Page: Colorado River Overlook UTV Tour by Horseshoe Bend

If you’re dreaming of a mix of adventure, breathtaking scenery, and a chance to see a rarely visited side of Arizona’s stunning landscape, the Colorado River Overlook UTV Tour might be just what you’re after. This guided ride takes you through rugged high desert terrain, leading to a private viewpoint above the Colorado River, just upstream from the famed Horseshoe Bend. We’ve looked into the experience—what it’s like, who it suits, and whether it delivers the value it promises.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the accessibility—it offers more riding time because of its proximity to the trailheads, meaning you get more bang for your buck in terms of adventure. Second, the quality of guides shines through in reviews, with many praising their knowledge and friendliness. That said, it’s worth considering that the tour doesn’t visit Horseshoe Bend itself, but a nearby, equally stunning section of the Colorado River. This might matter if a close-up view of Horseshoe Bend is your priority. This tour appeals to those who love off-road adventures, scenic landscapes, and a touch of exclusivity — perfect for first-timers and seasoned riders alike.

Key Points

• Accessible and close to trails for more riding time
• Guided by knowledgeable, friendly guides
• Includes a private, less-crowded viewpoint above the Colorado River
• Ideal for beginners and experienced riders due to easy terrain
• Two-hour duration balances adventure and sightseeing
• No Horseshoe Bend visit, but spectacular views of the river upstream

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Adventure in Off-Roading and Scenic Discovery

This tour is based out of Page, Arizona, a popular hub for exploring the Southwest’s natural wonders. Starting at the Page Adventure Company, you meet your guides, who provide a safety briefing that lasts about 15 minutes. While this might seem brief, it’s enough to set expectations and familiarize you with your UTV. The actual guided ride lasts approximately 1.5 hours, with additional time for a photo stop at Horseshoe Bend.

What sets this experience apart is the opportunity to drive your own UTV over sandy washes, rocky trails, and slickrock—some of the most interesting terrain in Northern Arizona. The rugged landscape offers sweeping views of the Glen Canyon region and its iconic red rock formations. You’ll love the way the terrain varies between soft sand, rocky outcroppings, and open spaces, providing a true sense of adventure while remaining accessible for beginners.

What the Itinerary Looks Like

The tour kicks off at 915 Coppermine Road, where everyone gathers ahead of the ride. After the safety briefing, your guide leads you into the high desert landscape, where you’ll navigate through a mix of sandy trails and rocky paths. The guides are experienced and helpful, ensuring everyone feels comfortable behind the wheel, regardless of prior off-road experience.

The highlight is reaching the private viewpoint—a secluded spot above the Colorado River, upstream from Horseshoe Bend. This is an area few travelers get to see, making it a real highlight. The views here are stunning, with the river winding through the red canyon and the surrounding cliffs providing a dramatic backdrop. Many reviews mention how “more riding time” is a big plus, thanks to the proximity of the trailhead, which means less time sitting in transit and more time enjoying the ride.

After soaking in the scenery and snapping photos, you’ll stop at Horseshoe Bend for about 15 minutes. While the tour doesn’t visit the bend itself, the viewpoint provides a great photo opportunity and a chance to appreciate the river’s dramatic curve from a different perspective. The tour concludes back at the starting point.

The Experience in Detail

The Terrain and Driving Experience

The terrain is ideal for a variety of skill levels. Expect to traverse sandy washes, traverse rocky stretches, and enjoy open slickrock—the kind of landscape that’s both challenging and fun. The guides are attentive, ensuring safety and skill development, which is especially helpful for first-timers. As one reviewer noted, the guides are “very knowledgeable and helpful”, making sure everyone feels confident to handle the UTV.

What travelers love most is the balance of adrenaline and scenery. The thrill of steering your own vehicle over rugged ground, combined with panoramic views, creates a memorable experience. Whether you’re powering through sandy sections or cruising over smoother rocky patches, you’ll appreciate the control and the natural beauty surrounding you.

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The Private Viewpoint: A Hidden Gem

Most tours emphasize the exclusivity of this hidden spot. It’s a less crowded, quieter alternative to the busy Horseshoe Bend walk-in site**. The overlook, positioned above the river, offers sweeping vistas—perfect for photos and just soaking in the desert silence. Several travelers have expressed how special it is to enjoy this scenery away from the crowds, with one noting it’s “a true escape.”

Guides and Safety

Reviews frequently mention the guides’ friendly and professional manner. They’re also knowledgeable about the area’s geology and landscape, which adds educational value. The safety briefing prepares you for the ride, and guides are attentive to individual needs. This personal touch enhances the experience, especially for those new to off-roading.

Practicalities and Value

The two-hour duration strikes a good balance—enough time to enjoy the thrill of off-roading and the serenity of the scenery without it feeling rushed. The tour includes the UTV rental, guided instruction, and the scenic stops, which makes it a straightforward, all-in-one adventure.

Price-wise, considering the guided nature, private viewpoint, and the quality of the vehicles, the experience offers a solid value. You’re paying for more than just a ride—you’re investing in a memorable outdoor experience with expert guidance.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This adventure is perfect for adventure lovers who appreciate scenic landscapes and want to experience the thrill of driving an off-road vehicle. It’s especially suitable for those who might be new to off-roading but eager to try, thanks to the guides’ support. It’s also a great choice for families with older children (over 4 years) and small groups seeking a private, less crowded experience.

However, if your goal is to get an up-close look at Horseshoe Bend itself, this tour might not meet that expectation, as it focuses on a nearby section of the river. Also, it’s not recommended for pregnant women, children under four, or anyone with back problems, due to the nature of the ride.

Final Thoughts

The Colorado River Overlook UTV Tour ticks many boxes for a memorable Arizona adventure: stunning scenery, engaging off-road driving, and friendly guides. The private overlook provides a unique perspective of the Colorado River, far from the hustle of mainstream tourist spots, making it a real hidden gem.

If you’re looking for a fun, active way to explore the high desert and capture incredible views, this tour delivers genuine value. It’s especially suited for those who want a mix of thrill and tranquility, with the added bonus of learning some driving skills along the way.

This experience is a great choice for travelers who value authentic scenic encounters and prefer guided adventures that don’t skimp on time or scenery. It’s a well-rounded, enjoyable excursion that takes you beyond the typical tourist trail, offering a fresh perspective on Arizona’s rugged beauty.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for beginners? Yes, the guides are very helpful and knowledgeable, making it accessible for first-timers to off-roading.

Do I need my own driver’s license? Yes, you’ll need a driver’s license to operate the UTV during the tour.

How long does the tour last? The total experience is about 2 hours, including safety briefing and scenic stops.

Does the tour include a visit to Horseshoe Bend? No, it does not visit Horseshoe Bend directly but offers a scenic view of the river upstream of it.

What should I bring? Bring your ID or passport and your driver’s license. No mention of other gear, but comfortable clothing suited for outdoor riding is recommended.

Is there a damage deposit? Yes, there’s a $500 damage deposit per vehicle, held as an authorization on your card and refunded upon return.

Is the tour rain or shine? Yes, tours proceed in all weather conditions, with no refunds for bad weather.

Can children participate? Children under 4 years are not suitable, and the experience isn’t recommended for pregnant women or those with back problems.

How do I book and pay? You can reserve your spot now and pay later, with full cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.

In the end, the Colorado River Overlook UTV Tour offers a great blend of adventure, scenic beauty, and expert guidance—ideal for those craving a different perspective of the Southwest’s rugged outdoors. Whether you’re looking to explore new terrain or capture unforgettable photos, this tour has the ingredients for an enjoyable day in Arizona’s high desert.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby