You don’t have to be a hardcore hiker to experience the wildest corners of our National Parks.
In fact, some of the most spectacular, off-the-beaten-path views in the country don’t have to be accessed by foot.
Whether you have young kids with little legs, grandparents who need comfort, or you just want a break from the trails, off-road tours are the perfect solution.
From rock-crawling Jeeps in Moab to scenic family rides in the Smokies, here is how to find the perfect adventure that requires zero hiking boots.
These guided off-road adventures are one of the best ways to get away from the crowds and see the quieter, wilder corners of our national parks. Instead of fighting for parking at trailheads, you’re rolling through hidden canyons, red-rock amphitheaters, alpine forests, or even glacial terrain, all from the comfort of a rugged, purpose-built vehicle.
Depending on the tour, you can sit back and relax, hold on tight on a roller coaster-type ride, or even drive yourself. You’ll always have an expert guide, making this a fun, low-effort way for everyone, including kids and grandparents, to enjoy big scenery. Many outfitters take you to hidden gems, such as ancient petroglyphs, surprise wildlife sightings, or panoramic overlooks that most visitors don’t get to see. In short, Jeep, ATV, and UTV tours are an incredibly family-friendly way to explore without sore legs.
Jeep vs. ATV vs. UTV – What’s the Difference?
Before you pick a tour, it helps to know what kind of ride you’re signing up for. Each has its own vibe and comfort level, and most tour companies offer a mix so you can choose exactly how adventurous you want to be.
Jeeps (4×4 SUVs)
Jeeps are the classic off-roaders. Think Wrangler-style rigs with big tires and just enough suspension to make bumpy terrain feel fun instead of frightening. Pink Jeep Tours often uses these, and they’re great for both gentle sightseeing drives and more rugged rock-crawling. Jeeps typically seat 4–6 people with full seat belts and sometimes even heating or A/C. That makes them a comfortable pick for families, older travelers, or anyone who wants a more stable ride on graded forest roads or rocky inclines. They also perform well on highways between trailheads, so guides can take you deeper into the backcountry than most cars can go.
ATVs (All-Terrain Vehicles)
These are the small, single or double-riders with handlebars. Think motocross meets four wheels. ATVs are maneuverable, thrilling, and very hands-on, which is why many operators require drivers to be at least 16 with a license. Some companies have double ATVs that allow a child (usually 7+) to ride as a passenger behind an adult. Because they’re nimble and lower to the ground, ATVs are best for teens or adventurous adults who want a little more adrenaline and a lot more dust.
UTVs (Side-by-Sides)
UTVs are the sweet spot between a Jeep and an ATV. These “side-by-sides” (like the Polaris RZR or Can-Am Maverick) have bucket or bench seating, seat belts, and pedal controls, making them more like a mini off-road car. They’re more spacious and stable than an ATV, but more playful and trail-friendly than a Jeep. Many seat up to four people, making them great for families. They’re powerful and fast, though slightly less agile than ATVs, and kids as young as six often ride safely as passengers. Many tours let you drive your own UTV while following a guide, which is perfect for beginners.
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Pink Jeep Tours – The icon of off-road sightseeing
If there’s one name synonymous with off-road adventures, it’s Pink Jeep Tours. In 1960, in Sedona, the founder spray-painted a surplus Jeep bright pink so guests could spot it on the trail. Sedona remains their home base, with famous trips like the Broken Arrow slickrock climb and Oak Creek Canyon outings, but they’ve expanded to the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas/Valley of Fire, and even the Smoky Mountains.
Their tours run from laid-back scenic drives to white-knuckle rock scrambles. You can easily filter by difficulty on their website. If you’re traveling with a group of mixed adventure levels, Pink Jeep is usually a safe bet because they have something for everyone.
Top Off-Road Destinations
Zion National Park (Utah)
Zion’s towering sandstone walls and beautiful mesas create a perfect backdrop for off-road exploring. Many tours operate just outside the main canyon in East Zion or the Kolob Terrace area, places the shuttle-bound crowds rarely see. Zion Jeep Tours (based in Springdale) takes guests to panoramic overlooks, ancient rock art, ghost towns, and wildlife viewing areas. East Zion Adventures blends 4×4 exploring with scenic stops, and their sunset-and-stars tours are a local favorite.
Pink Jeep recently launched an all-day Zion Canyon tour from Las Vegas, using their big Tour Trekker vehicles to reach highlights like Temple of Sinawava and Court of the Patriarchs. No matter what you choose, you get sweeping canyon views with zero switchbacks.
Bryce Canyon National Park (Utah)
Bryce is famous for hoodoos, and you don’t need to hike down into the amphitheater to enjoy them. Right outside the park, Ruby’s Inn runs ATV and UTV tours that weave through Ponderosa pine forests and climb right up to the rim. One of their routes even passes a waterfall cascading over the canyon’s edge. American ATV Rentals in nearby Panguitch offers guided and unguided rides across miles and miles of backcountry trails. Families love exploring slot canyons, mesas, and high plateaus via side-by-side.
Grand Canyon South Rim (Arizona)
On the South Rim, several long-running jeep outfitters operate open-air safari vehicles that take guests down forest back roads toward dramatic viewpoints like Grandview Point and Desert View. These tours often go out at sunrise or sunset for incredible light across the canyon walls. You’ll stop at overlooks for short, easy walks and may even spot elk or deer along the Kaibab Plateau.
Pink Jeep also offers a Grand Canyon tour out of Sedona, which blends scenic highway views with narrated stops at major overlooks. This is perfect for travelers who want a smoother, guided experience.
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona isn’t a national park, but the scenery is just as breathtaking. This is the Jeep capital of the Southwest, home of the legendary Pink Jeep Broken Arrow Trail. This is one of the most famous off-road experiences in the U.S., known for slickrock climbs, panoramic red-rock views, and a few moments that feel like a natural roller coaster.
There are mellower options, too. Loops like Diamondback Gulch or Coyote Canyon offer big scenery without the vertigo. Sunset tours really show off the beauty of the glowing red rocks.
“These adventures offer big views with a little more comfort (and a little less sweat).”
Moab, Utah (Arches & Canyonlands)
If Sedona is Jeep country, Moab is the entire off-road universe. Between Arches, Canyonlands, and the sprawling surrounding slickrock lands, Moab has hundreds of trails. Companies like Dan Micks and Epic 4×4 Adventures run both chauffeured Jeep tours and self-drive rentals. Popular trail names, like Hell’s Revenge, Poison Spider Mesa, give you a flavor of the kind of adrenaline you can expect.
While drive-it-yourself may sound like the more adventurous option, it’s actually not. If you drive yourself, you will be taking an easier route. Only the experienced drivers can give you the real thrill of Hell’s Revenge.
If you are looking for something gentler, there are more scenic, gentler routes overlooking the Colorado River and the red-rock arches.
Jasper National Park, Canada (Columbia Icefield)
Crossing into Canada brings a totally different kind of off-road adventure. Jasper’s Columbia Icefield tours use massive, tank-treaded Ice Explorers. These giant glacier buses take you right onto the Athabasca Glacier. This isn’t a hike; it’s a chilly, once-in-a-lifetime ride across ancient blue ice. Many packages include the glass-bottomed Glacier Skywalk, which offers views straight into the valley below.
Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)
While you can’t take vehicles on the national park trails, nearby Estes Park has a thriving off-road scene. Companies like Green Jeep Tours provide safari-type tours to access the surrounding forests and meadows. These places are known for moose, elk, and big herds of deer. Early-morning tours often bring the best wildlife sightings, especially in summer and fall.
Rentals are available if you want to self-drive, but guided tours probably increase your chances of spotting wildlife.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming (Grand Teton & Yellowstone)
Just outside two of the country’s most spectacular parks, Jackson Hole outfitters offer UTV adventures through Bridger-Teton National Forest and other backcountry corridors. BrushBuck Wildlife Tours runs guided safari-style trips, with opportunities to see bison, wolves, and other wildlife from a safe distance.
Jackson Hole Adventure Rentals offers both ATVs and UTVs that you can take out on your own. It’s a fantastic way for non-hikers to experience the Tetons’ rugged beauty.
Adventure without the miles
Jeep, ATV, and UTV tours are one of the most approachable ways to explore our national parks. They bring you right into the heart of the scenery, up canyon walls, across slickrock, through alpine forests, and into wide-open backcountry, without requiring hours of hiking. Whether you want a gentle, photo-friendly ramble or a wild off-road adrenaline fix, there’s a tour for every comfort level.
These adventures offer big views with a little more comfort (and a little less sweat). Even if you love hiking, your favorite vacation memory just might come from the passenger seat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are the mistakes people make when booking Jeep and ATV tours.
1. Not Checking Age Requirements
Many ATV tours require drivers to be 16 or older with a valid license. Some companies allow younger kids to ride as passengers, but policies vary widely. Before you book that family adventure, double-check the age requirements.
2. Booking the Wrong Type of Tour for Your Group
Most guided Jeep tours are comfortable and perfect for families with young kids or grandparents who want to take in the scenery. Self-drive ATVs are better suited for adventurous adults and teens who want more control. UTVs (side-by-sides) offer a nice middle ground with the stability of a Jeep and the fun of driving yourself. Make sure you know what you’re signing up for based on who’s in your group.
3. Not Wearing the Right Clothes
You will get dusty and dirty, no matter which type of tour you choose. Skip your nice clothes and wear closed-toe shoes (never sandals). Bring sunglasses or goggles to keep dust out of your eyes, and layer up since tours at higher elevations can be surprisingly cold even in summer.
4. Choosing the Wrong Difficulty Level
Some tours are gentle scenic drives, while others are extreme rock-crawling experiences that feel like a roller coaster. Read the descriptions carefully and be honest about what your group can handle. If you have back or neck problems, skip the extreme routes. If you’re craving adrenaline, the easy scenic tour will bore you.
5. Not Asking About Cancellation Policies
Weather can shut down tours with little notice, or you might get sick and need to cancel. Check the refund policy before you book because some companies are flexible while others have strict no-refund rules.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
What is the difference between a Jeep tour, ATV tour, and UTV tour?
Jeep tours use traditional 4×4 SUVs with comfortable seats and seat belts, making them great for families with kids of all ages. ATV tours use smaller quad bikes with handlebars that you straddle like a motorcycle—these are more hands-on and adventurous. UTV tours (also called side-by-sides) are like mini off-road cars with bucket seats, pedals, and seat belts. They offer a nice middle ground between the comfort of a Jeep and the thrill of an ATV.
Can kids go on Jeep and ATV tours?
Jeep tours are the most family-friendly option and typically welcome kids of all ages, including infants if you bring a car seat. For ATVs, most companies require drivers to be at least 16 with a valid driver’s license, though some allow younger kids to ride as passengers on double ATVs. UTVs often allow children as young as 6-8 to ride as passengers. Always check with the specific tour operator about their age policies.
Do I need a driver’s license to go on an ATV or UTV tour?
If you want to drive, yes. Most companies require drivers to be between 16-18 years old with a valid driver’s license. If you’re just riding as a passenger, no license is needed.
How much do Jeep and ATV tours cost?
Jeep tours typically run $100-$200 per person for 2-4 hour excursions. ATV and UTV tours cost $150-$300 per vehicle (or per person, depending on the company) for similar durations. Full-day adventures cost more, and prices vary by location and season. Moab and Sedona tours tend to be on the higher end.
What should I wear on an off-road tour?
Closed-toe shoes are a must. Hiking boots or sturdy sneakers work best. Wear long pants to protect your legs from dust and sun exposure. Bring a light jacket since higher elevations can be cold even in summer. Sunglasses or goggles will keep dust out of your eyes, and don’t forget sunscreen. Most importantly, skip your nice clothes because you will get covered in dust by the end.
Are Jeep and ATV tours safe?
When you book with licensed tour companies that maintain their vehicles and follow safety protocols, these tours are generally very safe. Guides receive proper training, vehicles undergo regular maintenance, and companies provide helmets for ATVs and UTVs. The key is to follow all safety instructions and avoid reckless driving if you’re behind the wheel.
Can I go on a tour if I have back or neck problems?
It depends on the tour’s intensity level. Gentle scenic Jeep tours with well-maintained roads are usually fine for people with minor back issues. However, extreme rock-crawling tours with steep climbs and jarring drops are not recommended. ATVs and UTVs can be bumpy even on easier routes. Be upfront with the tour operator about your physical limitations so they can recommend the right experience.
What is the best time of day for an off-road tour?
Early morning tours (7-9 AM) and late afternoon excursions (4-6 PM) offer cooler temperatures and your best shot at spotting wildlife. Sunset tours provide stunning golden-hour light that’s perfect for photos. Mid-day tours can be brutally hot in summer, but work well in spring and fall when temperatures are milder.
Can you see wildlife on Jeep and ATV tours?
Wildlife sightings are common but never guaranteed. Many tours travel through areas where elk, deer, bears, bighorn sheep, and other animals live, but they’re wild creatures with their own schedules. Dawn and dusk tours give you the best chances. Bring binoculars, stay patient, and remember that even guides can’t predict when animals will appear.
Are these tours allowed inside national parks?
Most commercial off-road tours operate just outside park boundaries on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land or private property. Some parks like Canyonlands, do allow guided tours in specific districts. The tour operator will tell you exactly where you’ll be driving, but don’t expect to cruise through the heart of most national parks on an ATV.
How far in advance should I book a Jeep or ATV tour?
For peak season (June-August), book at least 4-6 weeks ahead, especially with popular companies like Pink Jeep or tours in high-demand areas like Moab and Sedona. During shoulder season (April-May, September-October), you can usually get away with booking 1-2 weeks in advance, though earlier is always better.
What if the weather is bad on the day of my tour?
Most tour companies will cancel in severe weather conditions like heavy rain, lightning storms, or snow. They typically offer full refunds or let you reschedule for another day. Check the specific cancellation policy when you book. Light rain or cloudy skies usually won’t stop the tour unless conditions become dangerous.
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