I had the stock MAXXIS, no probs. Went to new rims (4 10"x12" w/4" offset all around) and ITP mudlites, because I got the full set for 500 skins. ITP Mudlites are way too soft for the Ca/Az desert, punched a sidewall hole the 4th trip. Bought MAXXIS Bighorns, and punctured a sidewall the first trip to Crestline on a rock.
Any tire will puncture if you hit things the wrong way. Goodyears look tough, but I've seen them holed in the desert as well. Best thing is to get a set of Bighorns/Goodyears/Terra-X and a spare as well as a flat kit, because short of solid tires, you're gonna hit stuff that might puncture it anywhere you go.