A saloon stop beats the usual desert grind. This guided SXS off-road tour takes you just 30 minutes south of the Strip and mixes desert riding with a visit to Nevada’s old-school Pioneer Saloon in Goodsprings area. I really like the radio-equipped, full-face helmet safety setup and how the guides keep the pace friendly for first-timers. One thing to plan for: the tour does not include a full meal, so if you want a proper lunch or dinner, you’ll need to spend extra at the saloon.

This is also the kind of small-group outing that feels easy to manage. The group limit is up to 12 travelers, and the team runs smooth check-in at base camp. From what I’ve seen in how they communicate and guide, Natalie provides helpful booking advice, and Brandon (one of the guides) is known for keeping things accommodating—so you’re not stuck doing anything at someone else’s speed.

Key highlights to know before you go

SXS riding with safety-first gear: helmet, headsock, and instruction with guided trail control.

Pioneer Saloon stop at Nevada’s oldest bar area: history, photos, and time to shop and wander.

Mojave Desert route plus Goodsprings: the longest ride stretch heads toward the town and possible old mine sights.

Small groups (max 12): more personal attention when you’re learning controls or looking for photo breaks.

Strip pickup on select hotels: reduces the hassle compared with figuring out transport on your own.

Getting from the Strip to the Mojave in a hurry

This tour is built as a short escape. You start at 10:30 am, and you’re back at the same meeting point by the end, with a total runtime of about 4 hours. The big practical win is location: it’s about 30 minutes south of the Strip, so you’re not committing your whole day just to get away from the lights.

Pickup is offered for select Strip hotels, which is ideal if you’d rather not navigate to the desert on your own. If you’re meeting at the listed start area (South Las Vegas Boulevard), you’ll still want to arrive early enough to handle any check-in flow without rushing.

The company also uses mobile tickets, which is one less thing to print or lose in your hotel room. Add in a small-group cap and this feels like the kind of outing that’s meant to be fun and not chaotic.

Base camp check-in: helmets, radios, and first control practice

Before the riding begins, you go through the base camp routine. That’s where you should expect a safety briefing, helmet fitting, and a quick run-through of how to operate the SXS/side-by-side vehicles. The goal is simple: you get your bearings fast and you learn the basics before you’re out in open desert.

A major plus here is the safety communication style. The tour description includes full-face radio-equipped helmets, which matters more than most people realize. If you’ve ever ridden with a group where people can’t hear directions, you know it turns into guesswork fast. Radio contact makes it easier for guides to keep you together and for you to ask questions on the fly.

This first phase takes about 30 minutes, and it’s not padded. It’s short enough that you don’t feel stuck waiting, but long enough to avoid the most common beginner issues like not knowing what the guide expects when braking, turning, or taking scenic stops.

SXS riding in the Mojave: what it feels like and who it suits

Once you roll out, you’re in the Mojave Desert on guided trails. This is the core of the experience, and it’s where you’ll get the payoff: desert views, open ground, and a real chance to spot wildlife in a place where you’re not constantly surrounded by cars.

The tour is designed for both beginners and experienced riders, which is exactly what you want if you’re traveling with mixed experience levels. Beginners should feel supported because the route is guided and the staff handles the safety briefing up front. Experienced riders should still enjoy it because the time in the desert is long enough to feel like an actual ride—not just a quick spin around the parking lot.

One realistic consideration: off-road riding is physical in a different way than walking a museum. Even if the group is beginner-friendly, you’ll be bouncing, holding on, and paying attention. If you’re sensitive to bumps or you have back/neck limitations, go in with that in mind and listen carefully during the safety talk.

Also, the ride runs with the expectation of scenic breaks. That means you’re not constantly on the throttle. You get moments to pause, get photos, and regroup—especially helpful if you’re not sure yet how to handle turns.

Stop 3: Pioneer Saloon at the 113-year-old bar

The best part of this tour’s format is how it breaks the day up. After getting your fill of desert miles, you land at the Pioneer Saloon, part of Nevada’s old saloon tradition and described here as 113 years old. This stop is about more than sightseeing. It gives the outing a story.

You’ll have time for:

• History and old-west stories around the property
• Shopping in the General Store
• Photo time and just wandering the grounds
• Water and a snack during the stop

There’s also a possibility of live music, depending on the day. That’s a nice bonus because it can turn your break into a mini event rather than a quick stop-and-go.

A key practical note: while you’ll have snacks and time at the saloon, the tour itself says no meal is included. Still, the saloon is the most logical place to buy something if you want a full lunch or dinner. Plan on bringing a little extra spending money if food is part of your vacation rhythm.

Stop 4: Goodsprings stretch and possible old mines

After the Pioneer Saloon break, the tour shifts into the longer run—about 2 hours—headed toward Goodsprings. This is where the Mojave scenery keeps going, and the description notes that you might see old mines along the way.

That detail matters because it gives the desert more texture than just sand and rocks. Nevada’s mining past shows up in these landscapes, and even if you’re not a geology person, it’s the kind of visual cue that makes the area feel lived-in.

You’ll also be getting a sense of how remote places work without leaving the comfort of a guided day. Goodsprings isn’t far, but it’s a different world from the Strip. It’s the “here’s what Nevada looks like outside the hotels” moment.

One more small consideration: since this is a guided ride, you’ll likely spend most of your time focusing on route and signals rather than wandering off on your own. That’s a trade-off you should accept because it keeps the experience safe and smooth.

What you really get for $199.99 per person

At $199.99 per person, this isn’t a cheap “try something once” activity. The question is whether it feels like value. In my view, it does if you want a complete half-day: transportation support, safety gear, guided riding time, and a memorable stop.

Here’s how the cost makes sense in plain terms:

• You’re paying for guided instruction plus helmet and headsock
• You’re paying for an actual SXS desert route, not just a short loop
• You’re also paying for the extra structure of a Pioneer Saloon stop with time to shop and take photos
• The small group size (max 12) can mean more attention when you’re learning controls

If you only want one of these pieces—just desert driving, or just seeing a saloon—then you might feel like you’re paying for the whole package. But if you want the day to feel like a real outing, not random driving, this bundle is the point.

The guide-led format is also part of the value. Having safety briefings and radio-equipped helmets means the day runs with fewer uncertainties. For many people, that’s worth real money.

Practical tips to get the best ride

This type of tour rewards simple preparation. You’re going to be in the open desert, so plan to dress like you’re doing more than sitting.

Wear closed-toe shoes with good grip so your feet stay secure on the vehicle.

Bring a light layer for sun-shade changes, even if it’s warm when you start.

Have a small cash buffer for food or drinks since meals are not included, even though water/snacks are part of the stop.

Listen during the safety briefing and ask questions right then. The faster you understand hand signals or how the guide expects turns, the more relaxed you’ll feel later.

Take advantage of scenic breaks so you can film and photograph without trying to do it while you’re still focused on steering.

If you’re going with friends and only one of you is confident, that’s actually fine. The tour is set up for mixed ability, and the small group size helps the guide keep everyone on track.

Who should book this (and who might want another option)

Book this if you want:

• A beginner-friendly Mojave Desert SXS experience
• A real stop with character at the Pioneer Saloon
• A half-day outing that doesn’t swallow your whole day
• A guided format with safety support, helmets, and communication

You might consider a different tour if:

• You strongly prefer tours that include a full meal
• You’re sensitive to bumping and sudden terrain changes
• You want long free time at stops instead of timed segments

Overall, this is a “do it for the whole story” kind of tour—the desert ride plus the old-saloon break is the formula.

Should you book the SXS + Pioneer Saloon / Goodsprings tour?

If you’re asking me for the quick decision: I’d book it if your idea of fun is guided adventure with a memorable Western stop that breaks up the ride. The combination of safety-first setup, small group size, and a real destination like the Pioneer Saloon makes it feel worth the price.

If you’re purely chasing the cheapest desert thrill, there may be cheaper options. But if you want a smooth day with instruction, radio-equipped helmets, and a built-in reason to stop besides photos, this one has the right mix.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the SXS tour?

It runs about 4 hours total, with the guided off-road portion described as about 3.5 hours.

How much does it cost?

The price is $199.99 per person.

Do they pick you up from the Las Vegas Strip?

Yes. Pickup is offered from select Strip hotels, and the tour meets at South Las Vegas Boulevard.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at South Las Vegas Boulevard (S Las Vegas Blvd, Nevada) and ends back at the same meeting point.

What safety gear and instruction are included?

You get a helmet and headsock, plus a safety briefing and instruction.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The tour is suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.

Do I need to bring a lunch?

No meal is included. You’ll have water and a snack during the saloon stop, but you should plan for additional food costs if you want a full meal.

How many people are in the group?

The maximum group size is 12 travelers.

Can I cancel for free?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.