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.
Adventure brief
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.
Salton City, situated in Southern California's sprawling desert, offers an invigorating playground for off-road enthusiasts ready to chase adrenaline. Among its top offerings, Steve's ATV Rentals stands out as a premier destination for thrill-seekers eager to conquer 85,000 acres of diverse terrain. Their guided or self-guided ATV and UTV rentals transform ordinary day trips into unforgettable escapades, weaving through scenic hills, rugged canyons, and sweeping desert plains. What makes Steve’s Rentals particularly special is their access to unique landmarks like a vintage NYC fire hydrant and a hilltop telephone booth—quirky remnants that infuse the ride with local charm and a sense of discovery. This area is renowned for its otherworldly landscape, marked by salt flats, volcanic formations, and vibrant desert flora. The terrain varies from sandy washes to rocky ascents, making it a versatile destination for motorized adventures. The climate promises sunny skies most of the year, perfect for a high-energy outdoor activity. Off-roaders can expect to traverse unique natural features and take in striking views that feel almost cinematic against the sweeping desert backdrop. Whether you’re an experienced rider or novice, Steve's ATV Rentals caters to all skill levels and offers detailed safety briefings and equipment. Locally owned and operated, they’re passionate about preserving the area's natural beauty while providing fun and safe adventures. In addition to exhilarating rides, they recommend packing essentials like water, sun protection, and appropriate footwear for quick stops at key scenic points. For those visiting nearby cities such as Coachella or Palm Springs, Steve’s ATV Rentals offers a unique way to experience the Southern California desert—an off-road journey brimming with curiosity and thrill. This makes it a must-visit for anyone craving an authentic motorized adventure in a landscape that’s both stark and stunning.
Route Schematic
Route schematic and principal stops
A typical outing starts at the rental office and fans out across the dune country to hilltop viewpoints and oddities scattered through the park.
Rental office — launch point
All ATVs and UTVs are staged at the rental office; riders check in, review safety instructions and then ride out from this location directly into the park.
Hilltop viewpoints
Climb local ridgelines for panoramic views overlooking the Salton Sea and the surrounding desert bowl.
Landmark hunt
Explore trails in search of the area’s peculiar landmarks — a lone telephone booth on a hill, an isolated NYC fire hydrant and other offbeat features.
Riders must complete check-in and safety briefings before the rental period begins; operators require valid ID for adults and parental consent for minors not accompanied by a guardian. The route is self-guided, and conditions or operator requirements may alter where you can safely ride.
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.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-26T17:59:52.755Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.