THERMAL ATV/UTV FIELD GUIDE
Eight Hours Unfettered: Ride ATVs and UTVs Across 85,000 Acres of Salton City Backcountry
Self-guided, eight-hour ATV and UTV rentals from Steve’s ATV Rentals let riders launch from Thermal and explore sweeping dune country, hilltop Salton Sea views, and uncanny landmarks.
Eight Hours Unfettered: Ride ATVs and UTVs Across 85,000 Acres of Salton City Backcountry.
Steve’s ATV Rentals: Palm Springs stages ATVs and UTVs at a Thermal storefront and offers self-guided, eight-hour rentals to explore roughly 85,000 acres around Salton City — a raw landscape of dunes, hilltop vistas and strange human-made curiosities. Riders choose their machine, check in at the office, and ride out into the park at their own pace to seek out landmark oddities and expansive views.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Vast, open terrain and Salton Sea hilltops
The rental area opens onto some 85,000 acres of dune and backcountry terrain with hilltop vantage points that look back over the Salton Sea — a simple, wind-swept setting that rewards exploration and offers sweeping sightlines.
Hidden landmarks: hydrants, a phone booth and more
Part of the draw is the area’s quirky markers — a NYC fire hydrant, a lone telephone booth on a hill, and the so-called valley of the little people — features to hunt for while you navigate the backcountry.
A machine for every rider
Steve’s offers a range of ATV and UTV models to accommodate different ages and experience levels, letting riders select the vehicle that suits their comfort and skill before setting out on their self-guided run.
What the day feels like
What the eight hours feel like
Expect a practical, self-directed day: arrive early to check in, choose your machine, accept safety instructions and then ride straight out from the rental office into wide-open dunes and ridgelines. Without a guide, the experience is one of independent navigation — a full day to follow trails, climb hilltops and hunt for the area’s curious markers.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this rental suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Rentals are eight hours long; check in one hour before your scheduled start time to complete paperwork and safety instructions so your rental period begins on time.
Bring the driver’s license or ID used for the booking, the credit card used to reserve the machine, any discount or military ID, a fully charged cell phone, and a backpack for personal items. Helmets are required; you may bring your own or use helmets provided with the rental. Wear closed-toe shoes and consider long pants and long sleeves.
All vehicles are staged at the operator’s Thermal location; arrive at the rental office to sign in, receive instructions and ride out from there.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Is this a guided tour?
No — rentals are self-guided. Riders are free to explore the dune area during their rental time.
Where do I check in and start my ride?
Check in at the rental office in Thermal (the operator’s staging location) and ride straight out into the park from there.
How long is the rental period?
Each rental is eight hours in duration.
What ID and age rules apply?
All riders 18 and older must bring a valid driver’s license or ID. Riders under 18 must have written consent from a parent or legal guardian if that guardian is not present. Drivers with suspended or revoked licenses are not permitted to drive.
Are helmets and protective items provided?
Helmets are included with the rental and can be borrowed from the operator; riders may bring their own helmets. Closed-toe shoes are required and long pants/long sleeves are suggested.
Is there a discount for military or first responders?
Yes — book online to hold your machine(s) and show military or first responder ID at check-in to receive a 10% discount at the desk.