THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Get close to reptiles like never before at Scales and Tails Utah. Hold alligators and crocodiles on a personalized VIP tour that blends education with thrilling wildlife encounters.
Get close to reptiles like never before at Scales and Tails Utah. Hold alligators and crocodiles on a personalized VIP tour that blends education with thrilling wildlife encounters.
Book with Scales and Tails Utah
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Scales and Tails Utah · Kearns, Utah
Located in Kearns, Utah, Scales and Tails Utah offers a rare chance to engage directly with some of the most fascinating reptiles through their VIP 2 Hour Tour + Big "Chomp" Experience. This hands-on tour invites visitors to hold and learn about alligators and crocodiles, along with snakes, lizards, tortoises, and turtles cared for at the facility. The experience is designed for all ages, providing a balance of excitement, education, and safety under the guidance of expert animal handlers.
Utah may be known for its stunning red rock landscapes and alpine trails, but Scales and Tails opens a new door to wildlife encounters often overlooked in the region. The VIP tour takes place in a controlled environment that emphasizes respectful interaction and animal welfare. Visitors start with a safety briefing before moving through exhibits featuring over 150 reptiles, many of which can be held and touched. The highlight is the “Big Chomp” segment, where adults can hold an adult crocodilian (with its mouth safely secured), a moment equal parts thrilling and memorable.
What sets Scales and Tails apart is the personalized nature of the tour. Groups of up to 10 people receive individualized attention, and guides share detailed insights about each species’ biology, behavior, and conservation needs. This isn’t just a passive viewing; it’s an immersive, tactile education in reptile life. The facility’s commitment to animal care and guest comfort means participants with reservations about handling animals can participate at their own pace.
For visitors staying in Salt Lake City, just 20 minutes away, this experience adds a unique wildlife angle to a Rocky Mountain itinerary. Whether you’re an avid herpetology fan or a family seeking a hands-on adventure, Scales and Tails provides a distinct encounter with the reptile kingdom rarely found elsewhere in the mountain west.
easy.
2 hours.
Suitable for all fitness levels; no physical exertion beyond light walking.
Yes, the $350 VIP tour price covers 1 to 10 people with the option to add extra guests.
Children may hold crocodilians only with assistance from professional handlers for safety.
Absolutely, photos and videos are encouraged as long as flash is not used.
Guests are never forced to interact; they can observe and participate at their comfort level.
Yes, the facility is stroller and wheelchair accessible, with one wheelchair available on request.
With over 150 animals, some may not be on display daily, but the tour maintains variety and interest.
Though Utah is not native habitat for crocodilians, the facility educates visitors on their role in global ecosystems and conservation.
Scales and Tails Utah emphasizes humane care and environmental education to foster respect and awareness for reptiles.
Scales and Tails Utah is a reptile and animal experience provider based in Kearns, Utah. The business offers hands-on encounters, private tours, educational programs, party packages, and animal rental services for film and events. Trained animal care professionals lead each experience, emphasizing safety, animal welfare, and education for participants of varying ages and interests. Programs include VIP tours, VIP zookeeper experiences, teen and junior zookeeper classes, themed party room packages, and monthly community events such as Scales & Ales. Scales and Tails Utah also provides animal rental and animal wrangler services for film, photography, and commercials, supporting creative productions with trained animal ambassadors under supervised conditions. Special events have included public demonstrations and milestone activities, such as Darthgator’s scheduled retirement demonstration on May 11th led by an expert handler. Party packages range from science-themed collaborations with Mad Science® to all-inclusive mega party options that combine decor, food coordination, and animal ambassador visits. Scales and Tails Utah structures experiences to deliver hands-on learning about reptile care, feeding, enclosure maintenance, and species behavior while maintaining controlled environments and professional oversight. Activities are described with clear age guidance when applicable, and many VIP offerings allow small private groups for focused interaction. Families, hobbyists, filmmakers, and educators can find booking options suitable for birthday parties, group outings, educational enrichment, and production needs. Scales and Tails Utah presents accessible, educational, and memorable reptile experiences in Kearns, Utah. Reservations and detailed booking information are available through Scales and Tails Utah's official contact channels for inquiries now.
Book with Scales and Tails Utah