Big Dig Excavator Experience with Dig This Las Vegas

Guided Tour · Las Vegas

Big Dig Excavator

Take control of massive excavators in Las Vegas with Dig This. Learn to operate heavy machinery, dig trenches, stack tires, and even play Excavator Basketball — all in a safe, climate-controlled setting.

View experience
Duration90 minutes
LocationLas Vegas, Nevada
OperatorDig This

Adventure brief

Big Dig Excavator

Take control of massive excavators in Las Vegas with Dig This. Learn to operate heavy machinery, dig trenches, stack tires, and even play Excavator Basketball — all in a safe, climate-controlled setting.

In the heart of Nevada’s Mojave Desert near Las Vegas, Dig This offers a hands-on adventure unlike any other. More than a thrill ride, the Big Dig Excavator experience puts you in the driver’s seat of some of the largest excavators in North America, including machines named Jake and Thor. This isn’t just about heavy equipment; it’s about mastering the controls, feeling the power of hydraulics, and moving massive objects in a way few get to try.

Set on a sprawling 7-acre outdoor site, Dig This operates large machines in a safe and climate-controlled environment. Each 90-minute session begins with a safety briefing, ensuring every participant, from age 12 and up, understands the basics before stepping into the cab. Once behind the joystick controls, you’ll tackle tasks like digging trenches, stacking 2,000-pound tires, and even competing in “Excavator Basketball” – a unique challenge that turns earth-moving into a game.

The area around Dig This is defined by its stark desert landscape, where rugged terrain and open skies stretch wide. Operating these mechanical giants here contrasts sharply with the neon-lit cityscapes of nearby Las Vegas. This experience blends outdoor adventure with machine mastery in an unexpected way, offering city visitors a chance to engage with the natural environment through purposeful, hands-on work.

What sets Dig This apart is its commitment to accessibility and expert guidance. No construction background, driver’s license, or previous machine experience is needed. Your instructor stays connected via headset throughout, coaching every move and ensuring safety.

Climate control in the cabins offers comfort regardless of Nevada’s seasonal extremes. For those seeking something off the beaten path beside hiking and climbing around Vegas, the Big Dig Excavator experience adds an industrial twist to outdoor recreation. It’s a place to challenge yourself, build confidence, and leave with genuine achievement — plus a story few can match.

Adventure tips

Plan your experience.

Curated tips for an optimal adventure.

  1. 01
    Wear Closed-Toe Shoes

    Sturdy, closed-toe footwear is required for safety while operating the excavators.

    essential
  2. 02
    No Driver’s License Needed

    You don’t need prior licensing or construction experience to participate.

    info
  3. 03
    Stay Hydrated

    Nevada’s dry climate can dehydrate you quickly, so bring water before your session.

    warning
  4. 04
    Use Headset Communication

    Communicate clearly with your instructor via wireless headset for smooth guidance and safety.

    essential
DifficultyEasy
Duration90 minutes
FitnessSuitable for most fitness levels; primarily seated operation with light physical interaction
Technical skillsNone

Recommended gear

What to bring.

01

Closed-Toe Shoes

Protect your feet and meet safety requirements while operating heavy machinery.

Essential
02

Light Jacket or Layer

Bring extra layers for cooler desert mornings or evenings, especially outside the cab.

fall|winter|spring
03

Water Bottle

Stay hydrated in the arid desert climate before and after your session.

summer|spring|fallEssential
04

Sunglasses

Protect your eyes from the bright Nevada sun when outside the climate-controlled cab.

summer|spring|fall

Local insights

Context for the journey.

Hidden gems

Nearby secrets

Nearby Sunset Park for lightweight hiking and picnics, The Springs Preserve for local desert ecology exhibits

Wildlife

Local fauna

Desert cottontail rabbits, Roadrunner birds

History

Historic heritage

The area around Las Vegas has a rich history of mining and earth-moving industries, which inspires the heavy machinery theme at Dig This.

Conservation

Mindful exploration

Dig This maintains sustainable site practices by minimizing environmental impact and educating visitors on safe equipment handling.

Photography tips

Capture the moments

Viewpoints
From the operator cabs for close-up machine shots, Overlook areas surrounding the site for wide desert landscapes, Pit edge where tire stacking takes place
Subjects
Heavy machinery close-ups, Operator interactions, Desert terrain and sky
Best times
Golden hour at sunrise or sunset, Late morning for vibrant light

Frequently asked questions

Before you go.

Do I need any prior experience to operate the excavators?

No experience or driver’s license is required; expert instructors guide you throughout the session.

What is the minimum age to participate?

Participants must be at least 12 years old to join the Big Dig Excavator experience.

Are the excavators comfortable to operate in extreme weather?

Yes, the cabs are climate-controlled with heating and air conditioning to keep you comfortable year-round.

How long does the experience last?

Each session is 90 minutes, including safety training, operation time, and a graduation ceremony.

Is this activity suitable for groups or families?

Yes, groups of 2-3 can operate side-by-side with headset communication, making it a great family or group outing.

What should I wear during the experience?

Closed-toe shoes are mandatory; comfortable outdoor clothing and layers are recommended for weather variations.

Dig This

Big Dig Excavator Experience with Dig This Las Vegas