THERMAL ATV/UTV FIELD GUIDE
Six Hours on the Sand: Self‑Guided ATV & UTV Rentals Around the Salton Sea
A six‑hour, self‑guided rental from Steve's lets you pick your machine and ride 85,000 acres of dunes and backcountry around Thermal, hunting hilltop views and oddball landmarks.
Six Hours on the Sand: Self‑Guided ATV & UTV Rentals Around the Salton Sea.
From a rental yard at the edge of Salton City, a fleet of ATVs and UTVs puts 85,000 acres of desert and dune country within reach. These self‑guided six‑hour rentals let riders of varying ages and experience levels pick a machine and head straight into trails that afford broad hilltop views of the Salton Sea and a string of quirky landmarks scattered across the valley.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Wide‑open desert and dune networks
Explore an expansive matrix of trails and dunes across roughly 85,000 acres around Salton City, where hilltop vantage points reward riders with sweeping views of the Salton Sea and the valley beyond.
Search for telephone booths and a lone fire hydrant
Part of the draw here are the unexpected landmarks—an isolated telephone booth, an NYC fire hydrant and other local curiosities—that punctuate the dunes and make navigation an adventurous scavenger hunt.
Choose from multiple ATV and UTV models
Steve’s offers a variety of rental machines at the Salton City location so riders of different ages and abilities can select the model that fits their comfort and riding plans for the six‑hour self‑guided window.
What the day feels like
What Six Hours Feels Like
Your rental begins at the company staging area; once checked in you head straight out into open dunes and single‑track loops, setting your own pace and route. Without a guide, riders navigate by map, landmark and instinct, stringing together hilltop overlooks, sandy flats and narrow washes while stopping to investigate the area’s curious installations and viewpoints.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this rental works for—and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring the credit card used to reserve, any discount IDs (Military/First Responder), a fully charged cell phone, and a backpack for personal items. Helmets are required—if you have your own bring it; helmets are also provided with rentals.
Closed‑toe shoes are required. Long pants and a long‑sleeve shirt or sweatshirt are suggested for protection from sun and brush.
Arrive one hour before your scheduled start for check‑in and safety instructions; rentals are six hours in duration and will not be extended to account for late check‑in.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Is this a guided tour?
No. Rentals are self‑guided—there is no guide provided, so you are free to explore the dune area during your rental time.
Where do I meet for my rental?
All vehicles are staged at the rental office at 2104 Frontage Rd, Thermal, CA 92274; you check in there and ride straight out into the park.
What identification do I need?
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 adult is not present.
Are helmets provided?
Yes—every person is required to wear a helmet; if you have your own, bring it, otherwise helmets are lent with the rental.
Are there discounts for military or first responders?
Yes—book online to hold your machine(s), show your ID at check‑in and you will receive a 10% discount at the desk.
What happens if I arrive late?
You must arrive one hour before the rental start time to complete check‑in and safety instructions; rentals are not extended to compensate for delays in check‑in.