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Zion

Zion UTV Tours

5 (5 604 reviews)

Explore the rugged backcountry of Greater Zion and secluded slot canyons in an off-road utility vehicle. These guided UTV tours take you through deep sand, red rock canyons, and unique geological formations.

🏜️ Access secluded slot canyons
⏱️ 2 to 4-hour durations
💵 Free 24-hour cancellation
Highly rated guided tours
Award Winning UTV Slot Canyon Tour Free Cancellation
5.0 (1 586) ⏱ 2h

Award Winning UTV Slot Canyon Tour

Ride a UTV to explore Upper and Lower Red Cave Slot Canyons with a guide and minimal hiking.

East Zion Crimson Canyon Hike & UTV Adventure Free Cancellation
5.0 (1 125) ⏱ 2h

East Zion Crimson Canyon Hike & UTV Adventure

Explore the remote beauty of Southern Utah’s slot canyons on a guided tour far from the crowds.

Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon Tour UTV Adventure (Private) Free Cancellation
5.0 (1 028) ⏱ 2h

Peek-A-Boo Slot Canyon Tour UTV Adventure (Private)

Off-road transport to Peek-A-Boo slot canyon for an easy guided hike and optional sandboarding.

East Zion 4 Hour Slot Canyon Canyoneering UTV Tour Free Cancellation
5.0 (854) ⏱ 4h

East Zion 4 Hour Slot Canyon Canyoneering UTV Tour

Ride UTVs to Coal Hollow Slot Canyon for a guided canyoneering adventure featuring seven technical rappels.

East Zion 2.5 Hour Slot Canyon Canyoneering UTV Tour Free Cancellation
5.0 (352) ⏱ 2h 30min

East Zion 2.5 Hour Slot Canyon Canyoneering UTV Tour

East Zion 2.5 Hour Slot Canyon Canyoneering UTV Tour

Peek-a-boo Slot Canyon Tour and Sandboarding UTV Adventure Free Cancellation
5.0 (226) ⏱ 2h

Peek-a-boo Slot Canyon Tour and Sandboarding UTV Adventure

Ride a UTV to Peekaboo Slot Canyon for a family-friendly adventure featuring sandboarding and a scenic backcountry hike.

Slot Canyon Tour & Sandboarding UTV Adventure Free Cancellation
5.0 (222) ⏱ 2h

Slot Canyon Tour & Sandboarding UTV Adventure

Ride a UTV through sandy trails to hike the quiet Peekaboo Slot Canyon and try sandboarding on the dunes.

Sunset Sandboarding Peekaboo Slot Canyon UTV Adventure (Private) Free Cancellation
5.0 (152) ⏱ 2h

Sunset Sandboarding Peekaboo Slot Canyon UTV Adventure (Private)

Explore Peekaboo slot canyon and the local sand dunes at sunset on a guided UTV tour near Zion National Park.

Dark Sky UTV Tour with Stargazing in Greater Zion Free Cancellation
5.0 (51) ⏱ 2h

Dark Sky UTV Tour with Stargazing in Greater Zion

Explore Greater Zion’s sand dunes and red rock trails by UTV under some of the world's darkest, clearest night skies.

Greater Zion: West Rim UTV Adventure Tour Free Cancellation
5.0 (8) ⏱ 2h

Greater Zion: West Rim UTV Adventure Tour

Drive a UTV across the West Rim’s red rocks and sand dunes for elevated views of Zion National Park.

What Visitors Say

Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Zion — from practical tips to personal highlights.

D
David K. Germany, Apr 2026
5.0

"Took the sunset private tour to the slot canyons. It was just me and my wife, plus our guide. The lighting on the red rocks at dusk was perfect for photography. They had plenty of bottled water, which was much needed even in the spring. Fantastic experience."

M
Marcus T. United States, Mar 2026
5.0

"Booked the Peek-a-boo slot canyon tour and it was a blast. Our guide handled all the driving through the deep sand, which was super bumpy but fun. The canyon itself is stunning and way less crowded than the Narrows. They even brought out sandboards for the kids at the end!"

J
James H. United Kingdom, Dec 2025
4.8

"The Dark Sky stargazing tour was absolutely unreal. They picked us up in a white Transit van and took us out to the dunes. Driving the UTV in the pitch black was wild, but the payoff was the stars. I've never seen the Milky Way that clear."

S
Sarah M. Australia, Nov 2025
4.5

"Awesome alternative since you can't off-road inside Zion itself. We did the West Rim tour near Sand Hollow. We got to drive our own vehicle, and the guide provided helmets and goggles. The rock inclines were a bit scary at first, but the views of the reservoir were worth it."

C
Chloe B. United States, Oct 2025
4.7

"We visited Red Cave on the award-winning UTV tour. The ride through the desert was super dusty, so definitely wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty. The hike into the canyon was really short, maybe a quarter mile, making it super easy for my older parents to enjoy."

E
Elena R. Canada, Oct 2025
4.9

"We did the 4-hour canyoneering UTV trip to Coal Hollow. The Can-Am ride to the drop-off was gorgeous, followed by a pretty steep half-mile hike. Doing the six rappels down the canyon walls was the highlight of our entire Utah trip. Highly recommend for thrill-seekers."

What to Expect on Your Zion UTV Tour

UTV tours in the Zion area offer a thrilling way to explore the rugged backcountry of southern Utah. Since off-road vehicles are strictly prohibited inside Zion National Park itself, these guided excursions take you to stunning, less-crowded landscapes in Greater Zion, East Zion, and nearby slot canyons. You can expect bumpy, sandy trails, incredible red rock scenery, and unique add-on activities that most standard park visitors never get to experience.

🏜️

Hidden Slot Canyons

Ride through the desert to access remote slot canyons like Peek-a-boo and Red Cave. You'll get to walk through narrow sandstone passageways carved by wind and water.

🏂

Sandboarding Fun

Many UTV tours include a stop at the local sand dunes where you can try sandboarding. It's a fun, family-friendly activity included at no extra charge on select trips.

🧗

Canyoneering & Rappelling

Take your adventure up a notch with a combined UTV and canyoneering tour. You'll ride to secluded spots like Coal Hollow and complete multiple guided rappels down steep canyon walls.

Dark Sky Stargazing

Experience the desert at night on a specialized sunset or dark sky UTV tour. With zero light pollution, the stars and moon illuminate the towering red rock formations.

🚙

Rugged Backcountry Trails

Whether you're riding in a Can-Am Defender driven by a guide or driving your own vehicle, you'll tackle deep sand, steep inclines, and winding trails near Sand Hollow.

Things to Know Before Booking

Before you book your Zion UTV adventure, it's important to understand where these tours take place, what physical requirements are needed, and what is included in your ticket.

Location Outside the Park

ATVs, UTVs, and off-road vehicles are illegal on all roads and trails inside Zion National Park. All UTV tours operate on surrounding public lands, such as East Zion, the West Rim near Sand Hollow, and backcountry BLM land.

Guide-Driven vs. Self-Drive

Check the tour details carefully. Many slot canyon tours feature a guide who handles all the driving in a Can-Am Defender for safety and insurance reasons. Other tours, like the West Rim adventure, allow you to drive your own UTV by following a guide.

Physical Restrictions

Off-roading is inherently bumpy and jarring. These tours are strictly not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or those with poor cardiovascular health.

What's Included

Most tours provide bottled water, and self-drive tours include helmets, goggles, and a premium damage waiver. You will need to bring your own weather-appropriate clothing, closed-toe shoes, and sunscreen.

Private vs. Group Tours

Many operators prioritize private experiences, keeping your group separate from strangers. However, some tours may combine smaller parties (1 to 4 people) during peak times, so book a specifically labeled 'Private' tour if exclusivity is a priority.

Cancellation Policies

The standard cancellation policy for these UTV tours allows for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure time.

Meeting Logistics

Because these tours operate in the backcountry, meeting points are often off-grid or at specific recreation desks. Some tours, like the Dark Sky stargazing trip, offer complimentary pickup in a transit van.

Which Zion UTV Tour Is Best for You

Standard Slot Canyon UTV TourCanyoneering UTV AdventureDark Sky Stargazing TourPrivate UTV & Sandboarding Tour
Duration 2 hours2.5 - 4 hours2 hours2 hours
Best for Families & SightseersThrill-seekers & Active TravelersNight owls & CouplesPrivate groups & Kids
Includes Guide-driven UTV, short hike, bottled waterUTV ride, 4-7 rappels, climbing gear, waterSelf-drive UTV, helmets/goggles, ice water, van pickupPrivate guide, UTV ride, sandboards, bottled water
Price from $125$136$159$139

Plan Your Visit to Zion

Zion National Park: The park itself is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round. However, facility hours vary. The Zion Canyon Visitor Center Information Desk is open 8:00 am to 7:00 pm during peak season, and the Wilderness Desk operates from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

UTV Tours: Tour operators run excursions throughout the day, typically starting as early as 8:00 am. Specialty tours, such as the Sunset Sandboarding or Dark Sky Stargazing tours, operate in the late evening and night. Always check your specific tour voucher for exact departure times.

Getting to the Zion area requires a bit of driving, as the closest major airports are in Las Vegas (LAS) and Salt Lake City (SLC).

  • From Las Vegas (163 miles): A 2 hour and 45-minute drive via I-15 North to UT-17, then UT-9 East into Springdale.
  • From Salt Lake City (307 miles): A 4.5-hour drive south on I-15, connecting to UT-9 East.
  • Local Transit: The SunTran Zion Route bus connects St. George to Springdale for $5 each way (Monday-Saturday).

Note: UTV tours meet outside the national park. Some meet at off-grid locations in East Zion, while others offer pickup in a Ford Transit Van from local hotels. Check your booking logistics for exact meeting coordinates.

The absolute best months to visit Zion and take a UTV tour are during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall, particularly October and November. During these months, the weather is mild, autumn colors are vibrant, and the heavy summer crowds begin to thin out.

Summer (July to September) is the peak tourist season but brings extreme heat, with temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Summer also brings the monsoon season, which creates a high risk of dangerous flash floods in slot canyons like Peek-a-boo and Coal Hollow. If you book a summer tour, morning departures are highly recommended to beat the heat.

While Zion National Park offers several accessible features—such as the paved Pa'rus Trail, accessible shuttles with wheelchair lifts, and fully accessible visitor centers—UTV tours are generally not accessible.

Due to the rugged, bumpy, and off-road nature of these vehicles, UTV tours are strictly not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or individuals with poor cardiovascular health. Additionally, the slot canyons visited on these tours often require walking through uneven, deep sand, making them unsuitable for wheelchairs or mobility scooters.

Park Facilities: Inside Zion National Park, you will find the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, which has over 350 parking spaces (though they usually fill up by 8:00 am). There are restrooms, water refill stations, and the Zion Forever Park Store.

Tour Facilities: Because UTV tours operate in the backcountry of Greater Zion and East Zion, facilities are extremely limited once you leave the meeting point. Tour operators provide bottled water and necessary safety gear (helmets, goggles, damage waivers). You should use the restroom before arriving at the trailhead and bring any necessary snacks or medications with you.

Off-Roading Laws: Off-road vehicles, including ATVs and UTVs, are strictly prohibited on all roads and trails inside Zion National Park. Damaging natural resources or driving off designated BLM trails in the surrounding areas is illegal.

Tour Rules: For self-drive UTV tours, a minimum of two people is usually required per vehicle, and drivers must have a valid license. For guide-driven tours, you must remain seated with seatbelts fastened.

National Park Rules: If you plan to visit the park before or after your tour, remember that drones are strictly banned, pets are only allowed on the Pa'rus Trail, and permits are required for hikes like Angels Landing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are UTVs allowed inside Zion National Park?

No, off-road vehicles including ATVs and UTVs are strictly prohibited on all roads and trails inside Zion National Park. The UTV tours offered in the area operate on the surrounding public lands, such as East Zion, Greater Zion, and near Sand Hollow State Park.

Will I be driving the UTV myself?

It depends on the specific tour you book. Many slot canyon tours use Can-Am Defenders driven by professional guides for safety and insurance reasons. However, tours like the West Rim Adventure allow you to drive your own off-road vehicle while following a guide.

Is sandboarding included in the tour price?

Yes, several of the Peek-a-boo Slot Canyon UTV tours include optional sandboarding at no extra charge. The guides provide the boards and you can try sliding down the local sand dunes during your trip.

Can pregnant women go on a UTV tour?

No, UTV tours are not recommended for pregnant travelers. The off-road trails are very rugged, sandy, and bumpy, which poses a safety risk. They are also not recommended for anyone with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

How long do the UTV tours usually last?

Most standard UTV and slot canyon tours last about 2 hours. If you book a combo tour that includes canyoneering and rappelling, the duration is typically between 2.5 and 4 hours.

Do I need to bring my own water?

Tour operators provide bottled water (and sometimes ice) for guests. However, the desert environment is extremely dry and hot, so it is always a good idea to bring an extra water bottle of your own, especially in the summer.

What is the cancellation policy if my plans change?

The standard cancellation policy for these tours allows you to receive a full refund as long as you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Are these tours suitable for young children?

Yes, many of the guide-driven slot canyon UTV tours are suitable for all physical fitness levels and are great for young families. Just be sure to check the specific tour details, as activities like canyoneering may have age or weight restrictions.

Do these tours operate at night?

Yes, there are specialized Dark Sky UTV tours that take you into the backcountry after sunset. These tours allow you to experience the desert in total darkness and include stops for stargazing.

Does the tour ticket include entrance to Zion National Park?

No, the UTV tours operate outside the national park boundaries, so a park pass is not included or required for the tour itself. If you plan to enter Zion National Park later, you will need to pay the $35 private vehicle entrance fee.

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