilling downhill sections, gentle climbs, and even some more adventurous paths—all manageable for most riders prepared for a little dust, as many reviews note that dust gets everywhere but adds to the authenticity of the experience.

Guides like Jordan, Russ, Adam, and Tyler are consistently praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and patience. They share insights about the local plants, geology, and history of Sedona, making the ride both fun and educational.

Photo stops are frequent, allowing you to capture the red rock cliffs, sweeping vistas, and the unique features that make Sedona so photogenic. One reviewer remarked that their guide was “very knowledgeable about local plants and the history of the red rocks,” which enhances the experience.

Many of the filming sites from Hollywood’s golden age are passed along the route, adding a touch of cinematic history to the adventure. You might find yourself passing by locations that have appeared in over 40 movies, making the experience even more memorable for film buffs.

The climb to Skeleton Bone Mountain is a significant part of the tour. Standing 800 feet above the valley, you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world—an unbeatable vantage point for panoramic shots of the Verde Valley and surrounding red-rock formations.

At $238.53 per person, the price might seem steep if you’re on a tight budget. But for what you get—small group sizes, expert guides, access to exclusive spots, and a full four-hour adventure—the value is high. Reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and the stunning views as major highlights, making this a worthwhile splurge for those seeking an active, authentic Sedona experience.

Included in the price are helmets, goggles, gloves, and bottled water, which ensures you’re prepared and comfortable. Additional fees, such as trail fees, fuel surcharges, damage waivers, and security deposits—all payable at check-in—are typical for outdoor adventure tours and worth considering when budgeting.

This ATV experience suits adventure enthusiasts eager to see Sedona from a different perspective. It’s perfect for families with teens (driver age minimum 15.5), solo travelers, or groups who appreciate guides with local expertise. If you enjoy stunning vistas, cinematic history, and the thrill of driving your own vehicle on rugged trails, this tour will likely be a highlight of your trip.

Those who prefer more leisurely sightseeing or are sensitive to dust might want to weigh the dust factor or consider joining a different kind of tour. But overall, it’s an excellent choice for anyone wanting an active day out in the desert.

Starting Point: The tour begins at Arizona ATV Adventures, located about 8 miles west of Sedona. After check-in, you’ll get a safety briefing, helmets, goggles, and gloves—these are essential for your safety, and reviews consistently mention how guides take the time to ensure everyone feels confident before hitting the trails.

Transport to Trailhead: The small 15-passenger van ride to the trailhead is about 15 minutes. This short transfer keeps the focus on the adventure itself rather than long travel times.

The Trail Experience: Once at the trailhead, your guide will assign your ATV and give a brief overview of how to operate it. The group then sets off, led by the guide, on a route tailored to your group’s skill level. The trails wind through desert streams, steep canyon walls, and red rock formations, many of which are inaccessible by car.

Stops and Sightseeing: Throughout the ride, your guide will stop for photos and to point out interesting features. Many reviews mention the excellent guides who are knowledgeable about local flora, geology, and history. One reviewer noted, “Adam was a great tour guide, very knowledgeable and friendly,” which speaks to the quality of guides.

The Climb to Skeleton Bone Mountain: The ascent to the 800-foot summit offers sweeping views of the Verde Valley and the surrounding red rock formations. The feeling of standing atop the mountain, looking out over the landscape, is often described as a “breathtaking” and “once-in-a-lifetime” moment.

Return and Reflection: After descending back to the starting point, you’ll hop into the van for the ride back. Many travelers say they feel more connected to Sedona’s landscape and appreciate the personalized attention from guides.

Multiple reviews praise guides like Larry, Tyler, Adam, Jordan, Russ, and others for their friendly demeanor, patience, and knowledge. One traveler called Larry “fantastic,” highlighting the importance of a good guide to make the experience both safe and fun.

Guests consistently mention the stunning scenery—“the views were fantastic,” “the landscape is incredible,” and “the scenery is just breathtaking.” The filming sites and secret vistas truly add a cinematic feel to the ride.

The thrill factor is also a hit, with reviews describing the ride as “a little scary at first,” but “then a blast,” which speaks to its appeal for thrill-seekers who want a little adrenaline alongside natural beauty.

This ATV tour is best suited for travelers who are comfortable with moderate physical activity and are eager to see Sedona’s hidden gems from a personal, off-road perspective. It’s a fantastic choice for those who enjoy guided adventures, natural beauty, and scenic views that seem to pop straight out of a movie.

Families with teens, solo explorers, and small groups will find this experience particularly rewarding. If you’re after a unique, active way to explore Sedona, this tour offers a perfect blend of thrill, scenery, and local storytelling—an unforgettable day out in the Arizona desert.

Is transportation provided to the trailhead?
No, travelers are asked to make their way to the starting point at 3075 AZ-89A, Sedona. From there, a short van ride takes you to the trailhead.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 4 hours, including transportation, gear-up, the ride, and return.

What is included in the price?
Helmets, goggles, gloves, bottled water, and a driver guide are included. Taxes are also covered, but trail fees, fuel surcharges, damage waivers, and deposits are payable at check-in.

Can I ride alone?
Yes, ATVs are single-rider, so you’ll drive your own machine. Drivers must be at least 15.5 years old with a learner’s permit or driver’s license.

What should I wear?
Long pants and closed-toed shoes are recommended. Prepare for dust—wearing sunglasses and masks might be beneficial.

Are there any weight or physical restrictions?
While not explicitly specified, a moderate fitness level is suggested, as the trails are rugged and involve some physical effort.

What if it rains?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to rain or poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is there a minimum or maximum group size?
The maximum number of travelers for a booking is 12, with smaller groups ensuring personalized attention.

This guided ATV tour of western Sedona offers a thrilling journey through one of the Southwest’s most iconic landscapes. With expert guides, secluded vistas, and a chance to drive your own ATV, it’s perfect for anyone wanting to combine adventure and natural beauty in a safe and friendly setting. If you’re ready to leave behind the crowds and explore some of Sedona’s best-kept secrets, this tour will give you stories—and photos—that last a lifetime.