Zion Jeep Tour: Exclusive Cliffside Access to Zion Lava Ridge and West Temple Views
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required—able to stand and walk 5–10 minutes on uneven ground for the photo stop.
Overview
Skip the crowded overlooks and ride private off-road tracks to a cliffside vantage that looks straight into Zion National Park. This 75-minute Jeep tour climbs Zion Lava Ridge Mesa and delivers exclusive photo ops of West Temple, Smithsonian Butte, and the Virgin River valley.
Zion Jeep Tour: Exclusive Cliffside Access to Zion Lava Ridge and West Temple Views
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You crest a red-dust ridge and the valley drops away like a stage. The Jeep hums, tires whispering over packed sand, and the Virgin River valley fans out below—green ribboned through ochre slopes, the Canaan Mountains rising like folded armor, Smithsonian Butte standing blunt and distant. The guide kills the engine; for a moment the canyon exhales. You walk the last hundred yards to Zion Cliffside Point and the park boundary opens like a window onto West Temple’s vast Navajo sandstone face.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring sun protection
The mesa has limited shade—wide-brim hat, high-SPF sunscreen, and sunglasses are essential during long daylight hours.
Wear sturdy shoes
Closed-toe shoes with traction are recommended for the short, rocky stroll to the cliffside photo point.
Charge your camera
Camera batteries drain quickly with frequent shooting—bring a charged spare or power bank for your phone.
Hydrate before departure
Carry at least 1 liter of water per person; temperatures can spike rapidly on the exposed mesa.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Desert bighorn sheep
- Western scrub jay
History
Virgin and the surrounding valley have long histories of Southern Paiute use followed by 19th-century Mormon settlement; historic ranching traces are still visible from the mesa.
Conservation
Private access reduces pressure on high-traffic park overlooks; visitors should stay on vehicle routes and follow Leave No Trace principles to protect fragile desert soils.
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Adventure Hotspots in Springdale, UT
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Closed-toe trail shoes
Protects toes and provides traction during the short hike to the cliffside point.
Sunscreen & hat
Essential protection from intense midday sun on exposed ridgelines.
summer specific
Reusable water bottle (≥1L)
Staying hydrated is important on the mesa’s dry, exposed terrain.
Camera or phone with extra battery
Captures expansive views—extra power keeps you shooting through the tour.