Top 7 Mistakes People Make on SXS/UTV/ATV Tours & How to Avoid Them

The Las Vegas desert is not just a barren stretch of sand and rock. It’s a living, breathing landscape full of mystery, heat, and raw, untamed beauty. Riding an SXS across this powerful terrain feels like harnessing a piece of the wild. But for all the excitement, this adventure also comes with real risks, especially if you’re not prepared.

If you’re planning a SXS tour in Las Vegas, you’re in for one of the most thrilling experiences of your life. But don’t let that excitement lead to mistakes that could ruin your day, or worse. Here are the top seven mistakes people make on SXS tours in the Las Vegas desert and how you can avoid them to ensure a safe, exhilarating ride.

It’s easy to look out at the vast open desert and think, “How hard can this be?” That’s exactly where the first mistake begins.
The Mojave Desert may appear smooth from afar, but it’s a deceptive illusion. Beneath the scenic vistas lie jagged rocks, deep sand pits, sudden drop-offs, and washes that can appear out of nowhere. Many riders make the mistake of assuming they can handle any terrain at top speed, only to get stuck, thrown off balance, or worse.
To avoid this, respect the terrain. Listen to your guide when they tell you to slow down or take a different path. This isn’t just a joyride, it’s a calculated dance with nature. Take it slow when needed, and be aware of your surroundings at all times, and we can still have an amazing time!

2. Wearing the Wrong Gear

We get it. You’re in Las Vegas. It’s hot. You want to look sharp, cool and feel free. But showing up to your ATV tour in shorts, a tank top, and fashion sunglasses is a recipe for discomfort. 

The desert sun isn’t just bright, it’s can be brutal. Combine that with high-speed winds, flying debris, and unpredictable terrain, and suddenly that minimalist outfit starts feeling like a mistake. Sunburns, scrapes, and eye injuries are common consequences of not being prepared. 

Instead, wear long sleeves, UPF clothing , durable pants, closed-toe shoes- always, and protective eyewear. Helmets & Eye protection are non-negotiable. Not only will you be safer, but you’ll also enjoy the ride a lot more when you’re not worried about the sun scorching your skin or dust blinding your eyes.

3. Ignoring the Safety Briefing

It’s tempting to zone out during the pre-ride briefing. After all, you’re eager to rev that engine and take off into the horizon. But skipping or ignoring the safety talk is a mistake that can cost you big, and we don’t want that. 

Guides don’t just give instructions to fill time, they’re giving you a roadmap for survival. The desert is unpredictable, and every ATV tour has its own unique challenges depending on weather, trail condition, & experience level of the group.

Pay attention, please. Learn the trail  hand signals. Understand how to use the throttle and brakes correctly. It only takes one second of confusion to turn an adventure into a possible issue. 

4. Overestimating Your Skill Level

Just because you’ve ridden an ATV once at a beach resort doesn’t mean you’re ready to conquer the Las Vegas desert, lol. Many people get overconfident and try to push beyond their skill level, taking sharp turns too fast, climbing dunes they can’t handle, or attempting stunts they saw on YouTube.

• This often leads to tip-overs, crashes, damaging the environment or injuries that could’ve been avoided with a little humility.

There’s no shame in starting slow. Trust your guide’s instructions and ride within your comfort zone. This isn’t a race. It’s an opportunity to soak in the scenery, learn new skills, and feel the adrenaline without putting yourself or others at risk.

5. Not Staying Hydrated

You may not feel thirsty in the moment, but the dry desert air is constantly pulling moisture from your body. Combine that with the physical exertion of riding, and you have a fast track to dehydration, and even heatstroke.

Many riders forget to drink enough water before or during the tour, only realizing the mistake when dizziness, fatigue, or nausea sets in.

Hydrate the night before your ride. Drink water throughout the day, not just when you’re thirsty. Most tour companies allow you to bring a hydration pack or bottle. Use it. In the Las Vegas desert, water isn’t just important, it’s survival.

6. Bringing the Wrong Attitude

This one’s not about physical danger, it’s about the experience.

SXS tours aren’t about ego or competition. The best tours are the ones where riders come in with open minds, positive attitudes, and a sense of camaraderie. Unfortunately, some people show up impatient or  unwilling to follow the group’s pace, which can put everyone at risk.

The desert doesn’t think about how tough you are. It rewards respect, not arrogance.

Treat your guide and fellow riders with kindness. Share the trails. Laugh when you get a little dusty or stuck—it’s part of the fun. When everyone works together, the experience becomes unforgettable for all the right reasons.

Forgetting to Capture the Moment (But Not Living Behind the Camera)

We live in a world where everything needs to be photographed & “posted”. And yes, you’ll definitely want to snap a few shots of the breathtaking desert views and your dusty, victorious post-ride fac! 🙂

But some people spend the entire tour fiddling with their phones or action cameras, missing the real magic of being out there, away from the Strip, away from the noise, immersed in nature’s raw power.

Take a few photos, sure. Capture a quick video as you cruise along a ridge. But then, tuck your phone away. The true memory is the wind in your face, the hum of the engine, the surreal colors of a Nevada sunset & sky.  Don’t miss it because you were trying to frame the perfect Instagram story.

Final Thoughts: Ride with Heart, Not Just Horsepower

SXS tours in the Las Vegas desert are one of those rare experiences where thrill meets soul. You don’t just ride, you connect with the land. With yourself. With the silence that stretches for miles and the wild energy that makes your heart race.

But that connection comes with responsibility. Avoiding these seven common mistakes means you’re not just being safe, you’re being smart. You’re giving yourself the chance to experience the desert in the most profound way possible.

So gear up, stay hydrated, listen closely, and ride with humility. Let the desert teach you something. Let it humble you. And most importantly, let it exhilarate you in a way only the wild heart of Nevada can.