Zion National Park Family Activities

Traveling with kids should be fun and exciting – but not everyone is up for an all-day adventure. With a little planning and East Zion Jeep Tours on your side, a Jeep adventure can be one of the most memorable things you do with your kids during your visit to Zion. So buckle up and get ready for our newest bumpy ride – the Checkerboard Overlook Jeep Tour.

A Family Friendly Adventure

This guided jeep tour starts with rock crawling adventure over shale on the way to the Jolley Gulch viewpoint. Thanks to a new trail along the ridge, this Jeep tour is a little faster than some of our elevation-climbing tours but still designed for families with littles of all ages. Hold on tight while your vehicle descends from a perch overlooking Zion’s East Rim Trail, down through a pine forest to the edge of the park.

See Amazing Views of Checkerboard Mesa and Jolley Gulch

Experience a few of Zion’s most awesome rock formations, including Checkerboard Mesa and Jolley Gulch, from the top down. Once we arrive at Jolley Gulch, adventurers have the opportunity to walk up to the edge of a deep chasm and stare down into the bottom of the 2,000-foot gulch (so be sure to keep little ones close). Jolley Gulch flows south and empties out near Checkerboard Mesa inside Zion. During spring Jeep tours, the gulch waterfall may be flowing for an even more awe-inspiring experience. Large Ponderosa pines line the upper edges of the gulch and there are several spots that are perfect for photo opportunities.

After drinking in the Jolley Gulch scenic overlook and sniffing the butterscotch sap of the Ponderosa Pine, we’ll head back to the rec barn. The way back is an adventurous, rocky trip up Jolley Gulch trail. Jolley Gulch is named for the “haunted” cabin, which was once the home of the canyon’s namesake. Learn more about the fascinating history of Jolley Gulch.

The Checkerboard Overlook Tour runs several times per day, so every family can fit it into their Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort family vacation. Our guided Jeep tours are designed to take travelers through Zion’s incredible backcountry in custom Jeeps that offer top-notch suspensions for the best possible comfort, and have open seating styles for maximum viewing opportunities.

East Zion Jeep Tours – Things to know

• Duration: 45 minutes to one hour

• Snacks and water are included

• Dress in layers – our Jeeps are open on three sides

• Wear sunscreen, hat and sunglasses

• Bring a camera

• Arrive on time – you don’t want to miss this tour!

This affordable Jeep tour is adventure-packed and fitting for all ages. Book your family-friendly Checkerboard Mesa Jeep adventure here.