SELF-GUIDED UTV TOURS IN HEBER CITY

Self-guided UTV tours give you the machine, the map, and the preparation to ride on your own. You set the pace, choose your route, and spend as much or as little time on the trail as you want. Before you leave the shop, you get a full orientation covering machine operation, trail navigation, safety protocol, and terrain expectations. By the time you pull out of the lot, you know exactly what you are doing.

The trailhead is a five-minute drive from our headquarters at 2210 S Highway 40 in Heber City— 25 minutes from Park City, 30 minutes from Provo, 45 minutes from Salt Lake City, and one hour from Ogden. The trails run through the Wasatch Mountain State Park system and the surrounding backcountry. These are shared-use trails — other riders may be out there while you are riding. That is normal, and it is part of what makes this a genuine trail experience rather than a closed course.

How the QR Code Trail System Works

When you check in, you receive a QR code that opens a custom Google Maps overlay on your phone. The map is color-coded by trail difficulty with safety markers, points of interest, and a recommended route based on your available time. If you have two hours, it shows you a loop that fits that window. If you have four hours, you can take longer routes with more elevation and scenery. The overlay works with your phone’s GPS so you always know where you are on the trail relative to the trailhead and the route you planned.

Please note: this is not a paper map or a generic trail guide; it is a navigation system designed specifically for this trail system so that you can focus on riding.

The Fleet

We run new Can-Am machines every season. All six models from our rental fleet are available for self-guided tours, including the: 

• Commander DPS 700 (52 HP, 2 seats)
• Commander XT 700 (52 HP, 2 seats, higher-travel suspension)
• Commander XT 1000R (100 HP, 2 seats)
• Maverick Sport 1000R (100 HP, 2 seats)
• Maverick Sport Max 1000R (100 HP, 4 seats)
• Defender Max XT HD11 (95 HP, 6 seats)

Operators of 1000cc machines must be 25 or older. Drivers of 700cc machines must be 21 or older. All drivers must be 18 or older with a valid license. If you are not sure which machine fits your group size and experience level, call us before you book, and we will point you in the right direction.

Safety and Emergency Equipment

For safety, helmets are provided for all riders and passengers. Goggle rentals are also available at the shop for anyone looking to protect their eyes while riding. For tracking, every self-guided rider will have a Garmin GPS unit. If something goes wrong on the trail — an injury, a mechanical issue, anything that requires outside help — press the SOS button, and it contacts emergency services with your exact GPS coordinates. No cell service required. This is a genuine safety net included with every self-guided booking at no extra charge.

What You Will See on the Trail

The Wasatch Mountain State Park trail system covers everything from wide, well-groomed valley routes to canyon terrain with real elevation change. Dutch Hollow offers a 12-mile loop with around 1,200 feet of gain — enough to feel like an adventure without being technical for newer riders. Snake Creek Canyon follows old mining routes with views of Mount Timpanogos that shift with every turn. Depending on your route and time, you may pass Cascade Springs — where you can park and walk the boardwalks through the natural springs — or ride above the Jordanelle Reservoir. Soldier Hollow, site of the 2002 Winter Olympic cross-country events, is part of the same trail network. Deer Creek Reservoir and the Homestead Crater Hot Springs in nearby Midway round out what makes this corner of Utah worth the drive.

Before You Arrive

All operators in Utah are required by state law to complete the Utah OHV Education Course before riding. Complete it before you arrive — if you have not finished it at check-in, it will reduce your ride time, and no extensions are given. All adults must also complete an online liability waiver sent by email after booking. A major credit card with $2,500 available credit is required, and a $2,500 authorization hold is placed per reservation. Damage agreement is required at $50 per machine per day, with a $4,500 damage deductible. The Defender Max XT HD11 carries a $7,500 deductible.

Who Self-Guided Tours Are Best For

Couples, small groups, and experienced riders who want to explore on their own schedule are the core audience for self-guided trips. If you have ridden UTVs before or simply want the freedom to stop, explore, and move at your own speed without a group pace, this is the right option.

For larger groups — bachelor parties, corporate outings, team-building events — a guided side-by-side tour is usually the better fit. Guides manage the group, handle logistics, and keep everyone moving together. If you want to take a machine somewhere entirely different without a tour or trail system, our UTV rental page covers that option.

Off-Season Discounts

Peak season runs from June through September. Book in April, May, October, or November, and early booking discounts and specials are available — fewer riders on the trails, lower rates, and the same terrain. Book at uintarecreation.com or call 801-613-0288!

FAQs