Zion Jeep Tour with Exclusive Access to Zion Cliffside Point

If you’re considering a trip to Zion National Park and looking for a way to see some of the less crowded, but just as spectacular, viewpoints, this Zion Jeep Tour might catch your eye. While it promises exclusive access to spots like Zion Cliffside Point and Zion Lava Mesa Ridge, it’s worth digging into what this experience really offers before booking.

What we love about this tour is the chance to enjoy private access to extraordinary vantage points and the presence of knowledgeable guides who add context and fun to the ride. The views of the Virgin River Valley, Canaan Mountain, and Smithsonian Butte are genuinely impressive. However, a key consideration is that this isn’t a tour that takes you directly into Zion’s heart — some travelers found the scenery a bit distant from the main park.

This tour could suit those who want a quick, scenic break from Zion’s more intense hikes or who appreciate off-road adventures with a touch of exclusivity. If you’re after a deeper Zion experience within the park itself, it might be worth exploring other options. For a laid-back, scenic overview with some knowledgeable commentary, this tour offers good value and memorable views.

Key Points

• Private access locations provide unique photo opportunities away from crowds
• Guides are knowledgeable and passionate about the area
• Tour is short but packed with scenic views, making it suitable for a quick outing
• The experience is priced at $85 per person, which is reasonable considering exclusive access
• Not a full Zion experience; the locations are about nine miles away from Zion’s main areas
• The tour has a maximum of 11 travelers, keeping it intimate and personal

What to Expect from the Zion Jeep Tour

This experience is less about hiking and more about enjoying scenic vistas from the comfort of an off-road Jeep. The tour begins at the Zion Rivers Edge Adventures facility, where you’ll check in and hop into your private Jeep. The whole trip lasts around 1 hour and 15 minutes, which makes it a perfect quick escape if you’re short on time but still want a taste of the area’s beauty.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Zion Rivers Edge Adventures

Your journey kicks off here, where you’ll meet your guide and get ready for your private ride. Expect a friendly welcome and some basic safety instructions. The check-in process takes about 10 minutes, and since all fees and taxes are included, what you see is what you pay.

Stop 2: Zion Lava Ridge Mesa

Next, you’ll head onto a private off-road trek up to Zion Lava Ridge Mesa. This part of the tour is about 10 minutes, but it’s packed with impressive views of the Virgin River Valley, Canaan’s Wilderness, and Smithsonian Butte.

What makes this stop special is the exclusive access to this viewpoint, which isn’t typically open to the public. From here, you’ll be able to snap photos of lush landscapes and impressive rock formations, giving you that sense of being somewhere truly unique.

Stop 3: Zion National Park & Zion Cliffside Point

After returning to the vehicle, your adventure continues towards the base of West Temple, Zion’s highest peak at 7,810 feet. From here, you’ll enjoy a short, easy hike to Zion Cliffside Point, located right on the park boundary. This spot offers vast panoramic views into Zion itself, along with the surrounding mountains and the Virgin River Valley.

This particular stop has earned praise for its private access and breathtaking vistas. As one reviewer noted, “The views really do not include Zion National Park, except maybe a far away view,” but they still offer a genuinely striking perspective of the area.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour fee covers the jeep ride, all fees and taxes, and exclusive access to the viewpoints. There’s no included lunch, so you’re encouraged to bring bottled water and snacks to keep your energy up. Tips for guides are not included but are generally recommended at about 20%.

The Good and the Not-So-Good

Reviewers consistently mention the knowledgeable guides as a highlight — and for good reason. Guides like Tyson and Derringer are praised for their passion and expertise, bringing the landscape to life with stories and insights. One reviewer said, “Derringer was a wonderful guide. He has a wealth of knowledge about the area and history,” which adds a lot to the experience.

The views are genuinely impressive, especially from the Zion Cliffside Point and Zion Lava Mesa Ridge. These spots are perfect for snapping photos away from crowds and getting a broader sense of the area’s geography.

However, some reviews expressed disappointment about the proximity to Zion’s main park. One said, “This is not a Zion experience,” noting that the views are somewhat distant, and the locations are about nine miles away from Zion’s central areas. If you’re hoping to see Zion’s iconic red cliffs from within the park, this tour might not fully meet those expectations.

Price vs. Value

At $85 per person, this tour offers a decent value considering the private access and guided commentary. It’s a short experience, but the exclusivity and scenic views make it worthwhile, especially if you want a break from Zion’s more strenuous activities. Still, if you’re after a more immersive or park-centric experience, you might want to look elsewhere.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who prefer scenic, low-effort activities over hiking. It suits those who’ve already explored Zion’s main trails or want a quick but meaningful detour. It’s also good for photography enthusiasts eager to capture rare viewpoints.

While it’s not explicitly geared towards families, the easy hike to Zion Cliffside Point makes it accessible. Just keep in mind the 1 hour 15-minute duration and the fact that it’s a small-group experience, which is often more enjoyable and relaxed.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a short, scenic adventure with the chance to see some private viewpoints, this Zion Jeep Tour can be a worthwhile addition to your trip. The guides are clearly knowledgeable and passionate, making the ride informative and fun. The views, especially from Zion Cliffside Point, are a highlight, offering a different perspective on Zion’s landscape.

However, if your main goal is to experience Zion National Park directly or see famous park viewpoints, this tour might feel a bit disconnected from that goal. It’s more about enjoying beautiful vistas outside the main park boundaries and having a relaxed, off-road experience.

For those who value exclusivity, scenic beauty, and insightful guides, and don’t mind a short trip away from Zion’s core, this tour is a solid pick. Just be sure to set your expectations correctly—this isn’t a deep Zion experience, but rather a scenic highlight reel with some impressive views and interesting stories.

FAQ

Is this Zion Jeep Tour suitable for children?
While the tour is generally accessible and the hike to Zion Cliffside Point is easy, it’s best suited for older children or teens comfortable with short hikes and vehicle rides.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience runs about 1 hour and 15 minutes, making it a quick but scenic outing.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers the jeep ride, all fees and taxes, and exclusive access to the viewpoints. Lunch, tips, and personal snacks are not included.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, most travelers book about 30 days ahead to secure a spot, as the tour is limited to 11 travelers and fills up quickly.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations inside 24 hours are non-refundable.

Is this experience weather-dependent?
Yes, it requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Will I get great photo opportunities?
Absolutely. The exclusive viewpoints like Zion Cliffside Point and Zion Lava Mesa Ridge are perfect spots for photos, especially since they are away from crowds.

Is the tour physically demanding?
No, it’s quite relaxed. The hike to Zion Cliffside Point is described as very short and easy.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum is 11 travelers, keeping it intimate and allowing for more personalized attention from your guide.

This Zion Jeep Tour offers a good mix of scenic views, expert guides, and exclusivity, making it a worthwhile add-on if you’re looking for a relaxed, photo-worthy experience outside Zion’s busiest areas.