Side by Side Tours Near Zion: Off Road Adventures Beyond the Park
We’ve seen those thrilling commercials… sand flying, goggles on tight. No thoughts, only thrill. Side by Side or UTV adventures can quickly become a “must-do” while visiting Zion. Most visitors arrive thinking about canyon walls, narrow trails, and quiet moments on foot. What many do not realize is that some of the most exhilarating adventures in the region begin just outside the park boundaries, where the landscape opens up and invites movement in a completely different way.
Side by side tours near Zion offer a contrast to hiking that feels playful, expansive, and surprisingly accessible. You cover more ground, see more terrain in a shorter window, and experience the desert from a seat that invites laughter instead of focus. For first timers, it is often the moment they realize Zion is not just a hiking destination. It is an adventure hub.
Why UTV Tours Are So Popular Near Zion
The terrain surrounding Zion is uniquely suited for off-road exploration. You have slickrock, rolling sand dunes, volcanic remnants, dry riverbeds, and wide open desert corridors that feel made for side by sides. Unlike hiking, these experiences are not limited by endurance or heat tolerance in the same way, which makes them appealing for families, groups, and travelers looking for something active without another long day on foot.
Side by side tours near Zion are especially popular during peak seasons when shuttle lines are long and trailheads feel crowded. Instead of waiting, you are moving. Instead of navigating foot traffic, you are carving through open terrain with a guide or your own rented machine.
UTV Tours and Rentals Near Zion
Several reputable operators serve the Zion and Hurricane area, offering both guided tours and self guided rentals depending on your comfort level.
UTV Tours and Rentals Near Zion
UTV Tours and Rentals Near Zion
- Mad Moose Adventures is our preferred partner for UTV rentals near Zion, offering one of the largest and most well maintained fleets of Polaris UTVs available in Southern Utah. Based in Hurricane at the gateway to Sand Hollow State Park, Mad Moose provides easy, trailer-free access to more than 50,000 acres of sand, trails, rock, and open desert terrain directly from their location.
- Rentals include helmets, goggles, and a digital trail map pre-loaded in every vehicle, so you can explore confidently on your own without needing prior experience. Their lineup features a range of two-seat rigs, to larger four, and five-seat UTVs, all inspected before and after every rental to ensure reliability and performance.
- Mad Moose’s team knows the terrain intimately, and can suggest routes and viewpoints that suit riders of all skill levels, whether you want a relaxed scenic drive or something more rugged and adventurous. Booking is streamlined, gear is included, and you are free to ride at your own pace across sand dunes, slickrock, and desert trails — making it an ideal choice for visitors who want the authentic off-road experience without the logistical hassle. Plan your adventure at Mad Moose Rentals and Tours.
- Southern Utah Adventure Center (SUAC) provides UTV rentals as well as guided side-by-side tours in the Sand Hollow area. Their guided experiences work well for first-time riders who want structure and local knowledge, while their rentals give visitors the freedom to explore the terrain at their own pace.
- Sand Hollow State Park itself supports rentals through approved vendors, allowing visitors to ride directly within the park boundaries. This option is ideal for travelers who want flexibility and independence without committing to a full guided experience.
For those who prefer to sit back and take it all in, Zion Jeep Tours offers ride along options. While not a side by side experience, it appeals to travelers who want off road access without driving themselves, especially helpful for mixed ability groups.
Sand Hollow State Park: The Epicenter of Off Road Adventure
If there is one place that defines UTV culture near Zion, it is Sand Hollow State Park. Located near Hurricane, this area is home to the largest concentration of sand dunes and slickrock terrain in the Greater Zion region.
Sand Hollow is unique because it blends massive red sand dunes with rock formations that feel almost lunar. Riders can transition from soft sand climbs to technical rock sections within minutes, which keeps the experience dynamic and engaging. The park is also well managed, with designated riding areas, staging zones, and clear access points that make it friendly for beginners while still exciting for experienced riders.
Don’t miss these must see landmarks in Sand Hollow:
Top of the World, known for its sweeping views over the dunes and reservoir,
Flintstone House, a recognizable rock structure and common photo stop,
The Chute, a steep and technical sandstone climb made popular by experienced UTV drivers.
These areas showcase the range of terrain Sand Hollow is known for and pair naturally with a visual carousel for those planning their ride.
Hurricane as the Launch Point
Hurricane has become the unofficial gateway for off road adventures near Zion. Its location provides easy access to Sand Hollow State Park, as well as other trail systems that extend into open desert and backcountry areas. Many rental companies are based here, which makes pickup, transport, and staging straightforward.
Choosing Hurricane as your base often simplifies logistics and allows you to pair a UTV adventure with other activities in the area, from lakeside time to evening dining.
What to Expect on Your Ride
Most side by side tours begin with a brief orientation that covers vehicle controls, safety guidelines, and trail etiquette. Once underway, the pace tends to be playful rather than rushed. You will stop for views, photos, and moments where the scale of the landscape really sinks in.
Expect dust, sun, and wide smiles. Comfortable clothing, closed toe shoes, sunglasses, and water are essential. Guides are typically skilled at reading group energy, adjusting speed and route difficulty as needed.
When to Go
Spring and fall are ideal for UTV tours near Zion, offering cooler temperatures and clear skies. Summer rides are still popular, especially in the morning and evening, though heat management becomes more important. Winter can offer surprisingly good conditions depending on weather, with fewer crowds and dramatic lighting.
After the Dust Settles
As the riding ends, many travelers naturally shift into a slower rhythm. This is often the point in the day when plans turn toward a good dinner, an unhurried conversation, or soaking in warm mineral water while replaying favorite moments from the ride. Zion Canyon Hot Springs pairs especially well with an off-road day, offering a relaxed place to gather, clean up, and let the evening stretch out without needing another agenda.
After hours spent moving through sand and stone, slowing down becomes part of the reward. The adventure does not end when the engines turn off. It settles into stories, shared meals, and the kind of quiet that only comes after a full day outside.
A Different Way to Experience Zion
Side by side tours near Zion do not replace hiking. They complement it. They offer access, variety, and a sense of freedom that rounds out a trip in unexpected ways. Whether you are new to off-roading or simply curious, these experiences invite you to see the Greater Zion landscape from a fresh angle.
Sometimes the best memories are made when you let go of the trail map and follow the open desert instead.
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