YOU DRIVE!! 5 Hr UTV Tour Pictograph Panel, Sand Boarding & More

If you’re looking for a way to see Zion National Park that’s a little more personal—and a lot more fun—this 5-hour UTV tour might just be your best bet. Instead of the usual hiking or bus rides, you’ll get behind the wheel of your own vehicle, navigating through incredible scenery, spotting ancient rock art, and even sliding down sand dunes. It’s a chance to combine adventure, history, and outdoor thrills all in one go.

What really caught our eye about this experience? First, the hands-on nature of driving your own UTV makes it feel more like an adventure than a guided tour. Second, the access to remote pictograph panels and sand dunes offers a unique look at hidden gems that are often missed by ordinary visitors. Still, it’s not a perfect fit for everyone—those who prefer a more relaxed or less physically demanding experience might find some parts challenging.

This tour is ideal for adventure-seekers who want to get off the beaten path, or for groups eager for a shared, active outing. It’s especially suited for those comfortable with a moderate physical level, since it involves some steep steps and uneven footing. If you enjoy the idea of driving your own vehicle and exploring with a bit of a thrill, this could be exactly what you’re looking for.

Key Points

• Self-Driven Adventure: You get to drive your own UTV, making the experience more interactive and engaging.
• Access to Unique Sites: Includes a visit to a large, colorful pictograph panel and nearby sand dunes perfect for sandboarding.
• Moderate Challenge: The trail involves some steep steps and off-camber sections, requiring good balance and self-awareness.
• All-Inclusive Equipment: Helmets and goggles are provided, and water is available for the hike.
• Family-Friendly: Suitable for children 5 and older, but drivers must be 21+ with a valid license.
• Flexible Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, making it a lower-risk booking.

The Experience: What to Expect from Start to Finish

Starting Point and Booking

The tour begins at 681 Chinle Dr in Kanab, UT, a town often used as a gateway to Zion and nearby parks. Once booked, you’ll receive confirmation and details about arriving prepared. You’ll need your driver’s license if you plan to drive, and all participants are advised to bring a small backpack for water and essentials. The maximum group size is 12, which helps keep things personal and manageable.

The Itinerary: From Canyon to Dunes

First Stop: Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
Your adventure kicks off in the Coral Pink Sand Dunes, a stunning area famous for its vibrant, reddish sand. Here, you’ll start with a bit of prep—helmets and goggles are provided, mandatory for safety, especially as you take the wheel. The dunes serve as a fun preview of what’s to come, offering a chance to appreciate their vast, wave-like patterns and intense colors.

The Main Drive and Pictograph Panel
Once on the UTVs, you’ll head into the South Forks Indian Canyon, a scenic route that’s both accessible and rewarding. It’s here that the real highlight appears: the massive pictograph panel tucked into a large alcove. This isn’t just a small graffiti-like sketch—it’s one of the largest in the area, featuring distinctive colors and figures you won’t see anywhere else. Many reviews mention how striking these ancient images are, with one noting the “unique depictions” that make it a real highlight.

The route is about 0.9 miles round-trip with roughly 300 feet of elevation change. While it’s not a long hike, some parts involve steep stairs and uneven footing, so good balance and moderate fitness help. The trail is well-protected with a sturdy guardrail along the canyon wall, but the terrain can be slow-going for some.

Sand Dunes and Sandboarding
After reaching the pictograph, you’ll have access to nearby dunes—ideal for a quick sandboarding session. Be aware that sand can get extremely hot in summer, so early in the day or during cooler months is best for this. If you’ve never sandboarded, it’s a lot of fun and adds an unexpected thrill to the day.

What the Tour Includes and Excludes

Included are helmets, goggles, bottled water, and the guidance of a knowledgeable guide. The water cooler is handy for staying hydrated during the hike and drive. You’re responsible for damages up to $3,000 unless you opt for the $50 buy-down, which lowers your liability to $1,500. A face covering is recommended but available for purchase for just $3.

Not included are food, additional face coverings, or gratuities—these are appreciated but optional. You’ll want to bring your ID if you plan to drive, as Polaris requires it for waiver purposes.

Duration, Group Size, and Cost

The tour lasts about 5 hours, which is a good chunk of the day but not overwhelming. The price of $499 per group might seem steep at first glance, but considering it covers the vehicle, equipment, guide, and access to exclusive sites, it offers solid value—especially if you’re traveling in a small group or with friends.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This experience is geared towards adventure lovers who enjoy driving and outdoor exploration. It’s perfect for those comfortable with some physical activity and uneven terrain. The tour’s 5-hour length makes it suitable for a full-day outing, and the group size keeps things intimate enough for personalized attention.

While kids aged 5 and older are welcome, drivers must be 21+ with a valid driver’s license, so it’s not a family-friendly activity for the youngest travelers. It’s a good fit for groups looking for something different from typical Zion hikes, offering both scenic beauty and an active role in the exploration.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re craving a hands-on adventure with a dose of history and stunning scenery, this UTV tour hits the mark. The chance to drive through remote canyon landscapes, view an impressive pictograph panel, and sandboard on dunes makes it stand out from standard Zion excursions. The inclusivity of equipment and guided support keeps it accessible, while the moderate challenge appeals to active travelers.

This isn’t a trip for those who prefer a laid-back or purely scenic experience—it’s one for the bold, the curious, and those eager to add some adrenaline to their Zion visit. For groups or friends who want to share a memorable outdoor activity, this tour offers a mix of fun, discovery, and scenic views that are hard to beat.

FAQ

Do I need a driver’s license to participate?
Yes, you’ll need a valid driver’s license if you plan to drive the UTV. Everyone over 18 must bring government-issued ID for waiver purposes.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children aged 5 and older can ride, but they cannot drive. Drivers must be 21 or older with a valid license, so young kids won’t be behind the wheel.

What are the safety provisions?
Helmets and goggles are provided and mandatory for safety. The trail has a secure rock pathway with guardrails in certain sections, but the terrain can be steep and uneven.

How long is the hiking portion?
The hiking to the pictograph panel is about 0.9 miles round-trip with roughly 300 feet of elevation change. It involves some steep stairs and off-camber footing.

What should I bring?
A small backpack with water is recommended. Bring your ID if you plan to drive. Consider weather conditions—early tours are better for sandboarding in summer heat.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour. You’ll receive a full refund if canceled in time.

What’s the maximum group size?
The tour caps at 12 travelers, making it a more personalized experience.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, it requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you can choose a different date or get a full refund.

Are gratuities included?
No, gratuities are optional but always appreciated if you enjoy the guide’s service.

How much does damages coverage cost?
You can lower your liability from $3,000 to $1,500 with an optional $50 buy-down fee per machine.

This UTV tour offers a rare blend of hands-on driving, ancient art, and desert fun, making it a compelling choice for those wanting more than just sightseeing in Zion. Whether it’s the thrill of navigating new terrain or the chance to see a large, colorful pictograph panel, it’s a day packed with memorable moments.