Southern California Extreme UTV Tour (19-Mile Tour)

The Southern California Extreme UTV Tour (19-Mile Tour) offers a thrilling desert adventure in Palm Springs for $529 per group, accommodating up to 2 riders. With a duration of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, this tour takes you deep into the Mojave Desert with a focus on off-road driving, scenic views, and expert guidance. The tour is highly recommended, boasting a perfect 5.0-star rating from 19 reviews, with 100% of reviewers endorsing it.

The tour departs from 13735 Shadow Mountain Rd, Helendale, CA, and includes a comprehensive safety orientation, making it suitable for most participants. It’s a popular choice, often booked around 50 days in advance, indicating its strong appeal among desert thrill-seekers. The experience is tailored for those eager to drive latest Can-Am vehicles, with all safety gear, including helmets with intercoms, specialty sunglasses, and gloves, provided.

While the tour offers plenty of adrenaline and scenic vistas, potential participants should be aware of the damage deposit pre-authorization of between $2,500 and $3,500, which is refundable if there are no accidents. This tour suits both casual drivers and experienced off-road enthusiasts, especially those looking for a safe, guided, and exhilarating desert experience.

Key Points

• Two and a half hours of off-road adventure in the Mojave Desert from Palm Springs.
• All necessary safety gear provided, including helmets with intercom, sunglasses, and gloves.
• Expert guides lead the tour, ensuring safety and providing instruction via live communication helmets.
• Diverse terrain includes sand, rocky paths, dips, climbs, and twists, suitable for various skill levels.
• Price of $529 per group covers up to 2 riders, with most bookings made 50 days in advance.
• Most travelers find this tour very enjoyable, with high praise for scenery, guides, and the thrill of driving.

Starting Point and Logistics in Helendale

The tour begins at 13735 Shadow Mountain Rd, Helendale, CA. All participants meet here for the safety briefing and equipment distribution. The activity ends back at the same location, making logistics straightforward.

The experience is a private tour, meaning only your group participates, which enhances privacy and personalized attention from the guides. The tour is accessible to most people, with a minimum age of 4 years and a height requirement of 42 inches.

Exploring the Mojave Desert with a Guide

Wild Desert Tours, established in 2018, prides itself on being California’s #1 rated off-roading company. Their guides are experienced in leading groups safely through the diverse Mojave terrain, which features sand dunes, rocky patches, dips, and climbs.

The guides utilize live communication helmets to give instructions on upcoming turns, terrain variations, and hidden dips, ensuring you stay informed and safe throughout the ride. Review comments consistently highlight the guides’ knowledge, friendliness, and helpfulness, making the experience both exciting and secure.

Vehicles and Equipment: Can-Am Models

Participants have the opportunity to drive latest Can-Am vehicles, including Commander 700 XT (1-2 riders), X3 DS Turbo (1-2 riders), or X3 MAX DS Turbo (3-4 riders). The vehicles are described as fast and well-maintained, capable of handling the varied desert terrain with dips, climbs, and twists.

All drivers and passengers receive helmets with built-in sunglasses and intercom systems, allowing clear communication with the guide. The off-road gloves provided contribute to safety and grip, while bottled water keeps everyone hydrated during the adventure.

The Desert Scenery and Terrain Highlights

This tour showcases stunning desert landscapes with panoramic views that include mountains and open plains. The route emphasizes varied terrain, with activities like sand driving, rocky paths, dips, and climbs, designed to challenge and thrill drivers of different skill levels.

Many reviews mention the beautiful scenery and the speed of the vehicles, which adds to the excitement. The diversity of the terrain ensures that the ride feels dynamic from start to finish, making it more than just a drive — it’s an adventure.

Safety and Orientation: A 60-Minute Briefing

Before hitting the trails, all participants undergo a comprehensive safety orientation lasting about 60 minutes. This briefing covers vehicle operation, safety procedures, and terrain expectations, helping to prepare everyone for the ride.

The guides prioritize safety, making sure each driver is comfortable and confident before starting. This thorough preparation contributes to the high safety standards that most reviews praise, with many stating they felt well-equipped and well-informed.

The Riding Experience: Dips, Turns, and Speed

Once on the trail, drivers experience a mix of dips, climbs, twists, and turns that keep the ride engaging and fun. The speed of the vehicles is often highlighted, with many reviewers noting how fast and shifty the machines are, adding an adrenaline rush.

Guides use live intercoms to point out upcoming features and terrain changes, making it easy to anticipate and navigate the route confidently. The diverse terrain guarantees a mix of relaxing scenic views and exhilarating moments.

Customer Testimonials: High Praise and Repeat Bookings

Reviews consistently praise the guides, especially Ray, Tyler, Jennifer, and William, for their friendliness, expertise, and helpfulness. Many comments mention the beautiful scenery, speed of vehicles, and fun driving experience as major highlights.

Several reviews mention the longer-than-expected ride, with participants surprised by how much driving was involved, which many see as a positive. Multiple guests express a desire to return for another tour, emphasizing the overall value and enjoyment.

Pricing, Cancellation, and Booking Tips

The tour costs $529 per group, with most bookings happening around 50 days in advance. The damage deposit ranges from $2,500 to $3,500, which is refunded after the tour if no damages occur.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the activity, making it flexible to reschedule or cancel if plans change. The tour is a private activity, providing an exclusive experience tailored to your group.

This 19-mile desert adventure in Palm Springs offers a balanced blend of scenic beauty and off-road excitement. The expert guides, well-maintained vehicles, and diverse terrain make this tour stand out. It’s particularly suited for those who enjoy adventure, speed, and stunning desert landscapes.

While the damage deposit might seem high, the refundable policy ensures peace of mind. The two-and-a-half-hour experience is well-paced, providing plenty of time to enjoy the thrills and views. This tour suits adventure seekers of most ages, with ample safety measures in place.

The Southern California Extreme UTV Tour delivers a reliable, exciting, and scenic off-road experience that many guests want to repeat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, passengers must be at least 4 years old with a height of 42 inches, making it accessible for young children and family groups.

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes helmets with intercoms, specialty sunglasses, off-road gloves, bottled water, and the use of latest Can-Am vehicles.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the scheduled start. Cancellations made less than 24 hours prior are not refunded.

What safety measures are in place?
A 60-minute safety orientation covers vehicle operation and terrain awareness. Guides communicate via live intercoms and monitor safety throughout the ride.

What terrain will I experience?
Expect a diverse mix of sand, rocky paths, dips, climbs, and twists, designed to challenge and excite drivers.

Who are the guides?
The guides, including Ray, Tyler, Jennifer, and William, are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and helpfulness, ensuring a safe and enjoyable adventure.