ATV Riding in Brian Head: Bristlecone Pines & Cedar Breaks

Two hours navigating 11,000-foot ridges where the oldest trees on earth stand twisted against three-state views.

Rent a Polaris UTV and ride self-guided or with a licensed guide through Brian Head's high-mountain terrain, visiting Bristlecone Pines in Twisted Forest and overlooks of Cedar Breaks National Monument. The ride covers scenic trails at elevation above 11,000 feet in Dixie National Forest, with stops at Marathon Point and the Brian Head Haunted Bus. You choose between a 2-seater or 4-seater vehicle and whether to navigate alone or with an Adventure Guide leading the way.

Step-by-step itinerary

UTV tour of Cedar Breaks area

• Meet guide at UTV rental shop
• Safety training and UTV embarkation
• Ride to Marathon Point viewpoint
• Explore Twisted Forest and Bristlecone Pines
• Visit high mountain camping viewpoint
• Stop at Brian Head Haunted Bus for photos
• Return to home base to unwind

The experience

Two hours on a Polaris UTV means you're riding, not watching. You meet your guide at Prime Adventure Outfitters in Brian Head for safety training and gear (helmet, goggles, and a vehicle sized for your group), then head into terrain that climbs above 11,000 feet. The route threads through Dixie National Forest along the edge of Cedar Breaks National Monument, passing Marathon Point with its view of Ashdown Gorge and the red hue of the surrounding ranges.

Twisted Forest is the centerpiece: a trail that winds through Bristlecone Pines, some of which scientists believe are up to 5,000 years old. The gnarled, twisted trunks are the visible record of millennia in a harsh alpine environment. The ride ends at a viewpoint looking toward Cedar Breaks. From the high mountain camping area near Brian Head, the views stretch across three states. A 360-degree panorama that reviewers have called a bucket-list location and the top of the world.

You pick your format at checkout: self-guided means you navigate the trails at your own pace, or you ride with a licensed guide who shares the history and stories of the landscape, including the lore of the Brian Head Haunted Bus, a photo stop near Cedar Breaks. The 2-seater is nimble. The 4-seater carries a family. Either way, bottled water and a standard damage waiver are included, and the minimum is two people per vehicle.

What’s included

• Polaris UTV rental (2-seater or 4-seater, your choice at checkout).
• helmet and goggles.
• bottled water.
• standard damage waiver.
• safety training.
• licensed guide if you choose the guided option.

Options for this experience

2 options

RZR XP 1000 for two peopleGuide in English · 09:00 and 13:00

RZR XP 1000 for four peopleGuide in English · 09:00 and 13:00Lasts 2 hours, Polaris RZR XP 1000 for four people

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 13:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 to 62 years) · Senior (63 and older) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

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 if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

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

Operated by Prime Adventure Outfitters - Brian Head, Utah

Is this one for you?Pick the self-guided option if you want to set your own pace through the high-mountain trails. Choose the guided ride if you want the stories and history of Bristlecone Pines and Cedar Breaks woven into the experience. The 4-seater works for families. The 2-seater is nimbler for couples or solo riders with a companion.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (3 to 12 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

Can I ride the UTV if I've never done this before?

Yes. Prime Adventure Outfitters tailors the experience to your level, whether you're a beginner or experienced rider, and every rental includes a safety training session before you depart. Self-guided and guided options both work for first-timers.

What are Bristlecone Pines and why are they on this ride?

Bristlecone Pines are the oldest living organisms on earth. Some in Twisted Forest are believed to be up to 5,000 years old. The trail visits them in their harsh alpine habitat, and the gnarled trunks tell the story of their survival across millennia. The ride ends at a viewpoint overlooking Cedar Breaks National Monument.

How high do we ride, and what's the terrain like?

The high mountain area near Brian Head sits above 11,000 feet in Dixie National Forest. Trails are diverse and include scenic ridgelines along the edge of Cedar Breaks, with views of Ashdown Gorge and the surrounding red-hue ranges. The route is designed for both beginners and experienced riders.

Do I have to ride with a guide, or can I go on my own?

You choose at checkout. Self-guided means you navigate the trails at your own pace. Guided means a licensed Adventure Guide leads the way, shares the history of Bristlecone Pines and Cedar Breaks, and handles the route. Both options cover the same terrain.