UTV Riding at Sawtell Peak: Self-Guided Mountain Adventure

Nearly 10,000 feet on a UTV through volcanic meadows and aspen forest

Self-guided UTV riding at Sawtell Peak in Idaho takes four hours on Can-Am Maverick Trail 800s and 1000s, with a safety briefing, map and helmet provided. You start at Big Springs, climb to the Continental Divide if snow permits, traverse Caldera Meadows formed by ancient volcanic activity, and reach the summit for sweeping views before descending through golden aspen groves. A driver's license is required. Riders as young as one can ride on an adult's lap.

The experience

Four hours on a UTV means you navigate the trails yourself, not watch from a passenger seat. You meet at the starting point for a safety briefing and instructions on the machine, then pick up a map for the route. The Can-Am Maverick Trail 800s and 1000s handle the terrain: two-seat and four-seat options let you ride solo or bring passengers along the same trails.

Big Springs is your first stop, where the water runs clear enough to spot trout and moose sometimes appear. If snow has melted enough, the route climbs to the Continental Divide, a crossing that marks the point where water flows to different oceans. The Caldera Meadows section cuts through landscape shaped by ancient volcanic activity, and the ascent pushes toward 10,000 feet. At the summit, the views stretch across forests and distant mountain ranges. The descent winds back down through aspen groves (the golden trees make for the kind of backdrop worth stopping for photos), and the ride ends back where you started.

Helmet and goggles come with the UTV. You'll need a valid driver's license to operate the machine. The route is self-guided, so you set the pace and choose when to stop, though the map keeps you on track through the backcountry.

What’s included

• Helmet and goggles.
• Can-Am Maverick Trail UTV (two-seat or four-seat).
• safety briefing and route map.
• access to Big Springs, Caldera Meadows and the Continental Divide crossing (weather permitting).
• nearly 10,000-foot summit with views across forests and mountain ranges.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 16 May 2027

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 to 60 years) · Senior (61 to 80 years) · Youth (9 to 17 years) · Child (2 to 8 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 14

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

Prices and times updated 28 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Utv Tour of Sawtelle Peak & Big Springs & more

Is this one for you?Choose the two-seat UTV if you want to ride solo and move at your own pace, or pick the four-seat model if you're bringing passengers who want to experience the same trails and summit views without splitting into separate groups.

Traveler reviews

4.77★★★★★★★★★★

60 verified traveler reviews

5 ★55

4 ★1

3 ★1

2 ★1

1 ★2

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (9 to 17 years); Child (2 to 8 years); Infant (under 2): free.

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.

Can I ride a UTV at Sawtell Peak if I've never driven one before?

Yes. You receive a safety briefing and instructions on the UTV before you start, and the route is self-guided so you control the pace. A valid driver's license is required.

What happens if snow is still on the ground when I book?

The Continental Divide crossing depends on snow melt. If snow blocks the route, you'll still ride through Big Springs, Caldera Meadows and climb toward the summit, but that particular crossing may not be passable.

How long does the whole experience take?

The UTV riding takes four hours from start to finish, including the safety briefing, the ride up Sawtell Peak, stops at Big Springs and Caldera Meadows, and the descent back to the starting point.

What's included with the UTV rental?

Helmet, goggles and a map are provided. The Can-Am Maverick Trail comes ready to ride. You supply the driver's license and the willingness to navigate the backcountry yourself.