ATV Riding near Torrey: Velvet Ridge & Great Western Trail

You operate the machine instead of watching from a passenger seat

A 2-hour UTV activity near Torrey, Utah, where you ride through Velvet Ridge, Thousand Lakes mountain, Pinocchio Point and part of the Great Western Trail: either driving your own machine or as a passenger with a guide at the controls. The route covers some of the country's best off-road trails with red rock cliffs rising 2,000 feet on all sides. UTV rental, helmet, guide and water refills are included. Drivers must speak and read English fluently and carry a valid driver's license or off-highway-vehicle certificate.

The experience

You start in Torrey and spend five minutes on pavement before the trail begins. The Velvet Ridge section, named for its rainbow-colored hills, sits in a canyon surrounded by towering red rock walls. The route follows part of the famous Great Western Trail, a network of off-road passages that cuts through some of the most technical terrain in the region. The whole loop runs two hours, which is long enough to cover the highlights without a full-day commitment.

You have two ways to experience it: rent your own UTV and follow the guide, or ride as a passenger while the guide handles the machine. Drivers must be at least 16 years old, speak and read English fluently, and authorize a $3,000 credit card damage deposit. Passengers under 18 wear a helmet at no extra cost. The guide carries bulk water for refilling your personal bottles, and the pace is built for riders of all fitness levels. The terrain is rough, but the activity itself does not require prior experience or special conditioning.

This has been the operator's most popular offering for over two decades. The appeal is straightforward: you get machine time on genuine backcountry trails with scenery most visitors to Capitol Reef never see, and the two-hour window fits a free afternoon without eating your whole day. If you are not comfortable operating a UTV, the guide-driven option removes that decision entirely.

What’s included

• UTV machine rental (if you choose to drive) or a seat in the guide's machine (if you ride as a passenger).
• helmet.
• licensed guide in English.
• water refills from the guide's supply during the ride.

Options for this experience

4 options

Up to 1 people · Guide in English09:00, 13:00 and 17:00

Up to 2 people · Guide in English09:00, 13:00 and 17:00

Up to 4 people · Guide in English09:00, 13:00 and 17:00

Up to 6 people · Guide in English09:00, 13:00 and 17:00

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 13:00 and 17:00

Book up to12h before

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish

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

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.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 yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Capitol Reef Outfitters

Is this one for you?Choose to drive your own UTV if you want hands-on control of the machine on genuine backcountry terrain. Choose the guide-driven option if you want the same trails and scenery without operating the vehicle yourself. Both options cover the same route and run the same two hours. The difference is who holds the controls.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can I ride as a passenger if I don't want to drive the UTV myself?

Yes. The guide-driven option puts you in a UTV with the guide operating it, so you sit back and navigate the terrain without handling the machine. This is the simpler choice if you want the scenery and the trail without the responsibility of driving.

What is Velvet Ridge and why is it called that?

Velvet Ridge is a series of rainbow-colored hills just outside Torrey, surrounded by red rock cliffs that rise over 2,000 feet. Locals call them "the Velvets," and the formation is one of the most visually distinctive sections of the Great Western Trail in this part of Utah.

How long does the ride take and what trails does it cover?

The full activity runs two hours. You cover Velvet Ridge, Thousand Lakes mountain, Pinocchio Point, and a section of the Great Western Trail: a network of off-road passages that connects some of the best technical terrain in the region.

Do I need a driver's license or off-road certification to ride as a passenger?

No. Passengers do not need any license or certification. Only drivers (those renting and operating their own UTV) must carry a valid driver's license or off-highway-vehicle certificate and speak and read English fluently.

What happens if I damage the UTV while driving?

Drivers are required to authorize a $3,000 credit card damage deposit before the ride. This protects the operator in case of accidents. The deposit is only charged if damage occurs.

Is water provided, or do I need to bring my own?

The guide carries bulk water for refilling your personal water bottles during the ride. Bring a bottle or hydration pack to refill along the trail.