Las Vegas Dune Buggy Tours
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Trade the Strip for open desert. Awesome Adventures runs guided Las Vegas dune buggy tours through Eldorado Canyon, about 45 minutes south of the Strip near Nelson, Nevada, on the only private trail system in the canyon. You drive a side by side Polaris RZR, your guide leads the way, and professional photos and videos of your ride are included.
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What is a dune buggy?
A dune buggy is a lightweight, open off-road vehicle built for sand and rough terrain, defined by its wide tires and wide wheelbase for grip and stability. Sometimes called beach buggies or sand buggies, they are made for recreation rather than work. Today most guided desert tours, including ours in Las Vegas, use modern side by side dune buggies like the Polaris RZR.
Those wide tires are a key feature. They grip more surface area, which helps on uneven ground, and they make the vehicle easier to control when braking and turning at speed. The wider wheelbase adds stability and helps prevent loss of control through sharp turns.
Is a dune buggy the same as a RZR or side by side?
In everyday use, yes. Our dune buggies are side by side Polaris RZRs, and visitors often use the words dune buggy, side by side, and RZR to mean the same open, roll-caged desert machine. If you want the technical detail on the vehicle itself, see our guide to what a RZR is. For this page, when we say dune buggy, we mean the side by side you will actually drive on tour.
Dune buggy vs ATV: which should you choose?
Choose a dune buggy if you want to ride with others, sit inside a roll cage, and enjoy a smoother, more forgiving ride, which makes it ideal for groups, families, and first-timers. Choose an ATV if you want a solo, hands-on ride you steer with handlebars. Here is the quick comparison.
| Feature | Dune buggy (side by side) | ATV (quad) |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 2 to 6 people | 1 rider, some seat 2 |
| Protection | Roll cage and seat belts | Open, no cage |
| Ride feel | Smoother, elevated seating | More rugged and physical |
| Best for | Groups, families, first-timers | Solo riders who want hands-on control |
| How you steer | Steering wheel | Handlebars |
Both let you feel the wind and the desert. The dune buggy simply adds seating, protection, and a smoother suspension, while the ATV keeps it lean and personal. If you are still deciding between vehicle types, our ATV vs Quad vs RZR guide breaks down every option.
Our dune buggy fleet
At Awesome Adventures, our dune buggy tours use side by side Polaris RZRs and Rangers. Our fleet includes the Polaris RZR 900 in two and four seat versions, the four seat Polaris RZR 1000, and the Polaris Ranger 800 Crew Cab, which seats up to six. Every side by side has a roll cage, seat belts, and a smooth suspension system, so there is a comfortable fit for couples, families, and larger groups.
How fast do dune buggies go?
On open terrain these side by sides are capable of highway speeds, but on a guided tour your speed is set by your guide for the group and the trail. That means beginners stay comfortable and everyone rides together, while you still get the thrill of real desert driving.
Are dune buggies street legal?
Dune buggies are built for off-road use and are generally not street legal without special equipment and registration. That is exactly why a guided tour is the easy way to ride one: you drive on the private trail system in Eldorado Canyon rather than public roads, legally and safely.
Where can you ride a dune buggy near Las Vegas?
The best dune buggy riding near Las Vegas is in Eldorado Canyon, about 45 minutes south of the Strip near Nelson, Nevada. Awesome Adventures runs on the only private trail system in the canyon, with a few tour routes to choose from.
Eldorado Canyon tours
Your Eldorado Canyon tour begins the moment we pick you up. You get a guided ride through the canyon with sightseeing stops and plenty of photo opportunities. We provide water and gear, you choose a package with or without lunch, and evening excursions are available.
Old West and gold mine tours
Our Old West tours in Eldorado Canyon pair desert riding with history, including a visit to a historic 1861 gold mine. Water, lunch, and equipment are included.
What is included in an Awesome Adventures dune buggy tour?
Every guided dune buggy tour includes your side by side vehicle, a professional guide, a helmet and gloves, bottled water, and a professional photo and video package valued at $119. Tours explore Eldorado Canyon and can include a stop at a historic 1861 gold mine, with a lunch option on select tours.
How much does a dune buggy tour cost?
Pricing depends on the tour length and the size of your group, and every tour includes the vehicle, your guide, gear, water, and the photo and video package. For current rates and availability, check our booking page, where you can reserve online in a couple of minutes.
Do I need experience to drive a dune buggy?
No experience is needed. Every tour starts with a full safety briefing and driving instruction, so first-timers feel confident before heading out. The minimum age to ride is 7, and drivers must be 18 or older with a valid driver’s license and a credit card.
Do you offer hotel or Strip pickup?
Yes. We offer hotel pickup at four designated areas, and groups of six or more can be picked up directly from their hotel. Smaller groups meet at our staging area, and every tour begins with a full safety briefing and driving instruction before you head out.
A short history of dune buggies
Dune buggies are a relatively modern machine. Bruce Meyers launched the Meyers Manx in the 1960s to build an off-road vehicle suited to beach and desert terrain, and its success made the dune buggy one of the most popular recreational off-roaders in America. Today’s side by sides carry that idea forward with roll cages, seat belts, and advanced suspension.
Frequently asked questions about dune buggy tours
Is a dune buggy the same as a side by side or a RZR?
Yes, in everyday use. Our dune buggies are side by side Polaris RZRs and Rangers. People use all three names for the same open, roll-caged desert vehicle.
How many people fit in a dune buggy?
Our fleet seats from two up to six people depending on the model, so we can fit couples, families, and larger groups.
Can kids ride in a dune buggy?
Yes. Children 7 and older can ride as passengers with a parent or legal guardian. Drivers must be 18 or older with a valid license.
Do I need experience?
No. Every tour includes a safety briefing and driving instruction, and the smooth ride makes dune buggies a great choice for first-time off-roaders.
What should I wear?
Closed-toe shoes, sunglasses, and clothes you do not mind getting dusty. We provide helmets. In summer, plan for early departures to beat the heat.
How long are the tours?
Tours range from a couple of hours to a half day, depending on the route, from a quick canyon ride to a longer Old West and gold mine adventure.
Last updated: August 2026.
Sources: Pros and Cons of Wide Tires (2023); Webster, L. (2021), The Father of the Dune Buggy Rides Again; Who Built the First Automobile? (2023).