SXS Tour W/ A Stop at Pioneer Saloon Goodsprings in Las Vegas

The best part of this outing is the sharp change of scene: within about 30 minutes of the Strip, you trade casino towers for open Mojave Desert and the old mining town of Goodsprings. The ride ends at the 113-year-old Pioneer Saloon, where you can explore the building, browse the General Store, and hear local stories.

I like the small maximum group of 12, which gives the guide room to adjust the pace and stop for views. I also like that beginners are welcome, with a safety briefing, vehicle instruction, full-face radio helmet, and head sock included. The main caution is that the listed experience does not include a meal, even though the saloon stop may have food or other activity available on a given day.

Key points to know before booking

• A short escape from the Strip: The base camp and desert riding area are roughly 30 minutes south of Las Vegas.
• A genuine old-town stop: Goodsprings and the Pioneer Saloon provide more character than a simple ride through open sand and rock.
• Beginner-friendly instruction: You receive a safety briefing, vehicle operation guidance, helmet fitting, and protective gear.
• Small-group format: The tour accepts a maximum of 12 people, helping the guide keep an eye on the group.
• Flexible riding moments: Driver changes and scenic breaks may be possible, depending on the group and guide.
• No included lunch: Plan on the saloon as a sightseeing and refreshment stop, not a guaranteed meal stop.

Leaving Las Vegas for the Mojave Desert

This is a useful choice when you want outdoor time without giving up a full day in Las Vegas. The advertised ride lasts about 3.5 hours, with the full experience taking approximately four hours depending on transport and the pace of the group.

The meeting point is on South Las Vegas Boulevard, and pickup is offered from select Strip hotels. The listed start time is 10:30 a.m. If you are using the pickup service, confirm that your hotel is included rather than assuming every Strip property is covered.

The short transfer matters. You do not spend half the day in a van just to reach the riding area. Once you arrive at Vegas Off Road Tours base camp, the focus shifts quickly to check-in, safety, and getting ready for the vehicle.

The company uses SXS vehicles, meaning side-by-side off-road vehicles with room for more than one person. The setup is less intimidating than riding a single ATV for many first-timers, though you still need to pay attention, follow instructions, and be comfortable with a rough desert route.

Base camp: safety first, then the throttle

The base-camp portion takes about 30 minutes. You check in, receive a vehicle briefing, learn how the SXS operates, and get fitted for your helmet.

Your equipment includes a full-face radio-equipped helmet, a head sock, and safety instruction. The radio connection is especially useful on an off-road ride because the guide can communicate with the group while vehicles are spread out along the route.

I appreciate the balance here. The experience is designed for beginners, but it does not treat the ride like a simple amusement park attraction. You still receive a proper introduction to the machine and the route before heading into the desert.

You might be asked to drive, ride as a passenger, or change drivers during the outing. Driver changes have been possible on some trips, but they should be treated as a request rather than a promise. If several people in your group want a turn, mention that before the ride begins.

The small group limit is another practical advantage. With no more than 12 participants, the guide has a better chance of noticing when someone needs help or wants to slow down. Brandon has been praised for letting groups set a comfortable pace and for accommodating different levels of experience.

Two hours across open Mojave country

The main riding portion takes about two hours and leads toward Goodsprings. This is the heart of the experience, so expect the vehicle ride itself to matter more than the saloon stop.

The route passes through Mojave Desert scenery, with possible views of old mines along the way. Wildlife may also appear in its natural setting, though sightings are never guaranteed. The appeal is the combination of movement and distance: you are not simply looking at desert from a roadside pullout, you are crossing it in an off-road vehicle.

The terrain and pace can vary. Some people want a spirited ride, while others prefer time to take in the rock, open sky, and traces of old mining activity. The guide can help set a reasonable pace for the group, but you should still expect dust, bumps, and a physical ride rather than a polished sightseeing bus excursion.

Bring practical clothing. The tour supplies the helmet and head sock, but the provided information does not list clothing, eye protection beyond the helmet, or footwear. Wear clothes you do not mind getting dusty and choose shoes suited to an outdoor activity.

Water and snacks have been available on some outings, and one guide was specifically praised for keeping the group supplied. Still, I would confirm exactly what is provided when booking, especially if you need more than a light snack during a late-morning ride.

Scenic breaks are part of the appeal. They give you time to look beyond the vehicle, take photographs, and reset before continuing. The exact number and length of these pauses can depend on the group, route conditions, and guide.

Goodsprings and the Pioneer Saloon

Goodsprings gives the outing a sense of place. Instead of ending at a generic desert viewpoint, the route reaches a small historic town with a strong connection to Nevada’s mining past.

The Pioneer Saloon is the centerpiece. At 113 years old, it offers a change of pace from the open trail. You can go inside, explore the old building, browse the adjacent General Store, and listen to stories about the area.

Possible live music adds interest, but it depends on the day. Do not book this outing expecting a scheduled performance unless the operator confirms one for your date.

The stop is planned for about 30 minutes. That is enough time for photographs, a quick look around, and a taste of the town’s old-west character. It is not enough for an extended meal, a long museum visit, and an unhurried shopping session all at once.

The adjacent protected monument adds another reason to slow down. The exact stop can depend on the day’s route, but the plan includes time to explore the grounds and take in the setting around the saloon.

One detail needs special attention: the tour description says no meal is included. Some outings to the saloon have included lunch or dinner, but that does not make food part of this daytime package. If a meal is important to you, ask what will be available on your date and budget separately.

What the $199.99 price really covers

At $199.99 per person, this is not a bargain transport option. You are paying for an organized off-road experience, the SXS vehicle, guide support, safety instruction, protective equipment, and access to a route that would be difficult to arrange independently.

The value is strongest if you want the activity itself. If you only want to see the Pioneer Saloon, a separate drive to Goodsprings may cost less, though it would not give you the guided desert ride or the convenience of a planned route.

Pickup can improve the value for visitors without a rental car. Select Strip hotel pickup saves you from arranging your own transport to base camp, but confirm the pickup details before booking.

The small group also matters at this price. A maximum of 12 people gives the outing a more personal feel than a large desert convoy, and it may make it easier to ask questions, change drivers, or request a short scenic pause.

Group discounts are offered, so this can make more sense for families or friends booking together. Ask about the discount rather than assuming it is applied automatically.

Who will enjoy this ride most

This tour suits you if you want a physical outdoor activity with a clear dose of Nevada history. It works well for first-time off-road riders because instruction and gear are included, yet experienced riders can still enjoy the desert route and the freedom of an SXS.

It is also a good fit for a group with mixed experience. One person can be cautious while another wants more driving time, and the guide may be able to accommodate driver changes and a relaxed pace.

You should think twice if your main goal is a long visit inside the saloon or a full lunch. The stop is brief, and food is not included. You may also prefer another outing if you dislike dust, bumps, helmets, or a fixed group pace.

The experience is limited to a maximum of 12 participants, but that does not mean the group will feel private. You are still sharing the ride with other people, and the route needs to work for the whole group.

Most people can participate, according to the supplied tour information. Even so, use common sense about your own comfort with off-road movement and operating a vehicle.

Timing, pickup, and cancellation details

The scheduled start is 10:30 a.m., and the activity ends back at the meeting point. Select Strip hotel pickup is offered, while participants who arrange their own transport can meet at the base camp at the reservation time.

The itinerary lists the base-camp drive and check-in separately, then about two hours of off-road riding and a 30-minute Pioneer Saloon stop. In real terms, allow about 3.5 to four hours rather than planning another tight appointment immediately afterward.

Confirmation is received when you book. Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

My practical take on the experience

I like this outing because it combines three things that are often sold separately: a desert ride, a small-town visit, and a taste of Nevada’s mining past. The Pioneer Saloon gives the day a destination, while the off-road route keeps it from becoming a simple sightseeing transfer.

The strongest points are the compact timing, the small group limit, and the attention to beginner safety. The guide names that come through in the supplied details include Brandon, who has adjusted pace and helped with driver changes, and Natalie, who has provided booking advice and coordinated group arrangements.

The weak point is the saloon timing. Thirty minutes passes quickly, especially if you want to explore the building, shop, photograph the grounds, hear music, and eat. You need to choose what matters most once you arrive.

I also recommend treating the $199.99 price as payment for the ride, not for lunch or a long historical tour. That expectation keeps the outing in balance.

Should you book this Las Vegas SXS tour?

Book it if you want a half-day break from the Strip and would enjoy operating or riding in an SXS through the Mojave Desert. It is especially suitable for first-timers, small groups, and anyone who wants the Pioneer Saloon to be part of a larger Nevada outing rather than the only destination.

Skip it if you want a guaranteed meal, a long saloon visit, or a low-cost way to reach Goodsprings. Before paying, confirm your pickup hotel, ask about food on your date, and decide who in your group wants to drive.

For the right person, this is a practical way to trade casino noise for desert air, old mining-town stories, and a memorable off-road route without spending an entire day away from Las Vegas.

FAQ

How long does the SXS tour last?

The guided ride is described as approximately 3.5 hours, while the full activity may take about four hours.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 10:30 a.m.

Is pickup available from Las Vegas hotels?

Yes. Pickup is offered from select hotels on the Las Vegas Strip. You should confirm that your hotel is included.

Is lunch included at the Pioneer Saloon?

No. The listed experience does not include a meal.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The experience is designed for both beginners and experienced riders and includes a safety briefing, vehicle instruction, and helmet fitting.

How many people can join the tour?

The activity has a maximum group size of 12 participants.

What happens if I need to cancel?

You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted for a refund.