THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Combine an adrenaline-fueled UTV ride with a rugged hike through East Zion’s private Crimson Canyon. Experience towering sandstone walls, ancient petroglyphs, and a one-of-a-kind slot canyon scramble far from the crowds.
Combine an adrenaline-fueled UTV ride with a rugged hike through East Zion’s private Crimson Canyon. Experience towering sandstone walls, ancient petroglyphs, and a one-of-a-kind slot canyon scramble far from the crowds.
The roar of the off-road UTV cuts through the quiet backcountry outside Orderville, Utah, propelling you along a rugged trail that dares you to keep up. East Zion’s Crimson Canyon, carved by millions of years of wind and water, beckons with its towering sandstone walls glowing in warm shades of red and orange. This two-hour adventure blends high-octane UTV driving with a hands-on slot canyon hike, offering a rare glimpse into both the geology and culture of southern Utah’s less-traveled landscapes.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by East Zion Adventures · Orderville, Utah
The roar of the off-road UTV cuts through the quiet backcountry outside Orderville, Utah, propelling you along a rugged trail that dares you to keep up. East Zion’s Crimson Canyon, carved by millions of years of wind and water, beckons with its towering sandstone walls glowing in warm shades of red and orange. This two-hour adventure blends high-octane UTV driving with a hands-on slot canyon hike, offering a rare glimpse into both the geology and culture of southern Utah’s less-traveled landscapes.
Starting from the Sinclair Gas station in Orderville, you climb aboard a customized off-road vehicle designed to handle the bumpy, uneven terrain that few visitors encounter. The trail slips into a private access zone—a rare privilege where nature shows its raw edges without the crowds. Thrilling and bouncy, the UTV ride prepares you for the rugged canyon to come.
When the engine quiets, the narrow mouth of Crimson Canyon rises ahead. Here the sandstone walls narrow dramatically, squeezed close enough to touch, rising 100 feet or more overhead. Your guide leads the way, pointing out ancient Native American petroglyphs etched into the stone, silent storytellers from a distant past. The hike demands physical effort; you'll climb and scramble over boulders up to 10 feet tall, negotiating uneven footing and occasional shallow pools depending on the season. These challenges reward you with a visceral connection to the ever-changing landscape, carved over eons by natural forces still at work.
The geology of Crimson Canyon is a window into the region’s Escalante Member sandstone, formed from ancient river sediments hardened over millions of years. The climate here shifts dramatically from spring to winter, which influences the trail conditions—standing water can linger in cooler months, prompting alternate routes to keep guests safe and dry.
This adventure is ideal for travelers with a moderate fitness level and no heart or spinal issues, ready for some scrambling and an intimate encounter with southern Utah’s wild spaces. Eye protection, sturdy footwear, and hydration are must-haves for this combination of off-road driving and slot canyon hiking.
Orderville itself offers a quiet base with local charm and access to Zion National Park just a short drive away. Travelers are encouraged to explore nearby less-traveled trails after their tour or settle in with a hearty meal before another day beneath Utah’s vast sky.
The East Zion Crimson Canyon Hike & UTV Adventure is part geology lesson, part adrenaline rush—a chance to move beyond the popular trailheads into a landscape that speaks in stone and silence.
challenging.
2 hours.
Moderate fitness required with ability to scramble over large boulders and walk uneven terrain
No, the guided UTV portion requires no prior experience; your expert guide handles the vehicle and ensures safety.
Participants need to meet the minimum age set by the operator—typically around 12 years old; check with the booking provider for specifics.
Guests with spinal injuries, cardiovascular issues, or pregnant travelers are advised not to participate due to physical demands.
The guide will choose an alternate dry route to ensure guest safety while maintaining the scenic experience.
The hike is moderately strenuous, involving climbing over boulders up to 10 feet tall and navigating narrow sections.
Yes, solo travelers are welcome and accommodated, but group size is limited to five per tour for better guide attention.
Crimson Canyon’s petroglyphs reflect the ancestral Puebloan peoples who inhabited the region centuries ago, using these canyons for hunting and shelter.
The tour operates in a private access area with strict group size limits to minimize environmental impact and preserve fragile sandstone features.
East Zion Adventures operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
The roar of the off-road UTV cuts through the quiet backcountry outside Orderville, Utah, propelling you along a rugged trail that dares you to keep up. East Zion’s Crimson Canyon, carved by millions of years of wind and water, beckons with its towering sandstone walls glowing in warm shades of red and orange. This two-hour adventure blends high-octane UTV driving with a hands-on slot canyon hike, offering a rare glimpse into both the geology and culture of southern Utah’s less-traveled landscapes.
The roar of the off-road UTV cuts through the quiet backcountry outside Orderville, Utah, propelling you along a rugged trail that dares you to keep up. East Zion’s Crimson Canyon, carved by millions of years of wind and water, beckons with its towering sandstone walls glowing in warm shades of red and orange. This two-hour adventure blends high-octane UTV driving with a hands-on slot canyon hike, offering a rare glimpse into both the geology and culture of southern Utah’s less-traveled landscapes.
Starting from the Sinclair Gas station in Orderville, you climb aboard a customized off-road vehicle designed to handle the bumpy, uneven terrain that few visitors encounter. The trail slips into a private access zone—a rare privilege where nature shows its raw edges without the crowds. Thrilling and bouncy, the UTV ride prepares you for the rugged canyon to come.
When the engine quiets, the narrow mouth of Crimson Canyon rises ahead. Here the sandstone walls narrow dramatically, squeezed close enough to touch, rising 100 feet or more overhead. Your guide leads the way, pointing out ancient Native American petroglyphs etched into the stone, silent storytellers from a distant past. The hike demands physical effort; you'll climb and scramble over boulders up to 10 feet tall, negotiating uneven footing and occasional shallow pools depending on the season. These challenges reward you with a visceral connection to the ever-changing landscape, carved over eons by natural forces still at work.
The geology of Crimson Canyon is a window into the region’s Escalante Member sandstone, formed from ancient river sediments hardened over millions of years. The climate here shifts dramatically from spring to winter, which influences the trail conditions—standing water can linger in cooler months, prompting alternate routes to keep guests safe and dry.
This adventure is ideal for travelers with a moderate fitness level and no heart or spinal issues, ready for some scrambling and an intimate encounter with southern Utah’s wild spaces. Eye protection, sturdy footwear, and hydration are must-haves for this combination of off-road driving and slot canyon hiking.
Orderville itself offers a quiet base with local charm and access to Zion National Park just a short drive away. Travelers are encouraged to explore nearby less-traveled trails after their tour or settle in with a hearty meal before another day beneath Utah’s vast sky.
The East Zion Crimson Canyon Hike & UTV Adventure is part geology lesson, part adrenaline rush—a chance to move beyond the popular trailheads into a landscape that speaks in stone and silence.