A first UTV ride in the desert goes better with a short list done ahead of time. This checklist covers what to settle before you book, what to know about where you can ride, what to bring, and what happens at pickup. Rules and costs come from state and federal agency pages and from our own Phoenix UTV page, all read on November 9 and 10, 2026. Pages change, so check each source before you ride.
Before you book
- Every driver must be 25 or older with a valid driver’s license.
- Bring proof of insurance, or buy insurance through GoGo Rental. Both options are listed on the Phoenix UTV page.
- Bring a major credit card in your name for the security deposit, which is taken at pickup.
- Booking on Polaris Adventures needs at least 24 hours of notice, according to our listing.
- Pick the right size. Our group size and seats guide shows which machine seats two, four or six.
Know the cost before you pick
The Phoenix UTV page works out a full total for one day, line by line. As of November 10, 2026 it shows the day rate, a UTV Damage Waiver of $198 a day with a $5,000 deductible, a $12 helmet, and tax and fees. The $2,500 security deposit is separate and is taken at pickup. Rentals are priced per 24 hours. If you want to haul the machine yourself, the free UTV trailer adds $0 at checkout for a limited time and needs a tow vehicle.
Know the rules for where you ride
- Arizona requires an OHV decal to operate a side-by-side. The Bureau of Land Management says OHVs must display a valid decal on public and state trust lands. Our decal guide explains the law and lists what no agency page confirms about rentals. Our rental page does not say how the decal is handled on a rental, so call us at 866-739-4114 before you book to confirm it.
- Stay on designated routes. Driving off route on the Tonto National Forest is prohibited, and the Bureau of Land Management says motorized vehicles in Sonoran Desert National Monument must stay on existing routes marked with a route number sign.
- Some Tonto National Forest areas, including Bulldog Canyon, The Rolls, Desert Vista and St. Clair, need a Tonto OHV permit. Recreation.gov lists a 3-day permit at $10. Our land rules guide has the details.
- Maricopa County says ATV and OHV use is not permitted at any county park. Riding is also prohibited on High Pollution Advisory days in most of the county.
- Fireworks, exploding targets and other incendiary devices are prohibited year round on BLM land in Arizona.
What to bring
- Water: one gallon (4 liters) per person per day is the BLM figure for the monument. Turn back if your group runs low.
- A hat, long sleeve shirt, sunglasses and sunscreen, as the BLM monument guide advises.
- A paper map or a GPS. The BLM says cell service is limited, so do not count on a phone signal.
- Eye protection if your machine has no windshield. Arizona Game and Fish lists it for operators of vehicles without one.
Plan your day around heat and weather
- The BLM says Sonoran Desert National Monument is best visited from late October to mid April, and summer temperatures may exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Monsoon season runs July to September and can bring flash floods. Do not cross a flooding wash.
- Tell someone your route and your return time before you leave.
- Read our heat, water and timing guide before a summer ride.
Riders under 18
Arizona law requires anyone under 18, driver or passenger, to wear a properly fitted DOT-rated helmet on public or state land. Our Phoenix UTV page lists a helmet on every booking. On the Tonto National Forest, riders under 16 do not need their own permit but must be with a guardian who holds one. Renters themselves must be 25 or older.
At pickup and on the trail
- Pickup is in Glendale, Arizona, for both our calendar machines and the Polaris Adventures machines.
- Our Phoenix UTV page notes that a side-by-side has a steering wheel, seat belts and a roll cage, and that it carries a passenger or a whole group.
- Alcohol: Arizona Game and Fish says you can be arrested for DUI even on a back country trail.
Common questions
How old do I have to be to rent a UTV in Phoenix?
Renters must be 25 or older with a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and a major credit card in their name for the security deposit.
What does a UTV rental cost besides the day rate?
Every booking on our calendar carries a UTV Damage Waiver and a helmet charge, plus tax and fees. A separate security deposit is taken at pickup. The Phoenix UTV page shows a worked total before you book.
How much water should I bring on a UTV ride near Phoenix?
The Bureau of Land Management advises planning one gallon (4 liters) of water per person per day at Sonoran Desert National Monument, where there is no drinking water.
