By its location alone – a few miles away from the Tonto National Forest and Four Peaks trails – AZ Adventures is the perfect base for an all-inclusive Sonoran desert recreational center.

Whether you prefer to explore the desert lands on your own in a leased dune buggy or sign on for an educational hummer tour, AZ Adventures is the place to start at 17212 E. Shea Blvd., near the intersection with the Beeline Highway (Highway 87).

Since the end of November, when Jay and Michelle Hoff acquired the business next door to Wendy’s, they have been gearing up for the spring outdoor season.

Transplants from the East Coast where Hoff competitively raced dirt bikes, both were employed in the hospitality industry; they consider themselves “very customer-centric.”

Tristan Jones is their business partner, heading the repair service side of the business. Kevin Nettles is a longtime driver/guide who shares his knowledge of the desert with customers.

Employees McKean Reskin, Ryan Reskin and Deb Mayo were retained from the previous operation.

Hummer tours can be tailored to meet the schedules or interests of customers or corporate groups,

“If anyone is interested in learning about the desert, I would encourage them to book with Kevin Nettles. He will teach them how to eat a cactus and what seasonal fruits grow out there,” said Hoff. “He knows about the animals living in the desert.”

Hummer tours usually last from 2 1/2 to three hours. The firm acquired trail permits for Sycamore Creek in the Tonto National Forest and Four Peaks area.

Catering service for picnic lunches is available.

The cost is $140 per adult and $80 for children under 10 years old. Fountain Hills residents receive a 10 percent discount on rentals and service.

During the summer, air conditioned hummer can keep guests comfortable.

Two- and four-seat desert buggies can be rented by families or couples who prefer off-road adventures on their own. Go-Pro cameras can film the experience and the customer takes home the memory card.

Tours up to 50 persons can be arranged seven days a week. Service now is provided Monday through Saturday but is expected to expand to seven days a week around May 1. A grand opening will be announced in the newspaper.

A new service is destination planning for a couple of days on the road.

The telephone number to book a tour is 480-837-3966. The service center telephone number is 480-837-0068.

The website is azadventures.com.