This off‑road adventure explores the Four Peaks Wilderness in Tonto National Forest, passing Saguaro Lake before entering the sandy desert rolls through the Pobrecito access point. The route climbs through giant boulders, towering cactus, smooth rock formations, and wide desert washes. Wildlife such as wild horses, coyotes, javelina, and snakes are often seen. Temperatures at the summit are much cooler than Phoenix, and winter months may bring snow, so a jacket is recommended. We are the only tour company offering this exclusive route, guided by licensed U.S. Forest Service operators with annual CPR certification. Vehicles carry emergency supplies, a Starlink Mini for communication, and cooling misters for comfort on warm days. Guests receive saguaro cactus seeds as a parting gift, and optional stickers or patches are available to remember your adventure.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 12.
We begin by meeting the group and giving a brief safety overview, so everyone feels comfortable and prepared. Once guests are ready, we start our journey into the Four Peaks Wilderness, heading toward one of the most scenic and rugged mountain ranges in the Sonoran Desert.
We begin with a short drive to the off‑road access point, then enter Bulldog Canyon off Ellsworth onto Forest Road 3554. This sandy stretch feels like a real‑life BMX course—smooth, fast, and perfect for off‑roading. Our upgraded UTVs feature cooling misters to keep guests refreshed as we travel through this scenic desert section. Wildlife such as wild horses, javelina, and desert birds are sometimes spotted along the way. We exit Bulldog Canyon near the Salt River. This portion of the ride takes about 20–30 minutes.
We take a short drive along the paved road toward the next off‑road access point. This stretch passes Saguaro Lake, offering beautiful views of the water and surrounding desert. We then enter The Rolls through the Pobrecito access gate, where a public restroom is available. This segment lasts about 15 minutes.
We continue into the Four Peaks Wilderness, following fire access roads that wind through rugged desert terrain. This stretch takes us higher into the mountains, offering increasingly scenic views of the surrounding ridgelines and valleys. The off‑road climb toward the top of the Four Peaks range is one of the most beautiful and adventurous parts of the tour. This section lasts about 60 minutes.
About halfway to the summit of Four Peaks, your driver stops at a picturesque viewpoint featuring a giant flat boulder that makes the perfect rustic lunch spot. Guests enjoy their pre‑ordered foot‑long Subway sandwich along with chips, cookies, and sodas or bottled water. It’s a fun, memorable place to relax, explore, and capture unique photos before continuing the climb.
The tour will continue after lunch through areas of the Four Peaks Wilderness that have huge boulders, giant cactus, and unique plants and trees. Guests will see the plants and landscape change as we rise in elevation. This section of the ride will take approximately 30 mins.
We stop at the summit of the Four Peaks Mountains, where temperatures are noticeably cooler than the valley below. From this elevation, guests enjoy sweeping views of Roosevelt Lake—so large it looks like an ocean—and a panoramic look across the entire Valley of the Sun. The famous Fountain Hills fountain is visible in the distance. Guests can take photos, explore the area, and discover unique rocks, plants, and possibly wildlife. During certain times of the year, snow may be present, creating a fun contrast to the desert terrain below. The return trip takes about 3 hours, depending on guest preferences for photo stops and exploring.
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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Four Peaks Guided Off‑Road UTV Adventure lasts about 5–6 hours. The itinerary has 7 stops.
Prices start at $300 per person for this Phoenix experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 10:00 AM.
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
The meeting point is Meet at our safe, easy‑to‑find NE Mesa location near Brown & Ellsworth. Pull into the large circle driveway where guides and UTVs will be staged. Secure parking and quick access to Bulldog Canyon for your off‑road adventure. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
The experience is available in EN.
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 30 participants.
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 3 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Wilds of Arizona.
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
Never thought I would reach the Four Peaks in person. Ryan is a decisive and safe driver and knowledgeable about the area. Great scenery for us to see plus a fine lunch was provided with choice of beverages. It is true wilderness. Sad that lightning causes the fires. Whenever we stopped I would have valued hearing about more history of the area. It was truly a wonderful experience!
My recent tour of the Tonto National Forest through Arizona desert and Four Peaks Mountain with Andy was an absolutely unforgettable experience! From start to finish, every aspect of the journey was exceptional, making it one of the most memorable adventures I've ever had. First and foremost, Andy's expertise and passion for the region were evident from the moment we set off. His deep knowledge of the desert landscape and its intricacies added a fascinating layer to the experience, enriching our understanding of the flora, fauna, and geological formations we encountered along the way. Andy's friendly demeanor and enthusiasm for sharing his insights made the journey all the more enjoyable. The tour itself was perfectly curated, offering a diverse range of natural environments to explore. From the arid desert terrain with its towering saguaro cacti to the pine forests close to the mountain peak, each stop along the way revealed a different facet of Arizona's stunning beauty. Andy's guidance ensured that we made the most of every moment, pointing out hidden gems and offering interesting anecdotes about the area's history and ecology. The highlight of the tour was undoubtedly the ascent of Four Peaks Mountain. As we climbed higher, the landscape transformed before our eyes, offering panoramic views of rugged mountains and sweeping valleys. The snow-capped peak was a sight to behold, and Andy's expertise navigating through the rainy paths made the experience both safe and exhilarating. One of the most unexpected aspects of the tour was the weather. Despite Arizona's reputation for sunny skies, we were treated to a rare rainstorm during our journey. Far from dampening our spirits, the rain only added to the sense of adventure, transforming the desert landscape into a glistening oasis of color and life. In conclusion, my tour of the Tonto National Forest with Andy was nothing short of extraordinary! From the stunning natural beauty to Andy's expert guidance and the unexpected weather, every moment was filled with wonder and excitement. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Arizona's wilderness.
This was a great experience. The views were great. Andy the guide was very informative and helpful. Would recommend this guided tour to anyone.
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Four Peaks Guided Off‑Road UTV Adventure | 5–6 hours | 5.0 (3) | $300 | |
 Bulldog Canyon Off‑Road Adventure Tour – AZ Desert UTV Ride | 2–5 hours | 5.0 (114) | $150 | View |
 Scottsdale ATV or UTV 2 Person Guided Sand Buggy Off Road Tour | 2 hours | 4.8 (221) | $175 | View |
 Ancient Ruins Tour - Guided Arizona Desert Tour by UTV | 3 hours | 5.0 (774) | $150 | View |
 Scottsdale 2-Hour Off-Road UTV Adventure in Tonto National Forest | 2 hours | — | $355 | View |
 Desert Off-Road UTV Tour, 2 hours, 2 people per vehicle | 2 hours | 5.0 (15) | $179 | View |
 Private Scottsdale Sunset UTV Off Road Tour for 2 People | 2h 15min | — | $550 | View |