Frequently Asked Questions
The Desert Wolf answers our guests’ most commonly asked questions about our ATV tours.
How long has Desert Wolf Tours been doing ATV tours?
Desert Wolf Tours began doing Tomcar ATV tours in the Sonoran Desert in 2006. We are Scottsdale’s “original” Tomcar desert off-road ATV tour company and actually bought the 3rd Tomcar ever produced for the non-military market. Since our humble beginnings, we have grown in popularity each year and have been ranked as Scottsdale’s #1 Outdoor Activity on TripAdvisor for the last 6 years.
Does Desert Wolf Tours provide Hotel/Resort pickup?
We currently do not offer guest pickup at this time because we have found that most guests prefer to arrange for their own transportation. There are several good reasons for that. Firstly, most of our guests want to enjoy a relaxing meal and beverage at the on-site RoadRunner Restaurant and Saloon before or after their tour. For many, this “locals” hangout is part of the Arizona Experience. In addition, many guests want to spend some time at the close-by Anthem Outlet Mall, the Pioneer Living History Museum, or charming Cave Creek, AZ. When we provide transportation, you are not be able to enjoy these things because you will arrive right before your tour and depart right after your tour. Secondly, there are many great transportation options in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area. Most resorts have car rentals available right at the resort for a very reasonable price. And, for those that don’t, rental car agencies are located all over the valley. In addition to this, there are numerous transportation companies that will provide round trip transportation on your schedule, not ours. And, quickly growing in popularity are taxi services such as Uber or Lyft. Scottsdale/Phoenix visitors quickly find that they have lots of great transportation options that allow them to maximize their vacation fun.
What time do your ATV tours depart?
Tour departure times vary throughout the year, depending on the tour you select. Please check the booking
calendar for the day you are interested in to see tour availability and departure times. If you have already booked a tour, please check your confirmation email for the exact time that you need to arrive for your tour. You won’t want to be late or you may very well miss the tour.
How long are your tours?
Most of our adventure tours last between 3 and 3.5 hours.
Where do we meet?
We meet on the outside patio of the RoadRunner Restaurant and Saloon to get acquainted and sign waivers and agreements – 47801 N. Black Canyon Highway, New River, AZ, 85087. You can receive directions via email by sending an email to [email protected]. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your tour departure time.
Are their restrictions for riders (age, etc.)?
No. Our vehicles are very safe and we leave the minimum age to the discretion of the parents or guardians. We have had kids as young a 1 year old who enjoyed our tours. We just ask that the parents or guardians take care of their children on the tour so that all the guests have an enjoyable time. All riders under the age of 18 must wear a DOT-approved safety helmet which we provide.
Can everyone drive?
Anyone aged 18 or older with a valid driver’s license may drive. You must have your driver’s license with you.
How many seats are in each Tomcar?
Our fleet of Tomcars seat up to 4 passengers per car.
What should we wear?
Our tours are “rain or shine”, so we recommend that all of our guests dress accordingly. During the winter months, it can be very chilly in the morning or after the sun goes down. Please come prepared (hats, gloves, etc.). Tomcars are open-sided vehicles and we tour the most bio-diverse and largest desert in the United States (the Sonoran Desert). We go overboard to make sure that every guest is kept safe while on tour. But, it’s not a controlled environment. Expect the unexpected. And, PLEASE check the local weather report for the day of your tour!
Should we bring a camera?
Yes. The Sonoran Desert is a gorgeous place. You will encounter some breathtaking views and will probably want to capture these memories by taking pictures. Also, our guides are more than happy to take pictures with your camera upon request.
Should we bring water?
We always bring along large coolers filled with plenty of ice and water. If you prefer your own non-alcoholic beverage, you are more than welcome to use our coolers.
Do we need a reservation in advance?
Yes. All reservations must be made in advance.
What is your cancellation policy?
We require a 48-hours advance notice (prior to your scheduled departure) in order to receive a 100% refund.
What happens if it rains?
Our tours depart “rain or shine”. Please dress for the weather and expect the time of your lives. Our guests are (mostly) sheltered from the rain in their Tomcars. You will probably get a little wet if it rains. But that’s part of the adventure, right? The quality of our tours are never dampened by rain.
Are there restrooms on the tours?
No. We recommend that guests use facilities located within the RoadRunner Saloon prior to departure.
How safe are the Tomcars?
Tomcars were originally designed for Israeli Defense Forces. They weigh just under 1,800 pounds, boast independent front and rear suspension systems, and have a wide wheel base making them one of the safest off road vehicles in the World. And all of our Tomcars are equipped with a 4-point safety harness system.
Should we tip our guides?
Our guides work very hard to make sure that everyone has an exceptional time and always appreciate the thoughtfulness of their guests. Tip income goes a long way toward making Guiding a viable career options.
Can pregnant woman take the tour?
This is entirely up to the guest and the discretion of their doctor. However, if you are experiencing contractions, we think you’ll have a much different adventure waiting for you at the hospital. You can take a tour with us another time. And, please remember, once the tour goes out, there is no way to get back other than come back with the tour.
Will there be other people in my vehicle?
We are a group guided adventure that takes a convoy of vehicles out into the desert. Most of our Tomcars are 4 seaters. Groups of 3 or 4 will have their own private car. Depending on the mix of guests that we have for your scheduled tour time, a group of 2 may or may not have another group of 2 in their car. That said, all guests will have plenty of time to drive if they choose and are sure to have a spectacular time. Are you a group of 2 that would like to reserve your own private car? We have you covered. You may reserve your own private vehicle at the time of booking for a nominal upgrade fee.
Do you require safety helmets?
Federal regulations now require that anyone under the age of 18 where a DOT-approved safety helmet, and we will provide these.
How far are you from Phoenix? Scottsdale?
Our desert tour departure location is approximately 3 miles North of Phoenix city limits and is about 30 to 40 minutes from both downtown Phoenix and Scottsdale.
Ready to Take The ATV Adventure?
