Tips for Taking a Guided ATV/UTV Tour
If you’re looking for opportunities to explore beyond your local trails, guided tours will allow you to experience new areas with the help of a knowledgeable local guide. There are companies that specialize in curating incredible experiences all over the U.S. We’ve assembled some tips to help you get the most out of your experience.
Tour Options: Group or Self-Guided
Some providers will offer up rental units, while others allow you to enjoy your own machine in an area you’ve never been. There is also the option of joining a guided tour or doing a self-guided experience.
The benefit of a guided tour is that it is likely led by someone who is familiar with the terrain, knows all the best places to go and can often provide commentary about the things that you’ll see and do. Joining a group allows the opportunity to make new friends along the way while enjoying a common experience.
If you’re feeling adventurous, self-guided tours provide you with a map or other instructions and let you explore on your own. They might ask you about your specific interests, so they can recommend which trails to take and what to look for while out there.
In either scenario, there is generally an option where you can bring your own machine to ride something familiar. Or, if you’ll be traveling a distance to get to the location and don’t have the time or interest in trailering your own machine, you can rent one.If you’re a new rider or have never piloted an ATV/UTV before, there are tours where the guide drives. No skills or experience necessary. This option may seem less exciting, but being a passenger will allow you to take in the scenery rather than focusing on the task of piloting a machine you aren’t familiar with in a place you’ve never been.
Tips For Tackling the Trails
- Arrive early to check-in, sign waivers, get safety gear and proper briefing
- Listen closely to the guide’s instructions before the ride starts
- Wear the recommended safety gear
- Keep your speed controlled and match the pace set by the guide
- Maintain a safe following distance
- Stay on the designated route
- Avoid aggressive passing, sling shotting, or showing off
- Ride within your skill level and let the guide know if you feel uncomfortable
- Be respectful of other riders, hikers, wildlife, and private property
- Do not ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Things to Bring
The tour company’s website should have all the answers you need, but it doesn’t hurt to call and ask questions beforehand if there is anything you’re unsure of. Tour companies likely provide gear, but some people prefer to bring their own.
Other suggestions of items to pack include:
- Change of clothes and towel
- Dry Bag for smart phone and wallet
- Eye Protection
- Gloves
- Helmet (if not provided)
- Sturdy, closed-toe shoes
- Water and snacks
- Sunscreen and insect repellant
Options from Across the Country:
- Backyard Adventure Tours – Canaan, Connecticut
- Best ATV Tours LV – Las Vegas, Nevada
- Adrenaline Tours – Las Vegas, Nevada
- Epic 4×4 Adventures – Moab, Utah
- Desert Dog Off-Road Adventures – Pheonix and Scottsdale, Arizona
- Kualoa Ranch Raptor Tour – Oahu, Hawaii
Other Booking Options
Hotels in the region you plan to visit will likely have trusted partners they can recommend, otherwise you can use resources like Get Your Guide or Trip Advisor to find the best option for your location and needs.
Enjoy The Ride
Wherever you decide to go and whatever tour option you choose, take the opportunity to meet other participants. You may learn some helpful riding tips and gain a new perspective on a different part of the country.
Follow the guide, ride smoothly, and keep the group’s safety ahead of your own sense of adventure in order to make the tour enjoyable for all.
Barrett Baker
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