Exploring the rugged Sonoran Desert by Tomcar is an exhilarating way to experience its breathtaking landscapes. These off-road tours take adventurers on a 3.5-hour journey through the heart of this arid region, offering a unique blend of excitement and education. Led by knowledgeable guides, participants can look forward to navigating a river crossing, hiking to an ancient Indian fort, and spotting indigenous wildlife – all while learning about the desert’s rich ecology and history. With consistently high customer ratings, this thrilling adventure promises an unforgettable day in the great outdoors.
Key Points
- Set out on a thrilling 3.5-hour off-road adventure through the Sonoran Desert in a guided Tomcar tour, starting at $180 per person.
- Explore diverse wildlife and scenery, including a river crossing, hike to an old Indian fort, and spotting of javalinas, deer, and rattlesnakes.
- Guides provide insights on the desert’s rich history, culture, and ecology, enhancing the overall experience.
- Convenient meeting location with morning and afternoon tour options, and a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
- Tour consistently rated 5/5 by customers for its unique off-road experience and memorable encounters with the Sonoran Desert’s natural wonders.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Sonoran Desert Off-Road Tours offer an exciting adventure for visitors, with prices starting from $180.00 per person.
The tours last 3.5 hours and feature a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance. Guests can choose to reserve now and pay later.
The tours last 3.5 hours and offer a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance. Guests can reserve now and pay later.
The tours take guests on a thrilling drive through the desert in their own Tomcar, guided by knowledgeable experts. Highlights include a river crossing, a hike to an old Indian fort, and the chance to spot diverse wildlife.
All necessary equipment, like helmets and dust gaiters, is provided, and the tours operate rain or shine.
Looking for more options in Arizona? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Experience and Highlights
Guests drive their own Tomcar with a guide through the Sonoran Desert, where they’ll experience a river crossing (when water is running) and explore a rare freshwater spring.
They’ll hike to an old Indian fort, taking in scenic desert views along the way.
Tour guides provide insights into the area’s history, culture, and ecology, pointing out diverse plant and animal life like javalinas, desert mule deer, coyotes, and rattlesnakes.
The tour showcases the Sonoran Desert’s incredible biodiversity, with over 60 mammal, 350 bird, and 2,000 native plant species.
Flora and Fauna
With over 60 mammal, 350 bird, 20 amphibian, over 100 reptile, 30 native fish, over 1,000 native bee, and more than 2,000 native plant species, the Sonoran Desert boasts incredible biodiversity.
Tour guides provide insights into the history, culture, and ecology of the desert, helping visitors better appreciate the abundance of wildlife.
Tour guides offer valuable insights into the desert’s rich history, culture, and ecology, enhancing visitors’ appreciation of its abundant wildlife.
From javalinas and desert mule deer to coyotes and rattlesnakes, the desert is teeming with fascinating creatures.
The diverse flora includes a wide array of desert-adapted plants, each with its own unique adaptations to the harsh environment.
Meeting Point and Requirements
Participants meet at the back patio of 47801 North Black Canyon Highway in New River, Arizona 85087. To join the tour, they’ll need a valid driver’s license and closed-toe shoes. Large bags, alcohol, and drugs aren’t allowed.
| Requirements | Details |
| — | — |
| License | Valid driver’s license required |
| Footwear | Closed-toe shoes |
| Prohibited Items | Luggage, large bags, alcohol, drugs |
| Meeting Location | 47801 North Black Canyon Highway, New River, AZ 85087 (back patio) |
| Time | Morning tours depart at 8:30 AM, return at 12:00 PM; Afternoon tours depart at 2:00 PM, return at 5:30 PM |
The tour operates rain or shine, with no refunds or rainchecks.
More Great Tours NearbyVehicle Information
All Tomcar vehicles used for the tours are 4-seaters.
These off-road vehicles provide a thrilling yet safe driving experience for up to four guests. With their rugged design and powerful engines, Tomcars can tackle the Sonoran Desert’s diverse terrain, from winding trails to river crossings.
Guests take turns driving the Tomcars under the guidance of experienced tour leaders, ensuring everyone has a chance to get behind the wheel. The vehicles are well-maintained and regularly inspected to meet safety standards, giving participants peace of mind as they explore the stunning desert landscape.
- Grand Canyon Sunset Hiking Adventure Deep Below The South Rim
- Creative Soul Scavenger Hunt(Sabino Canyon&Catalina Park,Tucson)
- Hoover Dam Kayaking Trip, 6 Hot Springs, 6 Caves, 4 Waterfalls
- Las Vegas Kayaking Rentals – Self Drive
- 2 Hours of Rappelling in Tucson With Snacks
- Small Group Grand Canyon Tour From Sedona
Tour Schedule
Sonoran Desert Off-Road Tours offer morning and afternoon departures to accommodate various schedules. The morning tour departs at 8:30 AM and returns at 12:00 PM, while the afternoon tour departs at 2:00 PM and returns at 5:30 PM. All tours operate rain or shine, with no refunds or rainchecks. The tour includes water, a dust gaiter, and a helmet for guests under 18, as well as all taxes and fees. Customers have consistently rated the tours 5/5, praising the fun experience and excellent guides.
| Departure Time | Return Time |
| — | — |
| 8:30 AM | 12:00 PM |
| 2:00 PM | 5:30 PM |
Inclusions and Policies
Along With the tour schedule, Sonoran Desert Off-Road Tours include several amenities and have specific policies in place.
All vehicles are 4-seaters, and the tour provides water, dust gaiters, and helmets for guests under 18. The tours operate rain or shine, and no refunds or rainchecks are offered.
Guests must have a valid driver’s license and wear closed-toe shoes. Luggage, large bags, alcohol, and drugs aren’t allowed.
Customer reviews highlight the fun and excellent guides. The tours provide a unique off-road adventure through the Sonoran Desert’s diverse flora and fauna.
Customer Reviews
Numerous customers have raved about their experiences with Sonoran Desert Off-Road Tours, consistently awarding the company a 5/5 rating.
Reviewers highlight the thrilling Tomcar drives, immersive encounters with the desert’s diverse flora and fauna, and the expertise of the knowledgeable guides.
Key customer sentiments include:
-
"An absolute blast! The Tomcars were a riot to drive, and our guide’s insights made the experience truly memorable."
-
"We saw so many incredible plants and animals – javelinas, mule deer, even a rattlesnake! A real highlight of our Arizona trip."
-
"The river crossing was an unexpected adventure, and the hike to the old fort had stunning views."
-
"Our guide was engaging, funny, and clearly passionate about the desert. We left with a deep appreciation for this unique ecosystem."
Ask Away
What Safety Features Are Included in the Tomcars?
The Tomcars come equipped with safety features like helmets for guests under 18 and dust gaiters to cover the nose and mouth. Guests must also wear closed-toe shoes for the tour.
Can We Bring Our Own Snacks and Drinks on the Tour?
Customers can bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic drinks on the tour. However, the tour provider includes water and doesn’t allow large bags, alcohol, or drugs. This is to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.
Is the Tour Suitable for Children Under 18?
Yes, the tour is suitable for children under 18. Helmets are provided for guests under 18, and the tour includes water and dust gaiters. The vehicles can accommodate families.
Do We Need to Have Off-Road Driving Experience?
No, you don’t need off-road driving experience. The tour provides a guide who leads the group, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants, regardless of their driving expertise.
Can We Take Photos and Videos During the Tour?
Yes, guests are encouraged to take photos and videos during the tour. The guides even recommend capturing the desert scenery, wildlife, and your Tomcar experiences to share with friends and family later.
Final Words
Sonoran Desert Off-Road Tours in Tomcars offers an unforgettable adventure through the breathtaking landscapes of the Sonoran Desert. With a river crossing, a hike to an ancient Indian fort, and wildlife spotting opportunities, this 3.5-hour tour provides an exciting blend of adventure and education. Led by knowledgeable guides, it’s a must-try experience for those seeking an adrenaline-filled exploration of the desert’s rich ecology and history.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Self-Guided Tours in Arizona
More Guided Tours in Arizona
More Tour Reviews in Arizona
- Tucson: Guided Horseback Ride
- 4-Hour Kayak Deluxe Tour in Emerald Cave with Catered Lunch
- Half-Day Private Grand Canyon Guided Hiking Tour
- Day Pass to Explore the Lost Mining City of Chrysotile
- Cowpoke Ride: Adventurous horseback tour just 9 MILES from Sedona
- Emerald Cave Kayak Tour – Kayak the Colorado River near Las Vegas
Still browsing? Here are more Arizona experiences we've covered recently
- Tucson: Guided Horseback Ride
- 4-Hour Kayak Deluxe Tour in Emerald Cave with Catered Lunch
- Half-Day Private Grand Canyon Guided Hiking Tour
- Day Pass to Explore the Lost Mining City of Chrysotile
- Cowpoke Ride: Adventurous horseback tour just 9 MILES from Sedona
- Emerald Cave Kayak Tour – Kayak the Colorado River near Las Vegas
- We Rank Arizona’s 3 Top Lunch Experiences
- The 5 Most Popular Canoe & Kayak Experiences In Arizona
- Tucson: University of Arizona History Walking Tour W/ Guide
- Tucson Origins Tour
- Tombstone Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl
- Grand Canyon: North Rim Private Group Tour From Las Vegas