Utah is a treasure trove for anyone who loves breathtaking landscapes and outdoor adventures. Its diverse terrain—rugged canyons, towering hoodoos, and star-studded skies—makes it a perfect place for unique guided tours.
We particularly like the Diana’s Throne UTV Adventure for its mix of adrenaline and scenic viewpoints, or the Capitol Reef Jeep tour for an in-depth exploration of remote areas. No matter your style, Utah’s national parks have something that will make your trip memorable.
In this guide, we’ll cover five of the best national park tours in Utah. From exciting off-road adventures to self-paced driving experiences, these options are designed to fit different interests and comfort levels. Whether you’re after a quick thrill or a detailed look at the parks’ geology and history, you’ll find something to match your travel style.
- 1. Diana’s Throne UTV Adventure Near Zion National Park
- 2. Capitol Reef National Park: Cathedral Valley off-road Jeep tour
- 3. Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks Self-Driving Bundle Tour
- 4. Stargazing and Milky Way Portrait in Capitol Reef National Park
- 5. Zion National Park: Kanarraville Falls
- How to Choose the Best Tour for You
1. Diana’s Throne UTV Adventure Near Zion National Park
At number 1, the Diana’s Throne UTV Adventure offers an exhilarating way to experience the East Zion backcountry. This tour is perfect for those wanting a hands-on experience—they get to drive a high-end off-road vehicle through dirt roads while enjoying a fully narrated tour via helmets equipped with microphones and speakers.
The tour begins with a brief driving lesson, making it accessible even for beginners, before heading into the rugged terrain just outside Zion National Park.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of adventure and sightseeing. You’ll stop at two viewpoints offering views into Zion, capturing some fantastic photos along the way.
Reviewers mention it as a “true rush of adrenaline” that’s suitable for families or anyone looking for something beyond a typical walk in the park. The 2-hour duration is just enough to enjoy the thrill without feeling rushed.
Bottom Line: If you want a high-energy, guided off-road experience with excellent views and modern equipment, this tour is a top choice. It offers great value for those eager to drive themselves and enjoy Zion’s surroundings in a new way.
2. Capitol Reef National Park: Cathedral Valley off-road Jeep tour
Number 2 on our list is the Capitol Reef Cathedral Valley Jeep tour—a full-day expedition into one of Utah’s most striking landscapes. This tour is ideal if you’re looking for a comprehensive exploration of remote areas without the hassle of driving yourself. Your guide will handle the off-road driving while you relax and take in the scenery.
This tour covers about 70 miles of rugged terrain, including a dramatic river crossing and stops at highlights like the Temple of the Sun and the Glass Mountains. You’ll learn about the geology, flora, fauna, and history of Capitol Reef, making it both educational and scenic. The tour includes lunch and snacks, adding to its value, especially since it’s priced at around $220 per person.
Reviewers rave about guides like Jenny and Mel, citing their knowledge and engaging personalities, which make the long day feel shorter. The 4- to 7-hour options allow flexibility, and the small group size ensures a personalized experience.
Bottom Line: If you’re eager for a full-day adventure that combines off-road driving, stunning geology, and local stories, this tour offers great value and a memorable experience for history buffs and nature lovers alike.
3. Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks Self-Driving Bundle Tour
Number 3 is the self-driving bundle that lets you explore Zion and Bryce Canyon at your own pace. For a budget-friendly option—at just $24.99 per group—this tour offers an offline, audio-guided experience that’s perfect for independent travelers who like to set their itinerary.
The tour includes detailed itineraries, travel tips, and multimedia content to enhance your visit. You’ll start at Bryce Canyon’s Visitor Center, then visit Fairyland Point for sweeping views and iconic hoodoos, followed by Sunrise Point, which showcases the park’s most famous rock formations. Then, you’ll head into Zion, with plenty of opportunities to stop and admire the scenery along the way.
Many reviewers appreciate the flexibility and the ability to download content offline, making it ideal for remote areas with limited cell service. Since it’s a self-guided tour, it’s best suited for confident drivers comfortable with navigation.
Bottom Line: This self-driving tour is perfect for budget-conscious travelers who want complete control over their park visits, especially if you’re comfortable with using an app and want to avoid guided tour groups.
4. Stargazing and Milky Way Portrait in Capitol Reef National Park
Number 4 features an evening experience—Stargazing and Milky Way Portraits—in Capitol Reef. This tour is ideal for those who want to combine their love of night skies with a touch of photography. Lasting about an hour, it offers an intimate look at one of Utah’s darkest skies, perfect for viewing constellations and the galaxy.
Participants are treated to a professional portrait session with the Milky Way as a stunning backdrop, capturing memories that last long after the stars fade. The guides, Mel and Jenny, are praised for their friendly demeanor and their ability to point out constellations and stories behind them.
The weather-dependent nature of star gazing means you’ll want a clear night, but when conditions are right, the experience is unforgettable.
Reviewers describe the stars as “absolutely beautiful,” and many feel lucky to have had such a personalized tour. Because it’s a smaller, more specialized activity, it offers excellent value for star enthusiasts who want a memorable night capture.
Bottom Line: If you’re a night sky lover or want a special souvenir photo, this tour provides a unique blend of education, awe, and professional photography.
5. Zion National Park: Kanarraville Falls
Completing the list is the Kanarraville Falls hike, a 7-hour scenic trek near Zion. Land Beyond Zion Tours handles this outing, focusing on waterfalls in a picturesque slot canyon. This moderate hike covers about 4.8 miles round trip and involves some rock scrambling and crossing streams, making it suitable for active hikers.
The highlight is the waterfall itself, where water cascades over colorful rocks into inviting pools. The trail includes navigating a metal ladder and walking through narrow canyon walls, offering both photo opportunities and physical activity. The price is $250 per person, which includes all necessary permits and guidance.
Reviewers mention the stunning scenery and the well-organized nature of the experience. The hike is best suited for those with a moderate fitness level who enjoy outdoor challenges. The tour provides a more intimate, less crowded experience compared to the more popular Zion hikes.
Bottom Line: If you’re up for a moderately challenging hike with rewarding views, this canyon adventure offers a great way to explore Zion’s hidden corners.
How to Choose the Best Tour for You
Choosing between these tours depends on your interests, budget, and activity level. If you want an adrenaline rush and enjoy driving yourself, the Diana’s Throne UTV Adventure is hard to beat. For a full-day, in-depth exploration of remote landscapes, the Capitol Reef Jeep tour provides excellent value and insight.
Budget travelers or those who prefer to control their schedule should consider the self-guided Zion and Bryce Canyon tour, which is affordable and flexible.
For a nighttime experience, the Stargazing and Milky Way Portrait offers a chance to witness Utah’s dark skies in a way few other tours do. Hikers seeking a moderate challenge will find the Kanarraville Falls hike a rewarding, scenic trek.
Remember, book early, especially for guided tours with limited availability, and consider the best time to visit based on weather and daylight hours. Utah’s parks are popular, and these tours can fill quickly during peak seasons.
Utah’s diverse landscapes make for remarkable tours suited for all types of travelers. Whether you want to drive off-road, explore remotely with a guide, self-navigate with an app, or simply gaze at stars, our list offers excellent options. For those seeking adventure, scenery, or peaceful night skies, these tours promise experiences you’ll remember long after your trip ends.