The question comes up before almost every first Glamis trip. You are looking at the booking page, you see ATV rentals on one side and side-by-side utility task vehicles on the other, and you are not entirely sure which one is the right call for your group. Both options get you onto the same sand. Both are available from the same location at Vendor Row. The price difference is real, the riding experience is genuinely different, and choosing the wrong one for your group size or skill level makes the weekend harder than it needs to be.
This guide gives you a clear, honest comparison. It covers what each vehicle type actually feels like to ride, which one suits which kind of visitor, how group size affects the decision, and what most people get wrong when they try to make this choice based on price alone. By the end of this page, you will know exactly which option fits your trip before you ever reach the booking page.
What ATV Rentals and UTV Rentals Actually Are at Glamis Sand Dunes
Before comparing the two, it helps to be precise about what each term means in the context of Glamis Dunes Rentals, because the industry uses overlapping vocabulary that confuses a lot of first-time visitors.
ATV Rentals at Glamis
An all-terrain vehicle is a single-rider machine with handlebars, straddle seating, and four wheels. The rider sits on top of the machine and steers by leaning and turning the handlebars. All-terrain vehicles are physically active to ride. You shift your body weight through turns, lean into dune faces, and feel the terrain directly through the seat and handlebars in a way that no enclosed vehicle can replicate.
The ATV rentals fleet at Glamis Dunes Rentals is built around 250cc Honda and Suzuki quads. These machines use a clutchless shifting system that eliminates the stalling problem that frustrates most beginners on traditional manual transmission all-terrain vehicles. You shift gears normally but manage no clutch lever. The 250cc engine produces enough power to handle every terrain type at the Imperial Sand Dunes, including flat cruising, dune climbs, and rougher desert trail sections, without overwhelming a first-time rider.
ATV rentals are priced at 269 dollars per day. They seat one rider only. There is no passenger option on the quad platform.
UTV Rentals at Glamis
A utility task vehicle, also called a side-by-side, is a four-wheeled off-road machine with a steering wheel, bucket seats arranged side by side, a roll cage, and seat belts. The driver operates the vehicle like a car rather than like a motorcycle. Passengers sit beside the driver rather than behind them. Two-seat and four-seat configurations are both available.
The utility task vehicle rentals fleet at Glamis Dunes Rentals is built entirely on the Can-Am Maverick X3 platform. Models range from the 120 horsepower Maverick X3 DS Turbo up to the 200 horsepower Maverick X3 XRS Turbo RR with Smart Shox semi-active suspension. Two-seat daily rental prices start at 724.90 dollars and four-seat models start at 790.90 dollars, with the highest-tier four-seat model at 1,098.90 dollars per day.
The Core Difference Between ATV Rentals and UTV Rentals That Most Comparisons Miss
Most vehicle comparison articles focus on specifications like horsepower and suspension travel. Those numbers matter less for the typical Glamis visitor than the question of how each vehicle type makes you feel while you ride it.
All-terrain vehicle riding is a physical, individual experience. You are exposed to the terrain, the wind, the sand, and the movement of the machine in a direct way. When you ride an all-terrain vehicle through a sweeping dune face, you are leaning into it, shifting your weight, and feeling every variation in the sand surface through your seat and hands. It is the closest thing to surfing that desert riding offers. The independence of being the only person on your machine means your pace is yours entirely, and the experience is intensely personal.
Side-by-side riding is a shared, social experience. You and your passengers are in the same enclosed cockpit, talking, pointing things out, and navigating the dunes together. The roll cage and seat belts provide a sense of security that many first-time visitors and families find reassuring. You can cover more distance with more people in a single vehicle, and the conversation that happens during a side-by-side session is part of what makes it memorable for groups.
Neither experience is superior to the other. They are genuinely different activities. The right choice depends almost entirely on how your group is composed and what kind of Glamis experience you came for.
How Group Size Drives the Decision Between ATV Rentals and a Side-by-Side
Group size is the most reliable deciding factor for most visitors, and it is the one that produces the fewest regrets when used correctly.
Solo Riders
If you are visiting Glamis alone, ATV rentals are the natural and cost-effective choice. A solo rider in a two-seat side-by-side is paying significantly more per day for a machine designed to carry a second person. The all-terrain vehicle gives you the full physical riding experience at the best price point, and the 250cc quads at Glamis Dunes Rentals are specifically designed to make that experience accessible even without prior riding history.
Two Riders
Two riders have the most flexibility. You can book two separate ATV rentals and ride at your own pace alongside each other, which gives both riders full individual control of their machine and the physical all-terrain vehicle experience. Alternatively, a two-seat side-by-side keeps you together in one vehicle at a different price point. The right answer depends on whether you want to ride independently or share the experience from the same cockpit. Couples who have never been to Glamis before often find the side-by-side more natural for a first visit because it keeps them together and reduces the coordination overhead of managing two separate machines.
Three or Four Riders
Three or four riders strongly favor a four-seat side-by-side. Booking three or four separate ATV rentals multiplies the per-vehicle cost significantly and requires all riders to manage their own machines, which adds complexity when skill levels vary. A four-seat Can-Am Maverick X3 Max puts everyone in the same vehicle under the supervision of a single driver, makes the day logistically simpler, and typically produces a more consistent group experience. The 790.90 dollar daily rate for a four-seat 120 horsepower model costs less per person than four individual ATV rentals at 269 dollars each.
Groups of Five or More
Groups of five or more riders typically need a combination of vehicles. A common approach is one or two side-by-sides for the larger group alongside ATV rentals for experienced individual riders who want the separate physical riding experience. The team at Vendor Row can help groups of any size plan the right vehicle mix for their trip. Call or text at (760) 573-6825 before your booking date to discuss options.
Riding Experience Level and Which Vehicle Type Suits It
Experience level is the second major factor after group size, and it operates differently than most people expect. It is not simply a case of beginners choosing one type and experienced riders choosing another. Both vehicle types are accessible to first-time riders when the right model is selected. The question is which type of beginner experience you want.
First-Time Riders Who Want to Feel the Dunes Physically
If you have no prior riding history and you want the most hands-on, physically engaging version of dune riding, ATV rentals at Glamis Dunes Rentals are well-suited to your goals. The clutchless shifting system on the 250cc quads removes the most common technical barrier for beginners, and the full controls briefing at pickup gets you comfortable with the machine before your first dune. The physical nature of all-terrain vehicle riding means your confidence builds quickly because you can feel your improvement through the machine itself.
First-Time Riders Who Want a Familiar, Car-Like Experience
If you have never ridden an all-terrain vehicle or motorcycle and the straddle seating and handlebar controls feel unfamiliar, the side-by-side is a more natural starting point. Steering wheel, bucket seat, seat belt, and brake pedal inputs all translate from standard driving experience. Many visitors who arrive nervous about off-road riding find that the side-by-side removes the initial unfamiliarity and lets them focus on reading the terrain and enjoying the dunes rather than managing an unfamiliar control system.
Experienced Riders
Experienced dune riders often already know which type they prefer and come to Glamis with that preference established. Those who love the physical all-terrain vehicle experience typically want to stay on quads regardless of the availability of side-by-sides. Those who prioritize covering ground quickly with passengers or want the higher power output and suspension travel of the Can-Am Maverick X3 RS Turbo RR or XRS Turbo RR tend toward the utility task vehicle side of the fleet. Experienced riders who are undecided can often be guided effectively by the team at Vendor Row based on a short conversation about their riding history and what they want from their day.
The Safety Equipment Difference Between ATV Rentals and Side-by-Sides
Both vehicle types at Glamis carry required safety equipment as part of the rental, and both meet the Bureau of Land Management rules for the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area. The safety profile of each type is worth understanding, however, because it affects the experience differently for families and groups with younger passengers.
All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Equipment
Every ATV rental from Glamis Dunes Rentals includes a helmet provided in adult sizes, with youth helmets available for purchase. A compliant whip flag in red or orange measuring at least six inches by twelve inches is pre-installed on the vehicle at pickup. The full safety briefing covers terrain reading, safe spacing between riders, dune crest approach, and the Bureau of Land Management rules for open riding zones and closed wilderness areas. Riders must be 21 years of age or older with valid government-issued identification to operate a rental all-terrain vehicle.
Side-by-Side Safety Equipment
Every side-by-side rental from Glamis Dunes Rentals includes helmets for all riders, a pre-installed whip flag, and a full safety orientation covering vehicle controls and dune-specific riding guidance. The Can-Am Maverick X3 platform includes a roll cage, seat belts for all occupants, and a fully enclosed cockpit structure. California rules for recreational off-highway vehicles on public lands require seat belts or safety harnesses to be worn by all occupants at all times, and this applies on every ride including short sections back to camp.
Which Type Is Safer for Families with Children
The side-by-side platform is generally better suited for families riding with younger passengers. The enclosed cockpit, roll cage, and seat belts provide a structural safety layer that the open all-terrain vehicle platform does not offer. Children riding as passengers in a side-by-side remain seated, belted, and within the roll cage structure throughout the ride. Children on or near an all-terrain vehicle are exposed to terrain in a more direct way that requires a higher level of active supervision. If your group includes children who will ride as passengers rather than operators, the side-by-side is the more appropriate choice from a safety standpoint.
Terrain at Glamis and How Each Vehicle Type Handles It
The Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area offers a wide variety of terrain within a single recreation day. Understanding how each vehicle type performs across different terrain sections helps you match the right rental to your plans for the weekend.
Flat Sand and Open Cruising
Both all-terrain vehicles and side-by-sides handle flat open sand well. The side-by-side covers ground faster due to higher horsepower and a wider stance that provides stability at speed. The all-terrain vehicle feels more nimble and responsive to steering inputs on flat terrain, and experienced riders can navigate tighter paths that a wider side-by-side cannot access.
Dune Faces and Climbs
Dune face riding is where the character difference between the two vehicle types is most apparent. On an all-terrain vehicle, approaching and climbing a dune face is a physical act that requires active body positioning and throttle control. You can feel the sand giving way under the tires and adjust your weight accordingly. The experience is immediate and visceral.
In a side-by-side, the same climb is more mechanically managed. The Can-Am Maverick X3 platform has enough power and suspension travel to handle dune faces with authority, and the enclosed cockpit means passengers experience the climb from a stable, secure position. The driver manages throttle and line choice while passengers hold on and enjoy the ride. The climbing experience in a side-by-side is exciting but less physically demanding than on an all-terrain vehicle.
Bowls and High-Traffic Riding Areas
The popular bowl areas at Glamis are where the whip flag requirement becomes most critical for both vehicle types. Blind crests are everywhere in bowl terrain, and other riders can approach from multiple directions simultaneously. The all-terrain vehicle is more maneuverable in tight bowl traffic, but the side-by-side is more visible to other riders due to its larger profile and the height of its flag mounting. Riders of both vehicle types should approach all dune crests at a controlled speed in heavy traffic, regardless of experience level.
Trails and Desert Terrain Near the Riding Zones
Areas near Gecko Road and the main access zones include sections of flatter desert terrain where both vehicle types perform well. The side-by-side handles these sections with more passenger comfort over rough ground due to the FOX suspension tuning on the Can-Am Maverick X3 platform. The all-terrain vehicle is more physically engaging on the same terrain but fatigues riders faster when the ground is rough for extended distances.
Cost Comparison: ATV Rentals Versus Side-by-Side Rentals at Glamis
Price is a real factor in the vehicle decision, and a straightforward per-day comparison does not tell the full story. The more useful comparison is cost per rider per day, because that number reflects the actual value of each option for your group.
ATV Rentals Per-Rider Cost
ATV rentals are 269 dollars per day per vehicle, and each vehicle carries one rider. The per-rider daily cost for ATV rentals is therefore 269 dollars regardless of group size, because each person needs their own machine.
UTV Rentals Per-Rider Cost
The two-seat Can-Am Maverick X3 DS Turbo starts at 724.90 dollars per day for two riders, which works out to 362.45 dollars per rider per day. The four-seat Can-Am Maverick X3 Max DS Turbo is 790.90 dollars per day for up to four riders, which works out to 197.73 dollars per rider per day when all four seats are occupied. The premium four-seat Can-Am Maverick X3 Max XRS Turbo RR at 1,098.90 dollars per day costs 274.73 dollars per rider per day with four occupants.
This comparison illustrates a straightforward pattern. ATV rentals offer the lowest per-rider cost for solo or independent riders. Side-by-side rentals become cost-competitive or cost-advantageous as group size increases toward three and four riders per vehicle. A solo rider paying 724.90 dollars for a two-seat side-by-side is paying more than 2.5 times the all-terrain vehicle rate for a vehicle designed to carry two people. A group of four sharing the 790.90 dollar four-seat model pays less per person than four separate ATV rentals.
A Practical Decision Guide: How to Choose Between ATV Rentals and a Side-by-Side
Apply these five questions in sequence. Most visitors will reach a clear answer by question three.
Question One: How Many People Are in Your Group
Solo riders should book ATV rentals. Groups of three or four should book a four-seat side-by-side. Two riders should move to question two.
Question Two: Do You Want to Ride Independently or Together
Two riders who want the individual physical all-terrain vehicle experience should each book ATV rentals. Two riders who want the shared, social, car-like experience should book a two-seat side-by-side.
Question Three: Does Your Group Include Children as Passengers
If yes, book a side-by-side. The enclosed cockpit, roll cage, and seat belts make it the appropriate choice for families carrying children as passengers.
Question Four: Is Anyone in Your Group Riding for the First Time and Nervous About Physical Controls
If yes, book a side-by-side. The steering wheel and car-like controls reduce the initial learning barrier for visitors who have no prior motorcycle or all-terrain vehicle experience.
Question Five: Is Everyone in Your Group Comfortable on Their Own Machine
If yes, ATV rentals give the group maximum flexibility and the most direct physical riding experience per person. Each rider controls their own pace, direction, and session length.
What the Glamis Dunes Rentals Team Recommends Based on Common Group Types
The team at Vendor Row has helped thousands of visitors make this decision. These are the recommendations that come up most consistently based on group composition.
Solo Visitor on a Weekend Trip
Book ATV rentals. The 269 dollar daily rate gives you the best value and the most physical, independent riding experience at the Imperial Sand Dunes.
Couple Visiting Glamis for the First Time
Book a two-seat side-by-side if you want to share every moment together and the car-like controls feel more natural. Book two ATV rentals if you both want the physical quad experience and are comfortable managing your own machines.
Family with Mixed Ages Including Young Children
Book a four-seat side-by-side. Keep the children belted and seated at all times. The roll cage and enclosed cockpit structure make this the appropriate platform for families with young passengers who will not be operating a machine.
Group of Four Friends with Mixed Experience
Book a four-seat side-by-side and have the most experienced rider drive. This keeps the group together, reduces the coordination overhead of managing multiple machines at different skill levels, and costs less per person than four separate ATV rentals.
Group of Six with Varied Experience
Combine a four-seat side-by-side with two ATV rentals for the most experienced independent riders. This gives experienced riders the physical quad experience while keeping the rest of the group together in the side-by-side. Call (760) 573-6825 to confirm availability for combined bookings before your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions About ATV Rentals Versus UTV Rentals at Glamis
Is an ATV or a Side-by-Side Easier for a First-Time Rider at Glamis
It depends on your background. Visitors who have ridden motorcycles, dirt bikes, or all-terrain vehicles before typically find the 250cc quad natural from the first session, especially with the clutchless shifting system. Visitors with no prior two-wheel experience often find the side-by-side more intuitive because the steering wheel and seated cockpit match their existing driving experience. Both vehicle types include a full controls briefing before your first ride.
Can a Passenger Ride on an ATV Rental at Glamis
No. The 250cc quads in the ATV rentals fleet are single-rider machines. If you want to ride with a passenger, book a two-seat or four-seat side-by-side. The Can-Am Maverick X3 platform accommodates two to four riders depending on the model, and all passengers are secured with seat belts within the roll cage structure.
Do ATV Rentals and UTV Rentals Both Include Safety Equipment
Yes. Both ATV rentals and side-by-side rentals from Glamis Dunes Rentals include a compliant whip flag pre-installed on the vehicle, helmets in adult sizes, a full safety briefing, GPS coordinates, and a dune landmark map. Youth helmets are available for purchase for both vehicle types.
Which Vehicle Type Is Faster at Glamis Sand Dunes
The Can-Am Maverick X3 RS Turbo RR and XRS Turbo RR with 200 horsepower are faster in terms of maximum speed and acceleration than the 250cc all-terrain vehicles. However, speed is not the most relevant factor for most Glamis visitors. The 250cc quads reach speeds appropriate for dune riding, and the physical riding experience on an all-terrain vehicle makes the speed feel more immediate and engaging than numbers alone suggest. The side-by-side covers open flat ground faster and with more stability at higher speeds.
What Happens If My Group Changes Size After Booking
Contact the Glamis Dunes Rentals team as early as possible if your group size changes after your initial booking. Fleet availability changes based on demand, and adjustments to your vehicle type or seat count are much easier to accommodate with advance notice. Call or text at (760) 573-6825 to discuss your options.
Can I Switch from ATV Rentals to a UTV After Arriving at Vendor Row
Same-day switches depend entirely on fleet availability on your rental date. Popular weekends and holiday periods may have limited remaining inventory for late changes. If you are uncertain about your vehicle choice, contact the team before your trip date to discuss which option is best for your group rather than waiting until arrival day.
Book Your ATV Rentals or Side-by-Side at Glamis Sand Dunes Today
Glamis Dunes Rentals operates at Vendor Row, 5775 East Highway 78, Brawley, California 92227. The team is available seven days a week during the riding season to help you choose the right vehicle for your group, confirm availability, and answer any questions before your booking is placed.
ATV rentals are 269 dollars per day for a 250cc Honda or Suzuki quad with clutchless shifting, a pre-installed safety whip flag, and a full safety briefing included. Side-by-side rentals start at 724.90 dollars per day for a two-seat Can-Am Maverick X3 DS Turbo and 790.90 dollars per day for a four-seat model. All rentals require riders to be 21 years of age or older with valid government-issued identification. A 25 percent deposit secures your reservation and a 500 dollar security deposit hold is applied at pickup.
Call or text: (760) 573-6825
