Zion: Diana’s Throne UTV Self-Drive Adventure & Scenic Stops

Summary

Off-road trails east of Zion with hands-on driving & wild views

You’ll take the wheel on your own UTV adventure near Zion—after a short lesson and some laughs with your guide over helmet radios. Feel every bump on rugged backcountry trails, pause for photos at two wild viewpoints, and catch distant views of Zion’s cliffs. It’s hands-on, dusty fun—with just enough guidance to keep you smiling.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t worry, you’ll get the hang of it by the second turn,” our guide Josh grinned, handing me a helmet that smelled faintly like dust and sunscreen. I could hear his voice crackling through the headset as I fumbled with the chin strap—my nerves were louder than the engine at first. The UTV looked chunkier than I expected, but once we rolled out onto the red dirt trails east of Zion, I felt this weird mix of excitement and “oh man, am I really doing this?”

The sun was already sharp overhead but there was still a chill in the air—spring in Utah is like that. Josh’s voice kept coming through my helmet speakers, tossing out tips (“ease into the throttle here”) and bits about local plants or how Diana’s Throne got its name. We didn’t go inside Zion itself, but honestly? The way those cliffs rose up in the distance made it feel close enough. At one point, we stopped at a viewpoint where someone had left a stack of smooth stones; I ran my hand over them while catching my breath. My hands smelled like metal and sagebrush.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much—especially when my partner hit a rut and we both bounced so hard our teeth clacked together (Josh just said “that’s part of the fun!”). The whole thing lasted maybe an hour and a half, counting instructions and stops for photos. It felt quick but also kind of perfect; not rushed, just enough time to let it all sink in. There’s something about steering your own way through that wild landscape—I still think about that view from the second stop, sunlight hitting those layered rocks just right. Hard to explain unless you’ve been there yourself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Diana's Throne UTV Adventure

• Book driver before passengers
• Attend short driving lesson
• Wear helmet with communication gear
• Drive off-road in East Zion
• Stop at two viewpoints for photos

Top questions

Do I get to drive my own UTV on this tour?

Yes, you’re behind the wheel for this self-drive adventure near Zion.

How long does the Diana’s Throne UTV tour last?

The full experience is about 1.5 hours: 30 minutes for instruction, 1 hour driving, plus photo stops.

Is entry to Zion National Park included?

No, this tour explores off-road trails east of Zion but does not enter the national park itself.

Are helmets provided for UTV drivers?

Yes, helmets equipped with speakers and microphones are included for all participants.

Can passengers join if they don’t want to drive?

Yes, but you must book a driver before adding any passengers to your group.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?

Yes—a short driving lesson is provided before heading out on the trails.

What should I expect from the scenery?

You’ll see dramatic mountain views and distant cliffs of Zion from two main viewpoints along backcountry trails.

Are there any health restrictions?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

What’s included

Your adventure includes use of a top-of-the-line UTV (you drive!), helmets with built-in radios so you can chat with your guide along the way—even if they’re not riding beside you—and plenty of time for instructions plus scenic photo stops at two viewpoints before heading back dusty and grinning.