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

If you’re craving a day packed with adrenaline, scenic beauty, and hands-on adventure, this tour in Zion National Park might just be what you’re looking for. For $350 per person, you’ll spend about eight hours exploring the rugged landscape through guided canyoneering and off-road UTV riding. Led by local guides who are both professional and fun, this experience combines the thrill of conquering slot canyons with the freedom of driving your own UTV, all set against the stunning backdrop of Utah’s iconic red rock scenery.

Two things we especially love about this tour are the personalized canyon selection and the top-notch safety gear and instruction. The guides are dedicated to tailoring each adventure to your group’s capabilities and weather conditions, ensuring a safe and memorable outing. Plus, the chance to drive your own UTV through varied terrain — from rocky paths to open slickrock — adds an exciting layer of independence and fun. The only possible drawback? It’s a full day, so it requires good physical fitness and a bit of stamina. But if you’re ready for an active, authentic experience that appeals to families and adventure lovers alike, this tour hits the mark.

Ideal for families, groups of friends, or solo travelers looking for a confidence-boosting adventure in Zion’s famous slot canyons, this tour offers a perfect mix of guided expertise and hands-on fun. It’s especially popular with those who want to see Zion from a different perspective, blending nature exploration with adrenaline rushes.

Key Points

• Personalized adventure: Guides select the canyon based on weather and group capabilities.
• All equipment provided: Helmets, goggles, harnesses, and ropes are included, ensuring safety and ease.
• Active day: Expect rappelling, off-road driving, and varied terrains suitable for most ages.
• Family-friendly: Many reviews highlight it as a memorable highlight for families, with children as young as five.
• Safety first: The Two-Man Canyoneering System and clear communication protocols add peace of mind.
• Value for the price: Combining two adventure elements—canyoneering and UTVs—gives you a comprehensive Utah outdoor experience.

A Deep Dive Into the Experience

Starting Point and Schedule

You’ll meet bright and early at 681 Chinle Dr, Kanab, at 7:00 am. The tour is designed to last around eight hours, giving ample time for adventure, breaks, and plenty of photo opportunities. The day begins with the guides choosing a canyon that fits your group’s skills and the weather conditions — they’ve got a knack for finding the perfect slot, whether it’s a narrow, twisting canyon or a wider, more open gorge.

Canyoneering: Rappelling Through Utah’s Hidden Gems

The core feature of this tour is canyoneering in the East Zion area — a chance to navigate multi-layered slot canyons that showcase Utah’s iconic red rock formations. The guides gear you up with top-quality harnesses, ropes, helmets, and goggles, and then give you a thorough briefing on safety procedures. The use of a Two-Man Canyoneering System means your guide is always close and attentive, ensuring each rappel or scramble is performed securely.

Many reviewers highlight the professionalism and helpfulness of their guides. Giulio, who gave a perfect 5-star review, noted that “the guides were very professional, dedicated, knowledgeable, understanding, helpful and of course so much fun,” making the experience both safe and enjoyable. You can expect to descend into stunning slot canyons, marvel at the patterned rock layered formations, and feel a real sense of accomplishment as you conquer each rappel.

UTV Off-Road Exploration

After the canyoning segment, the adventure continues with off-road UTV riding. This isn’t just a ride; it’s driving your own vehicle through diverse terrain. From rocky paths to sandy stretches and slickrock, you’ll traverse breathtaking landscapes that are often inaccessible by standard vehicles. Families and solo travelers alike love this part of the tour, as it offers a sense of freedom and thrill.

You must be at least 5 years old to participate in UTV riding, and drivers need to be 21 or older with a valid driver’s license. Passengers can be of any age, provided they meet the age requirement for riding. For safety, everyone over 18 needs to bring a government-issued ID for waiver purposes. You might find the optional land and facility damage coverage appealing if you’re concerned about liability, as renters are responsible up to $3,000 for damages — though Polaris covers the rest.

The Scenic and Authentic Experience

What sets this tour apart is how it combines adventure with scenery. The guides take care to find amazing slot canyons that highlight Utah’s famous red rock but also offer varied terrain for the UTV segment. Many travelers, including Giulio, commented on how the guides made their trip memorable with their professionalism and enthusiasm.

Practical Tips and Considerations

Since it’s a full-day tour, bring packed lunches and snacks, and wear comfortable clothing suitable for active outdoor pursuits. Remember, helmets and goggles are provided, but you should bring a pack for incidentals, like extra water, sun protection, or a camera. If you’re concerned about face coverings, they are available for sale at the office—though masks aren’t mandatory.

The tour’s group size is limited to 8 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience. Booking 45 days in advance is recommended because it’s a popular choice, especially during peak seasons.

Pricing and Value

At $350 per person, this experience offers a robust combination of activities — rappelling, navigating canyons, and UTV riding — all guided by experts, with safety gear included. Compared to booking separate adventures, it provides excellent value, especially considering the personalized attention and top equipment provided. It’s an investment in a full day of active, authentic Zion exploration that you’ll remember long after the trip ends.

Who Is This Best For?

This tour suits adventurous families with children over five, groups of friends, or solo travelers eager to try something different in Zion. It appeals most to those comfortable with moderate physical activity and interested in guided outdoor fun that emphasizes safety and local expertise. If you’re after scenic drives, off-road thrills, and canyon descents, this experience hits all those marks.

The Sum Up

For those seeking a hands-on adventure packed into a single day in Zion, this tour is hard to beat. It combines expert guidance, stunning scenery, and exciting activities for a well-rounded experience. Whether you’re rappelling into hidden slot canyons or driving your own UTV across rugged terrain, you’ll gain a real sense of accomplishment and a deeper appreciation for Utah’s iconic landscapes.

The personalized canyon selection and safety-first approach give peace of mind, especially for first-timers or families. Plus, the opportunities for beautiful photos and genuine connection with nature make this a memorable choice.

If you’re ready to drive and conquer, and want an authentic, active experience that showcases Zion’s wild beauty, this tour offers incredible value. Just remember to book early, pack some snacks, and prepare for a full day of fun — it’s worth every minute.

FAQ

How early do I need to arrive?
You should meet at 7:00 am at the designated location in Kanab to start on time and make the most of your day.

What is included in the tour?
All canyoneering gear including helmets, goggles, harnesses, and ropes are provided, along with bottled water.

What should I bring?
Bring a pack for incidentals, packed lunch, snacks, sunscreen, and comfortable clothing suitable for physical activity.

What ages can participate?
Children as young as five can join the UTV riding, but drivers must be 21 or older with a driver’s license.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the guides tailor the canyon to your group’s skill level, and safety procedures are thoroughly explained, making it accessible for most moderate fitness levels.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, there’s free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What if the weather is bad?
Tours depend on good weather; if canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or full refund.

What safety measures are in place?
The Two-Man Canyoneering System and professional guides ensure safety during rappelling, with clear communication throughout.

How many people are in the group?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 8 travelers, allowing for personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

This full-day adventure in Zion offers a fantastic way to see some of Utah’s most iconic landscapes while enjoying safe, guided action. Whether you’re rappelling into a slot canyon or driving across rugged terrain, it’s a memorable, authentic experience that’s well worth the investment.