Zion 4×4 Backcountry Tour With Petroglyphs

If you’re planning a trip to Zion National Park and want to see a different, less touristy side of this iconic landscape, the Zion 4×4 Backcountry Tour with Petroglyphs might just be what you’re looking for. This tour promises a blend of scenic off-road drives, engaging hikes, and fascinating historical sites—all tailored to your interests and abilities. It’s a chance to enjoy Zion without battling the crowds and to explore some of its most captivating hidden corners.

What we really appreciate about this experience is its flexibility: each tour is customized, meaning you’re not just another passenger on a scripted route. Instead, you get a personal adventure that can include anything from easy strolls to deeper hikes—if you’re up for it. Plus, the combination of breathtaking vistas, ancient petroglyphs, and a ghost town makes for a memorable day out.

On the flip side, a consideration to keep in mind is that this isn’t a park shuttle service. That means you’ll be traveling on designated 4×4 dirt roads that skirt Zion’s edges rather than venturing directly inside the park limits. This can be an advantage for avoiding crowded trailheads but might be a downside if you’re hoping to access Zion’s core areas.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of scenery, light physical activity, and history, and who value a personalized, off-the-beaten-path experience. It’s ideal for those with moderate physical fitness, as there are short hikes involved, and it welcomes travelers with kids and pets alike.

Key Points

• Customizable experience tailored to your interests, abilities, and preferences
• Accessible for beginners with well-maintained trails and moderate hikes
• Offers unique views and highlights like petroglyphs, ghost towns, and panoramic vistas
• Pet-friendly and family-friendly, accommodating dogs and booster seats for children
• Includes snacks, water, backpacks, hiking poles, and digital photos—great value for the price
• Focuses on less-crowded areas away from Zion’s busy center

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Stop 1: Smithsonian Butte Back Country Byway

Your adventure begins in Hurricane, Utah, where a scenic drive leads toward Gooseberry Mesa. The highlight here is a 10-minute off-road descent on a 4×4 dirt road to a parking spot, followed by a roughly 15-minute hike on a dirt trail to a petroglyph wall. These ancient carvings are a true highlight, offering a glimpse into the area’s long history, possibly created by the Paiute people or early settlers.

Following the petroglyph visit, the tour continues with a drive to Wire Mesa. Here, a 15 to 30-minute walk along a well-established trail rewards you with panoramic views of Zion. This spot is perfect for photography lovers, with sweeping vistas that make you feel like you’re on top of the world. The trail is gentle enough for most hikers, making it accessible for beginners but still rewarding for seasoned explorers.

Stop 2: Grafton Ghost Town

After soaking in the views, the tour descends along a 4×4 road to Grafton, a surprisingly preserved ghost town. Walking around the townsite and cemetery reveals abandoned buildings and artifacts that tell stories of early settlers who once called this place home. It’s a quick but evocative stop, offering a tangible connection to the past.

The ghost town visit lasts about 30 minutes, making it a compact but impactful addition. Afterwards, the tour circles back toward the starting point, completing a full circle of exploration.

What’s Included and What Matters

This tour offers a lot of value for $175. You’ll get hiking poles, backpacks, headlamps, snacks, sodas, and extra water—everything you need to stay comfortable and prepared. Digital photos from the journey are a thoughtful touch, capturing your memories without any extra effort on your part.

Being pet-friendly means your furry friends can join in, and booster seats for kids ensure younger travelers are safe and comfortable. The small group size—up to six travelers—ensures a more personal experience, with plenty of opportunity for questions and tailored stops.

A Closer Look at the Logistics

Meeting is at 495 N State St in La Verkin, Utah, a short drive from Zion. Since this isn’t a Zion Park shuttle, you’ll be traveling in a private or semi-private vehicle along off-road routes. The tour runs for about 3 to 4 hours, making it a manageable half-day outing. It’s suitable for those with moderate physical fitness, thanks to the light hikes involved, and the tour can be adjusted based on your energy and interest levels.

Authentic Voices: What Visitors Are Saying

Reviewers consistently praise the tour for its stunning vistas and personalized approach. One traveler called it a “Great tour,” noting how the guide adjusted the route to accommodate a traveler’s limitations—highlighting the flexibility and attentiveness of the operators. They also emphasized the “petroglyphs and outlook view” as amazing highlights.

Another guest raved that it was “Nothing better in Zion,” mentioning how the guide Shanti made the experience memorable, and how they would recommend it to friends. Others appreciated the off-road drive to Grafton, describing it as “pretty interesting” and “off the beaten path.”

One reviewer summed it up by saying, “We saw old petroglyphs, dinosaur tracks, a ghost town, and some of the most serene scenery off the beaten path,” emphasizing the diverse and authentic experiences this tour offers.

The Experience in Context

For travelers who want a balanced mix of outdoor adventure, history, and stunning scenery, this tour hits the mark. Its price point is reasonable considering the included snacks, gear, digital photos, and the personalized approach. Given that Zion can be crowded and overwhelming, especially during peak season, this option offers a peaceful alternative—avoiding the crowds while still enjoying breathtaking views.

Since the tour doesn’t go inside Zion’s park boundaries but skirts its edges, you’ll experience a different perspective—one that emphasizes less-visited spots with equally impressive vistas. This approach is perfect for those seeking authentic, off-the-beaten-path adventures without sacrificing scenery or historical interest.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for travelers who enjoy light hiking, scenic drives, and historical sites. It’s perfect for families, pet owners, and anyone wanting a personalized, flexible experience. If you’re looking for a quick but meaningful escape from Zion’s busy trails, this is a solid choice.

It’s also well-suited for those with moderate physical fitness, as the hikes are short and manageable. If you’re seeking deep canyon hikes or inside Zion, you might want to consider other options, but for a curated, off-road adventure, this tour offers a lot of value.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, booster seats are available, and the tour is suitable for families with kids. The hikes are moderate, and the overall experience is engaging for children.

Can I bring my dog?
Absolutely. The tour is pet-friendly, and dogs are welcome to join the adventure.

How much walking is involved?
Expect about 15-minute hikes at each stop, which are on established trails. The walks are manageable for most, but a moderate fitness level is recommended.

What should I bring with me?
The tour provides backpacks, hiking poles, and headlamps, but you might want to bring your own camera, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Snacks and water are included, but bring extra if you’re especially thirsty or hungry.

Is the tour accessible for beginners?
Yes. The trails and hikes are described as suitable for beginners, with well-maintained paths and gentle terrain.

Can the route be customized?
Yes, each tour is tailored to your interests, abilities, and preferences, ensuring a personal experience.

What happens in case of bad weather?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Final Thoughts

The Zion 4×4 Backcountry Tour with Petroglyphs offers a wonderful way to explore areas of Zion you might not see on the busy park trails. It combines scenic off-road driving, light hiking, and fascinating historical sites in a relaxed, personal setting. The opportunity to see petroglyphs, a ghost town, and stunning vistas—all without the crowds—makes it a compelling choice for curious travelers.

If you’re after authentic experiences, personalized service, and breathtaking views off the beaten path, this tour delivers. It’s especially suited for families, pet owners, and those with moderate fitness who want to enjoy Zion’s quieter, more intimate side.

Final Recommendation

This experience stands out for its balance of adventure, history, and scenery, all wrapped in a flexible and friendly package. It’s an excellent way to enjoy Zion’s lesser-known spots with a knowledgeable guide who’s committed to making your day special. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Zion enthusiast, you’ll leave with memorable images, stories, and a new appreciation for the diverse landscape of this remarkable national park.