If you like to enjoy the great outdoors but want to add some excitement, there is no question that ATVs are the answer. In the last decade, especially, the sport has exploded. Part of the spike in popularity is because the vehicles are safer, the riders are becoming more responsible, and the opportunities for novice riders more common.

Nevada and California have always been among the most popular places for ATVs. The reason for their popularity grew with Nevada becoming home to the old Mint 400 and Primm 300 races. For people visiting Las Vegas, there are hundreds of trails to choose from, but we carved out our top five ATV fun spots that are within a one-day drive of Las Vegas.

Five Fun ATV Adventures Near Las Vegas.

1. Dumont Dunes, California. Although it's a popular spot for off-loading, the Dumont Dunes are still exceptionally fun because the remote location includes about 8,200 acres of sand dunes. It's also fun for people with different degrees of experience because the smaller dunes near the highway won't intimidate riders.

The closest town is Baker. California recently added a entry fee. Although the entire area would generally be considered novice, there are some amateur and expert opportunities to have even more fun. The sand dunes are bordered by steep volcanic hills and the slow-running Amargosa River.

2. McCullough Mountains, Nevada. When looking south of Las Vegas about 30 miles, the highest point is McCullough Mountain, which is part of the McCullough Mountain Range — a range that spans from Las Vegas almost all the way to the Nevada-Calfornia border. Some of the ride includes the Jean Roach Dry Lake Bed to open to ATVs.

Geologically, the range is made up of two distinct features. The northern range is volcanic and the southern range is made up of 1.7-billion-year-old metamorphic rock. There is an ATV tour provided that has a unique course, spanning 20 to 50 miles depending on ability. It's the longest tour in southern Nevada and can be booked through TourGuy.com.

3. Paiute ATV Trail, Utah. Located in South-Central Utah, the Paiute ATV loop trail is 275 miles long and is consistently listed as one of the top 15 trails in the United States and top 5 by ATV Illustrated. Part of the appeal is that the trail caters to relaxed family ATV riding with panoramic scenes along ridges that allow riders to see hundreds of miles into the distance.

Riders are able to access the Paiute ATV Trail from a number of small towns throughout central Utah including Marysvale, Richfield, Beaver, Fillmore, and Salina. Due to the elevations, it's usually moderate weather. In fact, snowdrifts usually close the trail over the Pahvants and the Sevier Plateau until early July. For more information, visit Utah.com or ask TourGuy.com to include it in a custom package.

4. Logandale Trails, Nevada. Usually too hot for the summer, the Logandale Trails are located on the eastern boundary of the Valley of Fire. The Valley of Fire is about 50 miles from Las Vegas, and TourGuy.com does offer a guided tour experience of the area. Expect to see formations including arches, beehive structures, and rock art.

There is a surprising amount of wildlife if you take the time to notice. People have spotted bighorn sheep, lizards, and even tarantulas on the trails. What makes the area most fun is the mix of trails, with sandy trails, washes, and gravel roads. It's good for one or two days and is generally considered a fun novice system.

5. Agua Caliente, Arizona. Although best saved for the early spring or winter, Agua Caliente is perfect for riders looking to explore old mines. The ATV experience isn't challenging, but it does include a large network of sand washes that can be fun. There are also opportunities to view prehistoric petroglyphs and a nice mix of ragged and flat riding areas.

The trails are located right outside of Phoenix, and include about 25 miles of trail that are unmarked, lightly maintained, and not rated. The best part of the Agua Caliente is the overall remoteness and lack of people. A few steep hills, water crossings during the rainy season, small and large jumps and intersections must be navigated on the trail.

TourGuy.com offers the most diverse eco- and adventure tours from Las Vegas. For the more adventuresome, TourGuy.com can custom create variations for travelers that include river rafting, overnight ranch stays, and almost any other adventure someone can dream up. For more information, visit TourGuy.com.