Utah’s national parks are famous for their breathtaking landscapes—from towering red rock formations to deep canyons and dark sky nightscapes. But these parks aren’t just for walking or sightseeing from afar; they offer some of the most engaging and unique tour experiences in the Southwest. Whether you’re craving high-speed off-road adventure, a guided exploration of remote valleys, or an unforgettable night under the stars, Utah has options that match your sense of adventure.
In this guide, we’ll explore the 3 best national park tours in Utah. From the adrenaline rush of driving a UTV in Zion’s backcountry, to an immersive off-road jeep tour of Capitol Reef’s Cathedral Valley, and finally a magical stargazing experience in Capitol Reef, each offers a distinct way to connect with Utah’s rugged beauty. Let’s get into what makes each tour special and why they might be just what you’re looking for.
1. Diana’s Throne UTV Adventure Near Zion National Park
At number one, this UTV adventure offers a hands-on experience in the East Zion mountain backcountry, with the thrill of driving in a high-end off-road vehicle. The tour is about 2 hours long and includes a full driving lesson if you’re new to off-roading. Once underway, you’ll discover two viewpoints with sweeping views into Zion National Park, perfect for photos. The UTVs are top-of-the-line, equipped with helmets that have microphones and speakers, giving you easy communication with your guide—making the journey both safe and engaging.
What makes this tour stand out is the balance between adrenaline and scenery. You get to steer the vehicle yourself, adding excitement, but the narration and viewpoints make it informative, too. Tour guides like Megan, praised as “awesome,” ensure a personalized experience. The reviews highlight the adrenaline rush and the unique perspective of exploring Zion’s outskirts on dirt roads. For a practical, fun, and interactive way to see Zion’s surroundings, this tour provides excellent value at $177.58 per person. Keep in mind, while short, it’s perfect for those who want a taste of off-road adventure without a full day commitment.
Bottom Line: If you seek an energetic, guided driving experience with fantastic views and engaging commentary, this UTV adventure is a top pick. It’s especially well-suited for travelers who want to drive their own vehicle but prefer a shorter, manageable tour.
2. Capitol Reef National Park: Cathedral Valley off-road Jeep tour
Number two on our list is a full-day private jeep tour that explores Capitol Reef’s remote Cathedral Valley. For around $220 per person, you’ll spend 6 to 7 hours in a comfortable vehicle, with your own guide handling all the off-road driving. This tour is ideal for those eager to go beyond the usual viewpoints and dive into the park’s hidden corners. You’ll visit highlights like the Temple of the Sun and the Glass Mountains, plus traverse about 70 miles of rugged terrain, including a river crossing in safety. The itinerary includes stops for lunch, snacks, and plenty of photo ops.
What makes this experience special is the depth of exploration and educational commentary that comes with it. Guides like Mel and Jenny are praised for their knowledge and respect for the landscape, with reviews highlighting their ability to show guests the beauty and geology of Capitol Reef. The tour is flexible, allowing you to choose the length that fits your schedule, making it perfect for a full day of discovery or a more condensed adventure.
The scenery of rainbow-striped sedimentary hills and towering monoliths makes this a photographer’s dream. The tour’s value is evident for those who want an intimate, comprehensive look at Capitol Reef’s geology and history without the hassle of driving off-road themselves.
Bottom Line: This private, in-depth off-road tour is an excellent choice for travelers wanting a personalized experience with expert guides, especially those interested in geology, photography, and remote park landscapes. It’s best suited for those comfortable with a full day away from the crowds.
3. Stargazing and Milky Way Portrait in Capitol Reef National Park
For an entirely different experience, number three offers an hour-long stargazing tour that culminates in capturing professional portraits with the Milky Way as a backdrop. This tour, priced at $150 per person, takes you into Capitol Reef’s dark skies, renowned for their clarity and lack of light pollution. The tour includes a brief guided session on constellations and astronomy, followed by the opportunity to have your personalized Milky Way portrait taken—an ideal souvenir for night sky lovers.
The starry skies around Torrey offer some of the best celestial views in the US, and the tour guides are knowledgeable, providing insights into the universe and local landscape. Despite the cloudy weather affecting some trips (noted in reviews), many visitors still had excellent views, and the ability to get a professional photo makes it well worth the trip. The experience is intimate, ideal for couples, families, or solo travelers interested in nature’s night-time spectacle.
This short, focused tour is perfect if you want a memorable night under the stars without a large time commitment. The combination of guided astronomy and professional photography makes it stand out from typical stargazing outings.
Bottom Line: For those who want a quick, memorable, and photo-worthy experience of Capitol Reef’s night sky, this tour offers a unique mix of education and keepsake photos—great for night sky aficionados and photo buffs alike.
How to Choose the Best Utah National Park Tour for You
When selecting your perfect Utah park tour, consider your interests, time, and budget. If you love hands-on adventure and want to drive yourself, the Diana’s Throne UTV Adventure offers a shorter, thrilling taste of Zion’s backcountry. For those craving a comprehensive, guided exploration of remote Capitol Reef landscapes, the full-day jeep tour provides both education and adventure with a focus on geology and scenery. Lastly, if your idea of a memorable night involves stars and photography, the stargazing tour makes for a magical, photo-rich experience under Utah’s famously dark skies.
Think about your physical comfort—if you’re up for driving yourself, the UTV tour might be perfect, but if you prefer sitting back and having a guide do the work, the jeep tour is ideal. Both tours offer a personalized experience with knowledgeable guides, but the jeep tour’s longer duration means a deeper dive into the landscapes. The stargazing outing offers a brief but striking perspective on Utah’s night sky for a different kind of awe.
Booking early is wise, especially for the popular stargazing and jeep tours, which tend to fill up quickly during peak seasons.
Final Thoughts
Utah’s national parks are among the most visually stunning in the country, and these tours offer a variety of ways to experience their beauty more intimately. For a high-energy, driver-led adventure, the Diana’s Throne UTV Adventure provides a quick, exhilarating taste of Zion’s backcountry. If you prefer a full-day, guided journey into Capitol Reef’s hidden corners, the jeep tour delivers both scenic wonder and educational insights. For an unforgettable night under the stars, the stargazing experience combines astronomy with professional portraiture.
No matter your choice, booking in advance is a good idea, especially during busy seasons. Each tour offers a different way to connect with Utah’s rugged, awe-inspiring landscape—so pick the one that fits your style, and start planning your adventure today.