ATV riding at North Rim Grand Canyon: Remote overlooks, no crowds

Ride UTVs to North Rim overlooks most visitors never reach

Ride a UTV through Kaibab National Forest to viewpoints of the North Rim Grand Canyon, a mile-deep canyon over 275 miles long seen from the adjoining forest without the crowds of the main rim. An 8-hour guided activity with helmets and water provided. Drivers must be 21 with a valid license, riders must be 5 or older. The guide speaks English and leads the group to forest hideaways and canyon overlooks.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore North Rim Grand Canyon views

• Travel through Kaibab National Forest
• Visit viewpoints of North Rim Grand Canyon

The experience

What makes this activity different is the location itself. The North Rim sits wilder and emptier than the South Rim, and you reach its viewpoints by UTV through Kaibab National Forest instead of walking a paved trail. The sheer size of the canyon (a mile deep and over 275 miles long) becomes the centerpiece of the day. You ride to overlooks where the Colorado River appears far below and the forest closes in around you, then hike to vantage points the standard tour buses never access.

The 8-hour day splits between riding and exploring on foot. Your guide navigates the forest trails in a Polaris UTV, stopping at viewpoints along the way. You bring a small backpack for water during the hiking portions. Helmets and goggles are provided and mandatory. The guide carries a cooler of water for the group, though you'll want to pack your own lunch and snacks for the full day. Crisp mountain air and lush forest surround you the whole time. This is not a desert ride, but a high-elevation forest experience that happens to overlook one of the world's largest canyons.

Drivers must be 21 years old with a valid driver's license in hand. Anyone without one cannot operate a UTV. Riders can be as young as 5. Everyone 18 and older needs to bring government-issued ID for the waiver, whether driving or riding. The activity is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health, and pregnant travelers should sit this one out. If you're comfortable on rough terrain and want to operate the vehicle yourself, bring your license and ID.

What’s included

• Helmets and goggles.
• water for the group in a cooler carried by the guide.
• English-speaking guide leading the activity through Kaibab National Forest to North Rim viewpoints.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDeparts at 08:00Last departure this season: 30 Nov

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (5 and older) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12 · max 4 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Kanab Tour Company

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English, so you follow the commentary and directions without translation. You operate the UTV yourself if you're 21 with a valid license, which means you control the pace and the stops, not a passive ride, but an active one where you're in the driver's seat the whole time.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How deep is the Grand Canyon at the North Rim, and what can I see from the viewpoints?

The canyon is a mile deep and stretches over 275 miles long. From the North Rim overlooks you reach by UTV, you see the Colorado River far below and the vast expanse of the canyon itself, without the crowds that gather at the more famous South Rim viewpoints.

Can I drive the UTV myself, or does the guide drive?

You drive the UTV yourself if you're 21 or older with a valid driver's license. Riders who don't drive must be at least 5 years old. The guide leads the group and navigates the route through Kaibab National Forest to the viewpoints.

What's included in the 8 hours, and what should I bring?

Helmets, goggles, and water are provided. You'll ride through the forest to viewpoints, then hike to some overlooks on foot. Bring a small backpack for water during the hiking portions and pack your own lunch and snacks for the full day.

What do I need to bring besides the UTV and gear?

Bring a valid driver's license if you plan to drive, and government-issued ID if you're 18 or older (required for the waiver whether you drive or ride). A small backpack for water during hikes is useful, and you'll want lunch and snacks for the day.