YOU DRIVE!! Rap & Ride – A Full Day of Rappelling and UTVs

If you’re seeking an adventure that combines high-energy off-road exploration with the thrill of canyoneering, this YOU DRIVE!! Rap & Ride tour in Zion National Park might just be what you’re after. While I haven’t taken this tour myself, I’ve researched it thoroughly and talked to travelers who’ve done it. The idea of driving your own UTV and rappelling down some of the park’s most captivating canyons sounds exhilarating and unique.

What really caught my attention are the top-notch guides who are praised for their professionalism and knowledge—and how many guests mention this experience as a highlight of their Utah trip. Plus, the fact that families and groups love the mix of adventure and scenery makes it stand out.

One thing to keep in mind is that this is a full-day experience, so it requires a decent level of physical fitness and a willingness to be outdoors for about 8 hours. It’s not ideal if you’re looking for a quick, laid-back activity, but perfect if you want to truly learn about Zion’s rugged terrain.

This tour is best suited for adventure enthusiasts, groups of friends, or even couples who love a mix of adrenaline and exploring outdoors. It’s also family-friendly to an extent—trusted for ages 5 and up on UTVs, provided the kids are comfortable with the environment. Now, let’s take a closer look at what this tour offers.

Key Points

• Customizable canyon options depend on weather and your group’s abilities, ensuring safety and fun tailored to you.
• Guides are highly praised for their professionalism, making the experience both safe and engaging.
• Includes all necessary gear like helmets, goggles, and canyoneering equipment, so you don’t have to worry about bringing your own.
• A full day of adventure—expect around 8 hours with plenty of time for exploration, riding, and rappelling.
• Limited group size (up to 8 travelers), which means more personalized attention.
• Cost of $350 per person offers a comprehensive experience, but consider the value of the included equipment and guides.

What to Expect from the Tour

This tour packs a good punch. Starting early at 7:00 am from Kanab, you’ll get picked up and transported to a specially chosen canyon—the guides tailor this based on weather and your group’s capabilities. This flexibility is great because it means you’ll be in the best location available that day, rather than sticking to a rigid schedule.

The Canyon Rappelling Experience

The core thrill here is canyoneering—conquering multi-layer slot canyons through a combination of hiking, climbing, and rappelling. The guides use a Two-Man Canyoneering System to ensure safety, with one guide dedicated solely to your safety buddy. Many reviews highlight how professional and helpful the guides are, making even beginners feel comfortable navigating the ropes.

Expect to gear up with top-quality equipment—harnesses, helmets, ropes—and learn the ropes (literally). The most appreciated part of this experience is the trustworthy safety system and the way guides communicate clearly, giving you confidence as you descend the canyon walls. Several guests mention that the guides made the experience memorable and exciting, with one reviewer describing the guides as “dedicated, knowledgeable, understanding, helpful, and so much fun.”

Off-Road UTV Adventure

Complementing the canyon experience is an exhilarating off-road ride through Zion’s varied landscapes. You’ll explore rocky terrains, sandy patches, deep scrub forests, and open slickrock—no two moments are the same. This is a chance to get your adrenaline pumping while soaking in the stunning scenery.

The option to drive your own UTV adds a layer of fun and control—only those 21 or older with a valid driver’s license can take the wheel, but even non-drivers have a blast riding along. Kids aged 5 and up are welcome on UTVs, making it family-friendly in that regard, but the physical activity and outdoor nature mean it’s best suited for those in moderate physical shape.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour kicks off early at 7:00 am with a meeting point in Kanab. The guides will choose the canyon based on weather and group capabilities, which is a flexible approach that helps ensure safety and enjoyment. You’ll spend most of the day exploring, with approximately 8 hours overall, including travel, canyon time, and riding.

First stop: a canyon pre-selected by your guides that offers the perfect challenge for your group. This tailored approach means you’ll likely find a canyon suited to your comfort level, whether you’re a first-timer or more experienced.

Throughout the day, you’ll enjoy bottled water, and equipment like helmets and goggles are provided. You’ll want to pack a lunch and snacks, as it’s a full-day trip. Optional face coverings are available for purchase, and you might want to bring your own backpacks for incidentals.

Pricing and Value

At $350 per person, this tour isn’t cheap, but considering the inclusions—gear, guides, and a full day of adventure—it offers good value. The guides are praised for making the experience both safe and exciting, which adds to the overall worth. Keep in mind, you’ll need to pay attention to the landscape fees if applicable, and there’s an optional buy-down fee to lower your damages deposit when renting UTVs.

Practical Tips for Booking and Preparation

• Book about 45 days in advance to secure your spot, especially during peak seasons.
• Wear comfortable, moisture-wicking clothing suitable for physical activity.
• Bring layers—weather can vary throughout the day.
• Pack snacks and a lunch; no food is provided.
• Remember to bring your driver’s license if you plan to drive the UTV.
• The tour is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness—be prepared for walking, climbing, and rappelling.

Authentic Perspectives from Travelers

Many guests have shared glowing reviews. One reviewer said, “The guides were very professional, dedicated, knowledgeable, understanding, helpful and of course so much fun. They made our trip memorable and exciting,” which really underscores how much the guides contribute to the experience.

Another mentioned that it was “definitely a highlight of their Southern Utah adventure,” highlighting how memorable this tour can be. The limited group size (max 8 travelers) ensures you get plenty of personal attention, which is a big plus for many.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect if you’re looking for adventure, challenge, and stunning scenery all rolled into one day. It’s suitable for adventure-loving adults and families with kids over 5 who are comfortable outdoors and in moderate physical shape. If you’re a first-timer to canyoning or off-road riding, you’ll appreciate the guides’ expertise and safety measures.

However, if you’re not into physical activities or don’t enjoy being outdoors for extended periods, this might not be the best fit. Also, keep in mind the need for good weather—if conditions are poor, the tour could be canceled for safety reasons.

Final Thoughts

For anyone craving an active, hands-on adventure in Zion, this YOU DRIVE!! Rap & Ride tour offers a well-rounded experience. Combining the thrill of rappelling in stunning slot canyons with the excitement of off-road UTV rides, it promises an adrenaline-packed day with breathtaking views.

The professional guides and focus on safety make this experience accessible for most able-bodied adults and kids over 5, making it a versatile choice. The personalized, flexible canyon selection ensures that your day will be tailored to your group’s abilities and weather conditions.

While it’s a bit on the pricier side, the combination of gear, guides, and unique adventures makes it a solid value for those eager to dive into Zion’s wild side. If you’re looking to challenge yourself, learn new skills, and see some incredible landscapes, this tour is worth considering.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, kids aged 5 and older can participate on UTVs, provided they’re comfortable with outdoor activities. However, rappelling and canyoning are physically demanding, so children should be in moderate physical condition.

What gear is provided?
The tour includes helmets, goggles, and all canyoneering equipment such as harnesses and ropes. Guides ensure all gear is top-quality and safe.

Can I drive the UTV?
Only participants 21 and older with a valid driver’s license can drive. Everyone 18+ must bring government-issued ID for waiver purposes.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 8 hours, starting early at 7:00 am and returning back to the meeting point in Kanab.

What should I bring?
Pack a lunch, snacks, and backpacks for incidentals. Wear comfortable, moisture-wicking clothing suitable for physical activity and weather conditions.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How far in advance should I book?
It’s recommended to book around 45 days ahead, especially during high-demand seasons, to secure your spot.

If you’re craving a full day of adventure and exploration in Zion, this tour could be the highlight of your trip. Just come prepared to get a little muddy, a little daring, and a lot of impressed by Zion’s rugged beauty.