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Drive the East Zion Backcountry: Diana’s Throne UTV Adventure Near Zion National Park

Drive the East Zion Backcountry: Diana’s Throne UTV Adventure Near Zion National Park

Take the wheel on Diana’s Throne UTV Adventure and cross East Zion’s wild backcountry trails. Explore rugged terrain framed by Zion’s cliffs beyond the crowds, with expert guidance and thrilling off-road driving.

Springdale, Utah
2 hours
By Adventure CollectiveOctober 2025

The Experience

Before You Go

Book with driver experience in mind

You must book a driver before booking additional passengers to ensure everyone has a safe, guided ride.

Wear closed-toe shoes

Protect your feet from rocks and dust with sturdy footwear suited for off-road terrain.

Start early in summer

Begin in the morning to avoid rising heat during summer months and ensure cooler temperatures on the trail.

Stay hydrated

Bring ample water to offset the dry desert air and moderate physical exertion.

Local Knowledge

Hidden Gems

  • Quiet side canyons east of the main trail offer solitary desert views and wildflower patches in spring.
  • Nearby Lava Point provides expansive vistas of Zion's red rock plateaus without the usual crowds.

Wildlife

  • Desert cottontail rabbits often dart across open areas early morning.
  • Burrowing owls nest in the sandy flats and can occasionally be spotted at dusk.

Conservation Note

The tour operators emphasize minimizing trail impact by staying on established paths and educating guests on the fragile desert ecosystem.

East Zion was historically traversed by early Mormon settlers and indigenous peoples who lived off the land amid these desert cliffs.

Photographer's Notes

Best times:Golden hour, Morning light, Late afternoon
Key viewpoints:
  • Diana’s Throne lookout
  • Mid-trail ridgelines with park views
  • Roadside overlooks near trail turns
Subjects to capture:Sandstone cliffs, Desert flora, UTV action shots

What to Bring

Helmet (provided)Essential

Included helmet with speakers and microphone for communication and safety.

Closed-toe hiking shoesEssential

Protects feet against rough terrain and loose rocks on the trails.

Sunglasses

Helps reduce sun glare on bright desert days for better visibility.

Water bottleEssential

Necessary to stay hydrated in the dry climate and during the activity.

Common Questions

Do I need prior UTV driving experience?

No previous experience is necessary; a short lesson is provided before the ride begins.

Is the tour inside Zion National Park?

No, the tour takes place on trails east of Zion, outside of the national park boundaries.

Are passengers allowed to ride without driving?

Yes, passengers may join but must be booked with a driver; all participants wear helmets and communicate via headsets.

What age restrictions are there?

Participants must meet the minimum age specified by the operator; typically, drivers need to be at least 16 years old.

What should I wear?

Closed-toe shoes and weather-appropriate layers are recommended to protect from trail conditions and temperature.

Can I cancel and receive a refund?

Full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start; cancellation due to bad weather is also possible.

Book This Experience

Check Availability

Duration

2 hours

Location

Springdale, Utah

Difficulty

moderate

Fitness Level

Suitable for most fitness levels; being comfortable with one hour of off-road driving is helpful.

Free cancellation available

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Drive the East Zion Backcountry: Diana’s Throne UTV Adventure Near Zion National Park - Springdale - Adventure Collective Travel