Utah family vacations tend to revolve around Park City or Salt Lake City, and the list of activities in both places is long. Most of it is fine. A guided or self-guided UTV tour through the Wasatch Mountain backcountry is something else — it is the kind of activity families talk about on the drive home and still reference two years later. At Uinta Recreation, we are in Heber City, 25 minutes from Park City and 45 minutes from Salt Lake City, and we run Can-Am side-by-sides through terrain that most families never get to see from that close.
No experience required. No athletic threshold. No minimum age for passengers. You show up, we fit everyone with helmets, run you through the orientation, and send you out into some of the most spectacular scenery in the Heber Valley.
Guided or Self-Guided — Both Work for Families
Family groups tend to split on this depending on how independent they want to be. A self-guided UTV tour gives your family full control — you get a QR code that opens a custom Google Maps overlay on your phone, color-coded by trail difficulty, with recommended routes based on how much time you have. Every machine includes a Garmin GPS with SOS capability for emergencies. The trailhead is a five-minute drive from our shop, and from there you set the pace, stop when you want, and ride as far as you feel comfortable.
If your family includes younger children or first-time riders who would feel better with someone out front, a guided side-by-side tour is the stronger call. Your guide leads the group, handles every navigation decision, and adjusts the pace so nobody is left behind. Tours depart from our headquarters and last 3 hours. A 2-vehicle minimum applies for guided tours.
What Your Family Will See
The Wasatch Mountain State Park trail system is the backdrop for most of our tours. Dutch Hollow is a 12-mile loop with around 1,200 feet of elevation gain — a route that feels genuinely adventurous without demanding anything of less-experienced riders. Snake Creek Canyon winds through historic mining routes with views of Mount Timpanogos that change at every turn. Cascade Springs is a popular stop along the way, where you can park the machines and walk the boardwalks through the natural spring formations — an easy detour the whole family can enjoy regardless of age. Jordanelle Reservoir sits nearby, and Deer Creek Reservoir and the Homestead Crater Hot Springs in Midway are short drives from the trail area if you want to make a full day of it.
Soldier Hollow, the 2002 Winter Olympic cross-country skiing venue, is in the same area and worth mentioning to kids who respond to that kind of context.
UTVS TO CHOOSE FROM
We run five Can-Am models and buy new equipment every season. Every machine is inspected before each ride. For families, the six-passenger Can-Am Defender Max HD7 is the most practical option — it seats six comfortably and handles every trail in the system. The four-seat Can-Am Maverick Sport Max 1000R is well-suited to families of four who want more performance. Two-seat machines are available for families where parents and older kids want to pair off and ride separately.
No minimum age for passengers. Young children must be secured in a properly fitted car seat or booster seat provided by your family. All drivers must be 18 or older with a valid license. Operators of 1000cc machines must be 25 or older. A major credit card with $2,500 available credit is required, along with a $50-per-machine-per-day damage agreement.
Planning Your Family Vacation UTV Tour
Most families booking with us are visiting from out of state and making their Heber City stop part of a Park City or Salt Lake City vacation. The drive is short and slots easily into a full vacation day. Just like the drive time, our 3-step process is simple:
Step 1
Give us a call before you bookWe recommend calling us before you book to describe your family’s ages, experience level, how many people, and what your day looks like. We will steer you toward the right tour to make your experience smooth and amazing.
Step 2
Book earlySummer is our busiest season — book early to lock in your preferred date and machine type. If your trip falls in April, May, October, or November, ask about early booking discounts when you call. Group discounts are also available for larger family groups. Check our specials page for current offers.
Step 3
Complete the Utah OHV Education Course before ridingAll operators in Utah are required by state law to complete the training course before riding. This needs to be done before your tour day — we send the link after booking. Online waivers are also required for all adults, and a parent or guardian must sign for any minors.
We are at 2210 S Highway 40, Heber City — 25 minutes from Park City, 45 minutes from Salt Lake City, and 30 minutes from Provo. Ready to plan your UTV tour outing for your family vacation? Call 801-613-0288 or book at uintarecreation.com.
FAQS
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There is no minimum age for passengers. Young children must be in a properly fitted car seat or booster provided by your family. All drivers must be 18 or older with a valid license.
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Families with younger children or first-time riders tend to prefer guided tours — a guide manages the pace and keeps everyone together. Families with more experience who want freedom to explore at their own pace often prefer self-guided. Call us, and we will help you decide based on your group.
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Twenty-five minutes from Park City and 45 minutes from Salt Lake City. Most families combine the tour with other Heber Valley stops, such as Cascade Springs, Deer Creek Reservoir, or the Homestead Crater Hot Springs in Midway.
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We recommend booking in advance, especially in summer. Same-day availability is limited. For the best machine selection and guaranteed availability, book at least a few weeks out — and three months out for peak summer dates.