Greater Zion: UTV Surf and Dune Ride at Sand Hollow Dunes

Getting ready for an adrenaline-fueled day at Zion National Park’s Sand Hollow Dunes involves a 2-hour UTV Surf and Dune Ride that delivers both excitement and stunning scenery. Priced at $139 per person, this tour from Mad Moose Rentals and Tours offers a comprehensive off-road adventure with guided routes, safety gear, and multiple stops for sightseeing. The tour boasts a perfect 5.0 rating from 32 reviews, with 100% recommending it, highlighting its popularity and consistent quality.

While the core experience is the UTV ride across the red sand dunes, visitors also get to explore viewpoints like the Top of the World, see dinosaur tracks, and petroglyphs, making it a well-rounded outdoor adventure. The tour includes pickup options and mobile ticketing for easy access. It is most suitable for those who enjoy off-road driving, scenic landscapes, and outdoor fun, and features safety gear and a knowledgeable guide to ensure you have a worry-free experience.

Key Points

• Price: $139 per person for a 2-hour guided UTV adventure.
• Duration: Approximately 2 hours, ideal for a half-day trip.
• Locations: Starts at Mad Moose Rentals & Tours in Hurricane, UT, with stops at Sand Hollow State Park and Top of the World viewpoints.
• Activities: Off-road dune riding, sand surfing, viewing dinosaur tracks, and ancient petroglyphs.
• Guides & Safety: Licensed guides lead the tour, providing helmets, goggles, and a premium damage waiver.
• Reviews: Consistently rated a perfect 5/5, with praise for guides, scenery, and fun.

Sand Hollow Dunes: A Prime Utah Off-Road Destination

The tour takes place at Sand Hollow Dunes, a standout spot within Sand Hollow State Park known for its dramatic red sand formations. This location is famous for its rolling sand hills, making it an ideal setting for off-road vehicles and sand surfing. The red sandstone landscape offers photo-worthy views and a sense of adventure that appeals to outdoor lovers and thrill-seekers alike.

The activity begins at Mad Moose Rentals & Tours in Hurricane, Utah, where you will be introduced to your off-road vehicle and safety gear. The company is known for being easy to find and very accommodating, which creates a smooth start to the experience.

Exploring the Stops at Sand Hollow State Park

This tour features four stops, each adding a unique element to the adventure:

• Mad Moose Rentals & Tours Stop: The starting point where you receive your helmet, goggles, and bottled water. You can also opt for self-guided or private off-road tours here, or spend time on the water at Quail Creek State Park if desired.

• Top of the World Viewpoint: Offers 360-degree vistas of the surrounding canyons, Zion, and Arizona Strip. This stop provides a perfect photo opportunity and a chance to appreciate the grand landscape.

• Sand Dunes Ride: The core activity involves riding an ATV through the rolling sand hills, experiencing both thrilling off-road driving and sand surfing down the dunes—flying through the sand creates an unforgettable sensation.

• Dinosaur Tracks & Petroglyphs: At Sand Hollow State Park, visitors can see dinosaur footprints and ancient petroglyphs, adding a touch of history and prehistoric wonder to the trip.

Each stop lasts about 15 minutes, giving plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and take photos without feeling rushed.

The UTV Ride: Off-Road Thrills and Scenic Vistas

The main feature of this tour is the guided UTV ride, where most participants will tear across the dunes and fly down in a safe and controlled manner. The off-road vehicle accommodates two people minimum per vehicle, allowing both driver and passenger to share in the excitement.

The guide leads you through various trails, including big rocks, climbs, and dips, providing challenges for those seeking a bit of a thrill. As noted in reviews, guides like Jason, Brent, and Robb are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to challenge participants at just the right level. The safety gear—helmets and goggles—is included, ensuring that even beginners feel secure.

Scenic Views and Photo Opportunities

One of the tour’s highlights is the chance to see stunning canyon vistas from elevated viewpoints like the Top of the World. The viewpoints reveal Zion’s majestic cliffs, Hurricane cliffs, and the Arizona Strip, offering breathtaking photo opportunities for travelers capturing the landscape.

The red sand dunes themselves provide a spectacular backdrop for photos, especially during sand surfing when you fly down the dunes, creating a sensation described as unforgettable in reviews.

Guides and Their Role in the Experience

The guides are frequently praised for their expertise and friendliness. They explain the landscape’s features, share stories about the area, and manage the pace of the tour. For example, Jason is highlighted for challenging driving skills and making the experience fun, while Robb stands out for showing cool sights and ensuring the tour feels relaxed, even with larger groups.

Their knowledge enhances the experience, making it not just about the off-road riding, but also about learning and appreciating the landscape.

Physical Requirements and Suitability

This tour is designed for most travelers, with most being able to participate. The group size is limited to 99 travelers, and the activity includes most ages and fitness levels. However, participants should be comfortable driving or riding in an off-road vehicle and should be prepared for some physical activity on uneven terrain.

The tour does not include a refund for damage unless the damage waiver is purchased, and a refundable damage deposit of $1,500 is required at the start of the tour.

Logistics and Meeting Details

The tour begins at Mad Moose Rentals & Tours located on Old Rd, Hurricane, UT. The check-in process is straightforward, and pickup options are available for added convenience. After the activity, the tour ends back at the starting point, making it easy to plan your day.

The confirmation for this activity is received immediately after booking, and service animals are permitted, making it accessible for more travelers.

Pricing, Booking, and Cancellation Policies

At $139 per person, this tour offers a cost-effective way to experience sand dunes and off-road adventures. The cancellation policy allows for free cancellation if done at least 24 hours before the scheduled start. No refunds are issued for cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance, so planning ahead is recommended.

What Sets This Tour Apart

This UTV Surf and Dune Ride stands out because of its combination of off-road thrill, scenic viewpoints, and educational stops such as dinosaur tracks and petroglyphs. The guides’ expertise and the safety gear included contribute to a relaxed yet exciting atmosphere.

The sand surfing experience, which involves flying down dunes, makes this tour truly memorable. With positive reviews emphasizing fun, challenging trails, and spectacular scenery, most participants leave feeling they’ve had a unique outdoor adventure.

Final Thoughts on the Sand Hollow Dunes UTV Tour

The Greater Zion UTV Surf and Dune Ride offers a well-rounded, exhilarating experience that combines off-road adventure with breathtaking views. The friendly guides and safety features make it accessible for a wide range of travelers, especially those eager for thrills and scenic photography.

While there are some limitations such as the potential for additional costs (like sandboarding) or damage deposit requirements, the consistent high ratings and enthusiastic reviews suggest this tour provides great value. It’s particularly suited for adventure lovers who want to explore the iconic Sand Hollow Dunes in a safe and guided environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children or beginners?
Most travelers can participate, and the guides tailor the experience to ensure everyone feels comfortable. However, some physical activity on uneven terrain is involved.

What should I bring on the tour?
Participants should wear comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activity and bring your own camera for scenic photos. The tour provides helmets and goggles along with bottled water.

Can I do sandboarding during this tour?
Sandboarding is not included in the standard experience and is considered an extra activity at an additional cost.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free if done at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour starts and ends at Mad Moose Rentals & Tours on Old Rd, Hurricane, UT.

Are guides knowledgeable about the area?
Yes, guides like Jason, Brent, and Robb are praised for their expertise, stories, and ability to enhance the experience with local knowledge.