We were first time ATVers and went at 5:00PM but still had lots of bright daylight. There were 3 of us on one-person ATVs plus a gaggle of 8 older folks who rode the two-seater rhinos. The rhinos have steering wheels and are essentially souped up golf carts. The experienced rider in our group had a good time but stated that he normally rode faster. My wife on a single seater, went at a moderate pace and had a blast. The rhno drivers were more cautious. Take-home message is that the speed really depends on the crowd you happen to be going out with.
The ATV ride is a great way to see the country-side up close instead of from the window of a bus. We found the 1 hour ride time to be an excellent length (not counting the time it tok to get there and back). We happened to run into (almost) a huge moose! Amazingly, he did not seem scared by the noise. After watching him for 4-5 minutes and snapped pictures, he trotted off and we rode on.
You can save money on this ride!! We had purhased the Alska TourSaver coupon book, in which participating merchants give you a second ride free after our purchase of an initial ride at fuill pice. We paid $99 for the coupon book anbd used six times, with a final savings of $425+. Denali ATVs participates (at least in 2012) in this coupon book for some of their tours. So when I purchased one ride for $95 for myself, we got a second ride (my wife) for free. Ended up at $47.50 per person, wich is a very nice savings.