BeFree Off-Road Update: Phoenix-to-Vegas UTV Adventures, Permits & What’s Next

If you discovered BeFree Off-Road on Instagram, chances are it was through our legendary Phoenix to Vegas UTV Adventure. Those epic desert crossings turned us from a small riding crew into a growing off-road community. The more our follower count grew, the more inquiries poured in from people eager to experience their own UTV adventures from Phoenix or Las Vegas.

We love that excitement—and we want to keep sharing these trails with you—but we also want to do it the right way.

Why We’re Pausing Phoenix-to-Vegas Trips (for Now): 

Running big multi-day off-road tours isn’t as simple as calling a few friends to ride. To commercially guide guests across federal land, we must hold commercial permits from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Arizona, Nevada, and California.  We submitted our completed permit applications and detailed route plans back in December 2024.  BLM told us the review/ approval process would take about nine months.  

As of today, we still have not received approval—nor a formal denial.  It’s just a waiting game at this point.  

Because we’re committed to operating legally and safely, we’ve put all new Phoenix-to-Vegas bookings on hold until those permits are in hand.

Why Not Just Ride as “friends”and not commerically?

It’s a fair question. But anyone who owns a UTV knows how costly these machines are to maintain. Leading tours means keeping our lead and sweep vehicle, chase truck and trailer in top-notch condition, stocking spare parts for guests and covering wear-and-tear parts that aren’t cheap. We receive no manufacturer sponsorships to offset those expenses.

Operating as a permitted commercial guide lets us cover these real costs while ensuring every participant enjoys a professional, safe, and unforgettable off-road UTV adventure.

BeFree Off-Road Isn’t Going Anywhere

While we wait for BLM’s decision, we’ve been busy:  We have incorporated as an LLC to solidify our business foundation, we are mapping fresh routes and refining logistics and expanding our horizons with multi-day Baja, Mexico UTV adventures. 

After six multi-day expeditions and thousands of trail miles on the Baja Peninsula, we’re ready to share Baja off-road magic with you. Our first Baja trip is planned for February: a three-night, four-day Northern Baja adventure.  Be on the look-out on our IG page and in our newsletters for more upcoming info on riding in true Baja paradise.

Stay Tuned & Keep the Adventure Spirit Alive

We’re crossing our fingers that BLM approvals come through soon so we can resume the Phoenix to Vegas UTV Adventures you know and love.  In the meantime, please continue to follow us on Instagram @seppybefree for Baja route-planning sneak peeks and updates on our BLM permit process.  

Your enthusiasm keeps us motivated while we do the behind-the-scenes work to make every future ride safe, legal, and unforgettable.

See you on the trail...

Adam & Beth