Greater Zion: Family Friendly UTV Tour near Zion

Travelers looking for a way to get off the beaten path and into the heart of Utah’s striking sandstone scenery will find this Family-Friendly UTV Tour near Zion an appealing option. With a perfect 5.0 rating from one review, it promises a safe, scenic, and fun adventure suitable for all ages, especially families with kids aged 4 and up.

What we love most about this tour is how it combines adventure and accessibility—offering a chance to explore rugged terrain without the need for prior experience. Plus, the stunning views of Sand Hollow Reservoir, red cliffs, and desert landscapes make it a memorable outdoor escape. The only potential downside? The price point of $139 per person might seem high to some, especially when considering the short duration of just about two hours. But if you’re craving an authentic, active experience with the family, this could be well worth it.

This tour is best suited for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone eager to see Zion’s surroundings from a different perspective. It’s particularly appealing if you’re after a safe, guided, and scenic ride rather than a challenging technical adventure.

Key Points

• Family-friendly experience: Suitable for children 4 and older, with a focus on safety and fun.
• Guided tour: Led by licensed guides who ensure a smooth ride and engaging experience.
• Stunning vistas: Panoramic views of Sand Hollow Reservoir, red rock formations, and desert landscapes.
• All-inclusive equipment: Helmets, goggles, bottled water, and a premium damage waiver are provided.
• Convenient logistics: Pickup offered, mobile tickets, and multiple scenic stops.
• Authentic adventure: Combining easy-to-drive UTVs with scenic exploration, perfect for those new to off-roading.

An Authentic Look at the UTV Experience near Zion

When considering activities in Zion or Greater Zion, many travelers seek experiences that blend scenic beauty with a bit of adventure — but not necessarily a strenuous hike or technical climb. This UTV tour hits that sweet spot, offering a family-friendly off-road ride that balances safety and excitement.

The tour starts at Mad Moose Rentals & Tours in Hurricane, Utah, a town conveniently close to Zion National Park. From this starting point, you’ll hop into a two-person UTV—easy enough for most drivers to manage with a brief safety briefing. The guided journey takes about two hours, but within that time, you’ll cover diverse terrains that showcase the area’s natural beauty.

A key feature is the guided aspect. Knowing that a professional guide is steering the way provides peace of mind, especially for families with younger children. As one reviewer raved, “Dan was our guide for our two-hour ride and it was absolutely EPIC! … So much fun!!!” His enthusiasm and expertise clearly enhance the experience.

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

The tour includes two main stops, each with unique attractions and scenic highlights.

Stop 1: Mad Moose Rentals & Tours (Sand Hollow)

This is more than just the starting point—it’s a well-known adventure hub offering various activities, including self-guided off-road trips and water fun at Quail Creek State Park. During the UTV tour, you’ll spend about 15 minutes here, where your guide will give you a quick overview and safety instructions. This initial stop helps set the tone for the adventure, with the chance to see the vibrant Sand Hollow area and perhaps feel a bit of that anticipation before heading into the scenic trails.

Stop 2: Sand Hollow State Park

The main event unfolds here, with a 15-minute stop amidst stunning red sandstone formations, sandy dunes, and even dinosaur tracks and petroglyphs. This area provides a perfect backdrop for photos and exploration. We loved the way this stop allowed kids to stretch their legs and explore safely — a key feature that makes this tour family-friendly.

The Trail Itself

The ride over sandy paths, weaving through red rock formations, offers a mixture of gentle thrills and awe-inspiring vistas. The terrain is designed to be accessible yet fun, with enough variety to keep the ride engaging without risking safety. As one reviewer shared, “It was fast-paced, crazy fun and crawling up rocks I never would have thought possible.” That suggests some routes might be more adventurous, but always within safe, guided limits.

What’s Included and What You Need to Know

The tour package includes a licensed guide, off-road vehicle (minimum two people per vehicle), helmet and goggles, and bottled water with ice to stay refreshed. The premium damage waiver offers peace of mind, but be aware that a refundable damage deposit of $1,500 is required — a standard practice for off-road activities.

Most travelers will find the equipment and safety measures adequate, especially with the guides’ professionalism. The tour is suitable for most travelers, including service animals, but those with mobility issues should check specifics beforehand.

The tour operates with a maximum group size of 99 travelers, but in reality, most groups are smaller, allowing for a more personalized experience. Pickup is offered, making logistics easier, and the mobile ticket system ensures a smooth check-in process.

Pricing and Value: Is It Worth It?

At $139 per person, this tour isn’t the cheapest activity you could do in Zion, but in terms of value, it offers a unique way to explore the area’s stunning scenery without strenuous effort. The inclusion of guided commentary, safety gear, and scenic stops adds to the overall package.

One compelling reason to choose this tour is the authentic family experience—kids and adults can comfortably enjoy a scenic ride together, making it a memorable outing. As one happy customer noted, “It was so much fun, especially crawling up rocks I never imagined possible.” If you’re after a safe, guided adventure that combines scenery, fun, and a little bit of adrenaline, this is a good choice.

The Experience Through the Eyes of Others

While only one review is available, it is glowing: “Dan was awesome and I’d highly recommend you seek him out,” the reviewer says. They described the ride as “Epic,” with fast-paced action and “crawling up rocks you never would have thought possible.” This suggests that guides are not only knowledgeable but also enthusiastic, which can make a big difference in how much you enjoy the ride.

The review also highlights the scenic vistas and the diversity of terrain, meaning you’ll likely get a good sense of the area’s natural beauty in just a couple of hours.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This activity is ideal for families with children aged 4 and up who want to share an outdoor adventure. It’s also suited for anyone interested in a guided, scenic off-road ride that’s both safe and fun. If you prefer a low-impact way to experience Zion’s surroundings without hiking or climbing, this tour provides a fantastic alternative.

However, those looking for an extended or more challenging off-road experience might find this tour a bit limited in scope and duration. Still, for a quick, scenic adventure with some gentle thrills, it hits the mark perfectly.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Book well in advance (about 42 days on average) to secure your spot, especially during peak seasons.
• Consider the age and comfort level of children—this tour is suitable for ages 4 and up.
• Be prepared for a 2-hour ride, so wear comfortable clothing and bring sunglasses and sunscreen.
• The tour ends back at the starting point, so plan your transportation accordingly.
• The refundable damage deposit may be a consideration if you’re concerned about extra costs—it’s standard but good to know beforehand.
• Take advantage of the scenic stops for photos and exploration, especially if traveling with children.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For families, outdoor lovers, and those eager to see a different side of Zion, this UTV tour offers a safe, scenic, and interactive experience. It combines the thrill of off-road riding with some of the most stunning views in the region, all guided by knowledgeable professionals. While it may not be the cheapest activity, the value lies in the accessibility, safety, and memorable scenery.

If you’re after an activity that’s as much about seeing incredible landscapes as it is about having fun with your family, this tour is a solid choice. Just remember to book early, arrive prepared, and enjoy a two-hour escape into Utah’s colorful desert terrain.

FAQ

Is pickup available for this tour? Yes, pickup is offered from the meeting point at Mad Moose Rentals & Tours in Hurricane.

How long does the tour last? The entire experience is approximately 2 hours, including stops and safety instructions.

Can children participate? Yes, children aged 4 and older are welcome, making it a family-friendly activity.

What safety equipment is provided? Helmets and goggles are included to ensure safety throughout the ride.

Are refunds available if I cancel? Yes, you can cancel for a full refund if done at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

Is this activity suitable for beginners? Absolutely. The UTVs are easy to drive, and guides help ensure a smooth, safe ride.

What’s included in the price? The price covers the guide, UTV, helmets, goggles, bottled water, and damage waiver.

Will I get good views? Definitely. You’ll see Sand Hollow Reservoir, red cliffs, and expansive desert landscapes from scenic viewpoints.

What is the maximum group size? Up to 99 travelers, but most groups are smaller for a more personalized experience.

If you’re after a family adventure that balances fun, safety, and stunning scenery, this Greater Zion UTV Tour might just be the highlight of your trip. It offers a taste of Utah’s rugged landscape without the hassle or difficulty of more strenuous activities, making it an excellent choice for a quick, engaging outdoor outing.