Greater Zion: UTV Ride and Wine Tasting Tour

If you’re looking for a way to get off the beaten path in Southern Utah, this UTV Ride and Wine Tasting Tour offers an appealing mix of adventure, scenic beauty, and a taste of local flavor. Designed for travelers eager to explore rugged terrain while indulging in regional wines, this tour provides a memorable slice of Utah’s diverse landscape. From stunning desert vistas to a historical mining site, it’s a well-rounded experience that balances excitement with relaxation.

We especially appreciate how this tour combines adrenaline-pumping off-road driving with a calm, curated wine tasting—a combination that’s not as common as just hiking or just wine. Plus, the knowledgeable guides make navigating the terrain safe and informative. A potential consideration? It’s not suited for children under 12 or those with back problems, so it’s best for active adults or older teens. This tour may be perfect if you’re craving a blend of outdoor adventure and authentic regional experiences.

Key Points

• Scenic off-road UTV ride through stunning desert landscapes near Hurricane
• Expert-guided commentary on geography, geology, and local history
• Wine tasting featuring regional selections in a picturesque setting
• Visit to Silver Reef Mine to learn about Utah’s mining past
• Physical activity involved in navigating rugged terrain
• No hotel pickup or drop-off included, so plan your transportation

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Introduction to the Greater Zion UTV and Wine Tour

This 3-hour adventure is a thoughtfully curated experience that combines the thrill of off-road driving with the pleasures of regional wine tasting. Offered by Mad Moose Rentals & Tours, it’s aimed at those who want more than just a scenic drive but also an informative journey into local history and culture.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the UTV ride—a fun, hands-on way to explore Southern Utah’s rugged terrain. You’ll be navigating through striking red rock formations and desert vistas that seem to stretch endlessly. Second, the wine tasting offers a surprisingly high-quality sampling of Utah wines, which many travelers might not expect given the state’s more famous vineyards elsewhere. The combination of these elements makes for an experience that’s engaging and relaxing, all in a manageable three-hour window.

A key consideration: hotel transportation is not included, so you’ll need to arrange your own ride to the meeting point at Mad Moose. The tour is best suited for those who enjoy active outings but also appreciate good wine and a bit of history. If you’re traveling with children under 12, or have back issues, you might want to look elsewhere—this tour involves rugged terrain and a physically active ride.

Key Points in Brief

• Stunning Scenery: Red rock formations and desert views
• Engaging Guides: Knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly
• Regional Wines: Curated tasting experience
• Historical Insight: Visit to Silver Reef Mine
• Active Adventure: Rugged terrain and off-road driving
• Flexible Booking: Reserve now, pay later, with free cancellation

The Itinerary in Detail

The tour begins with a meet-up at the designated location, approximately 30 minutes before the scheduled start. Once everyone is ready, you’ll suit up with helmets and goggles—simple safety gear that’s essential for this kind of adventure. The guide, licensed and experienced, will brief you on safety and driving instructions, helping you feel confident as you start your ride.

The UTV ride itself is where the adventure unfolds. You’ll traverse about rugged desert terrain, passing through striking red rock formations and dramatic vistas characteristic of Southern Utah. These landscapes are more than just pretty scenery—they’re a showcase of the geological forces shaping the region. As you drive, your guide will share insights into the geography and geology, making the experience both fun and educational.

After approximately an hour of off-road driving, you’ll arrive at a local vineyard for a curated wine tasting. Here, surrounded by the vineyard’s natural beauty, you can relax and savor a selection of regional wines. The tasting is a highlight for many, especially since Utah wines aren’t usually associated with the state’s reputation. One reviewer shared that they “never realized how excellent Utah wine could be,” underscoring the quality and charm of this part of the tour.

Post-tasting, the adventure continues with a scenic drive to the historic Silver Reef Mine, an old mining site that played a significant role in Utah’s development. The guide will provide background on the mine’s history, giving you a glimpse into the area’s past. Exploring the rugged terrain around the mine offers more opportunities for photos and appreciating the natural landscape.

The tour wraps up after about three hours, leaving you with a mix of adventure, history, and relaxation—a perfect brief escape from everyday life.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The combination of off-road thrill and wine tasting might seem unusual, but it works beautifully here. The guided nature of the tour ensures you get maximum insight into the landscape and history while feeling safe on the rugged terrain. The landscapes are stunning, providing ample opportunities for memorable photos, and the wines, surprisingly high in quality, add a refined touch to the rugged adventure.

The experience has garnered high praise from participants. Greg, who called it “very informative,” appreciated the guide’s knowledge of both geography and geology, which enriched the ride. The fact that he found the wine “excellent” also underscores the value of the tasting component. The small group size (implied by the nature of the tour) makes for a more personal experience, allowing guides to tailor their commentary and attention.

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Analyzing the Value

At $185 per person, the tour is priced to reflect both the adventure and the cultural experience. Considering the guided UTV ride, the wine tasting, and the visit to Silver Reef Mine, it offers a well-rounded package. If you’re someone who enjoys active outdoor experiences combined with a bit of sophistication, you’ll find this tour valuable. The fact that it includes helmets, goggles, bottled water, and ice means you won’t have to worry about extra gear or hydration.

The lack of hotel pickup and drop-off is something to keep in mind; you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point. However, for many travelers staying in the Zion or Hurricane areas, this shouldn’t be too much of a hurdle.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for adventure seekers who also appreciate the finer things—like regional wines. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy outdoor activities but want a break from just hiking or biking. History buffs will also appreciate the visit to Silver Reef Mine, which adds educational value.

It’s not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, or people with back problems, due to the rugged terrain and active nature of the ride. If you’re traveling with someone who fits these criteria, look for alternative activities.

The Sum Up

This Greater Zion UTV Ride and Wine Tasting Tour provides a balanced and memorable experience that captures the natural beauty, history, and regional flavors of Southern Utah. The guided off-road ride offers breathtaking vistas and geological insights, while the wine tasting introduces you to Utah’s lesser-known vinicultural side. The visit to Silver Reef Mine adds a historical layer that rounds out the adventure.

For travelers seeking a short, engaging outing that combines action with refinement, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially suited for those who want a taste of everything—scenery, history, and good wine—in just a few hours. Expect friendly guides, stunning landscapes, authentic regional wines, and a fun, physically active experience. It’s a value-packed outing that promises lasting memories.

FAQs

Q: Is transportation to the meeting point provided?
A: No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting location at Mad Moose.

Q: What safety equipment is provided?
A: Helmets and goggles are included to keep you safe during the UTV ride.

Q: How long is the actual off-road riding?
A: The entire tour lasts about 3 hours, with approximately an hour spent on the UTV ride and the rest exploring the vineyard and Silver Reef Mine.

Q: Is alcohol consumption allowed during the tour?
A: You must be at least 21 years old to consume alcohol, and a valid ID is required for the wine tasting.

Q: Can children participate?
A: Children under 12 are not suitable for this tour due to safety and activity level considerations.

Q: What should I bring?
A: Bring a valid driver’s license to participate. Comfortable clothing suitable for rugged terrain is recommended.

Q: What is included in the price?
A: The tour price includes the guided UTV ride, one wine tasting per person, helmets, goggles, bottled water, and ice.

Q: Is there a refund policy?
A: Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Q: What if I have back problems?
A: This tour is not suitable for people with back issues due to the rugged terrain involved in the ride.

This tour offers a unique way to experience Southern Utah’s diverse landscape and culture, blending outdoor adventure with a touch of elegance. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a wine enthusiast, it’s worth considering for a memorable day out.

You can check availability for your dates here: