Accessing the wildest corners of Utah’s Zion National Park is possible on a guided Jeep tour of this beautiful region. Here are five of the best options.
(Photo: Viator.com)
Slot canyons, grand sweeping vistas, mountains and valleys are just some of the reasons to visit this revered national park in southern Utah. With the main national park consisting of a dead-end road that offers little scope for off-roading, the majority of Zion’s Jeep and ATV tours depart from Orderville in East Zion, although a few do depart from Springdale (tours mostly operate outside of the National Park perimeter). Here are our top five based on factors such as duration, value for money, and the reviews of previous guests.
Zion Sunset Jeep Tour
One of the best value Jeep tours around Zion is this 90-minute jaunt to catch the sunset over the broad plateaus from a perfect, remote viewpoint. Your driver will provide blankets and snacks for the cooler weather as you’re driven out to one of the highest vantage points in the area. Look out over Zion National Park and beyond as the setting sun paints this remarkable landscape a variety of colors. This tour is available daily, but as with most tours on this list, is often unavailable during the winter months. From $69 per person.
East Zion Slot Canyon and UTV Tour
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Take an off-road UTV, which is customized to deal with the unique landscape of Zion, in search of hard-to-reach slot canyons located along dirt tracks. You’ll have to walk the rest of the way to reach the captivating, narrow canyons carved out by flash floods. You’ll also learn about local Native American history and about the geographical process that make these special landforms. A little light scrambling is required, so this tour is best for those with hiking boots and decent fitness levels. The tour lasts two hours and runs three or four times daily. From $99 per person.
Bushy Cove Jeep Adventure in East Zion
The dirt track to Bushy Cove is dotted with the old, decaying cabins of miners and breathtaking views of Zion National Park’s landmarks, including Checkerboard Mesa and West Temple. While Zion has one main canyon, there are numerous small, lesser-known canyons that you’ll explore on this 90-minute tour. On the off-road Elevator Trail there’s even a good chance to spot wildlife, including elk and wild turkey. On rare occasions, lucky explorers may even see a black bear or mountain lion. From $99 per person.
East Zion UTV Slot Canyon Tour
One of the most popular trips near Zion National Park is this UTV tour to the slot canyons of Upper Red Cave and Lower Red Cave. The smaller group on this tour (maximum 15 people) means you’ll get a good opportunity to frame the best shots of this eminently photogenic area, with the unusual curves and striations of the rock making for a memorable experience. Your guide will also point out local flora and fauna along the way. Tours depart in the mid-afternoon from Mon-Sat and run right through the year. From $104 per person.
(Photo: Viator.com)
Zion Jeep Premium Afternoon Tour
This premium package Jeep tour offers the ultimate off-road experience of Zion National Park. Departing from the main resort town of Springdale, you’ll spend three hours exploring the land around Zion, learning how to eat the fruit of the prickly pear cactus, spotting snakes and lizards, and learning all about the local Native American history along the way. There will also be plenty of stunning views and stops in peaceful locales along the 30-mile route, so don’t forget to bring along a camera. From $132 per person.