Not every birthday needs a venue, a catered dinner, and a calendar invite sent to fifty people. Sometimes the right move is a small group, a few hours in the mountains, and an experience that actually means something. 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 the Wasatch Mountain State Park backcountry for groups of any size, including the ones that are just two, three, or four people.
Small birthday groups are a sweet spot for us. The logistics are simple, the experience is flexible, and the trail gives your group exactly what a small celebration should: something real to do together without the overhead of a big production.
SELF-GUIDED IS THE RIGHT CALL FOR SMALL GROUPS
When you have a small group that already knows each other and does not need someone managing the pace, a self-guided UTV tour is the natural fit. At check-in, you receive a QR code that opens a custom Google Maps overlay on your phone — color-coded by trail difficulty, with safety markers and recommended routes built around your available time. Every machine goes out with a Garmin GPS unit with SOS capability. The trailhead is a five-minute drive from our shop.
From there the day is yours. You decide the route, the pace, and how long you ride. If your group wants to stop at Cascade Springs and walk the boardwalks, you stop. If someone wants to push up Dutch Hollow and earn the view at the top, that is on the table, too. No guide setting the schedule, no group you have to accommodate.
For small groups that include first-time riders or who want someone to manage the experience from the front, guided side-by-side tours are available. A guide leads the route, handles navigation, and keeps the group together for a three-hour tour departing from our headquarters.
The Ride
The Wasatch Mountain State Park system is the backbone of most tours out of Heber City. Dutch Hollow covers a 12-mile loop with around 1,200 feet of elevation gain — a route that feels like a genuine adventure without demanding anything technically difficult from the group. Snake Creek Canyon runs through historic mining routes with views of Mount Timpanogos shifting at every turn. Depending on how much time you have and which direction you point the machines, the route can include Cascade Springs, Jordanelle Reservoir overlooks, or deeper backcountry sections that most visitors never reach.
Small groups move faster through the trail system than large ones — which means you can cover more ground and make more decisions on the fly without the coordination overhead of a bigger party.
The Machines
Five Can-Am models are available, all purchased new each season. For small birthday groups, two-seat machines give each pair their own experience — the Commander DPS 700 (52 HP) for a smooth, capable ride, the Commander XT 700 for higher-travel suspension on rougher terrain, or the Commander XT 1000R (100 HP) for pairs who want maximum performance. If your small group wants to ride together in a single machine, the four-seat Maverick Sport Max 1000R comfortably seats four with 100 HP and high-performance suspension.
All operators must be 18 or older with a valid driver’s license. Operators of 1000cc machines must be 25 or older. A major credit card with $2,500 available credit is required, and a $50-per-machine-per-day damage agreement applies.
Planning Your Birthday UTV Tour
As a local UTV rental and tour operator, we offer a simple 3-step process:
Step 1
Give us a call before you bookEven though self-guided tours don’t require a vehicle minimum, guided tours do – at least 2 vehicles will be required. When in doubt, call ahead, and we will determine whether that works for your situation.
Step 2
Book earlySmall groups have more scheduling flexibility than large ones, but summer weekends still fill up — especially around popular birthday dates in July and August. Booking a few weeks out is usually enough for small groups, though earlier is always safer. If your birthday falls during our slower months — April, May, October, or November — ask about early booking discounts when you call. Check our specials page before you commit and ask about any current group or seasonal offers.
Step 3
Complete the Utah OHV Education Course before ridingBefore you arrive, all operators must complete the state-law course required for anyone operating an off-highway vehicle in Utah. Online waivers are sent by email after booking and must be completed before arrival.
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 small-group UTV tour for your birthday? Call 801-613-0288 or book at uintarecreation.com.
FAQS
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There is no minimum group size for self-guided tours — even two people can book. Guided tours require a 2-vehicle minimum, so call us if your group is very small and we will figure out the right format.
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Self-guided works well for small groups who want to set their own pace and explore freely. Guided tours are a better fit if the group includes first-time riders or wants someone leading the experience. Most small birthday groups prefer self-guided for the flexibility.
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Ask when you call — group and early booking discounts are available depending on timing and group size. Check our specials page for any current offers. Off-season bookings in April, May, October, and November typically come with the best rates.
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Self-guided tours run as long as you want — routes are available for two, three, or four-plus hours. Guided tours run three hours from departure to return. The trailhead is five minutes from our shop, so you are riding fast after check-in.