Utah offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the United States. Situated between Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Moab offers a central location to explore some of the most rugged and majestic views in the nation. Hiking and cycling offers good opportunities to explore, but if you’re wanting to make the most of your vacation to Moab, there is no better way than a UTV to see miles of the red slickrock that the area is known for.
The “slickrock” of Moab is actually anything but slick. The term was used by early settlers of the area to describe the sandstone because of the low traction between horses’ metal shoes and the rock’s sloping surfaces. However with today’s modern UTVs with locking differentials and rubber compound tires, the traction is actually incredible.
Moab offers a number of UTV rental companies that that allow you to explore many of the trails the area has to offer. Utah state law allows UTVs to be operated on the street with a few modifications. All UTV rental companies have outfitted their SXS offerings with the equipment needed to be street legal.
Things to Know Before You Go
Many of the trails in Moab are situated close to town and with some you have to go through residential areas. On state roads, be sure to obey posted speed limits. UTVs are limited to 45 MPH on state roads. On residential city roads, there are two speed limits. One speed limit is for regular full size passenger vehicles and the other is for ATVs and UTVs. The latter are limited to 15 MPH in residential areas to help keep noise levels down for the locals living in the area.
Moab offers some of the most pristine trails in the country. If you pack it in, be sure to pack it out. Littering is highly frowned upon by locals and those in the offroad clubs and enthusiasts of the area. Leave things the way you found them and stay on the trails. There are hundreds of miles of trails in the area with plenty of opportunity for scenery and challenges, so stay on established routes and don’t blaze new trails.
Be respectful on the trails. Moab is a shared use area, so you may see others on the trails, from those in Jeeps, cycles, hikers to even horseback riders. Never round blind corners or crest hills at speed.
Pack for every imaginable weather. During the spring and fall months, temperatures can fluctuate wildly from blistering hot to freezing cold. Bring sunscreen, lotion and lip balm, along with plenty to drink. The low humidity conditions of the area will dehydrate you quickly and dry out your skin.
Moab Side X Side Adventures
Established in 2013, Moab Side X Side Adventures, LLC was built on a passion for exploring the vast trail systems in and around Moab, Utah. They have over 25 years of experience as trail guides, mechanics and outdoor enthusiasts and have an impressive fleet of rental machines that are built to take on the some of the best trails that Moab has to offer.
Their fleet includes the Kawasaki KRX 1000, which is an impressive rock crawling machine with a near perfect wheelbase for taking on obstacles. They also offer the Polaris XP 1000 and Can-Am Maverick X RC in two seat models. To bring the entire family along, they also offer the four seat Polaris XP 1000 and Cam-Am Defender six seater.
All their vehicles are equipped with 30″ or 32″ BFG tires, which give great traction on the Moab slick rock and provide precise handling. The UTVs are also equipped with 1/2″ skid plates to provide great protection when playing in the rocks.
Half-day, full-day and multi-day rentals available. All their machines are street legal so you can access trails within minutes from their convenient, in town location.
Another great feature of Moab Side X Side Adventures is that they offer a full service garage, so if you or your friends have your own UTV that encounters a problem while in Moab, they can get you repaired and back on the trails quickly.
Ultimate UTV Adventures
Ultimate UTV Adventures is locally owned and operated by a lifetime resident of Moab whose passion is offroad adventure. They offer a host of services, from UTV rentals, guided tours and recovery services.
Ultimate UTV Adventures offers the most varied selection of SXS models to choose from of any Moab UTV rental company, from the Polaris RZR 570 for the younger rides, up to the powerful RZR XP Turbo for advanced riding. For two seat models, they include the Polaris 570, Yamaha Wolverine 850, Polaris RZR 900S, Kawasaki KRX 1000, Polaris RZR S 1000 and Polaris RZR XP Turbo.
For more family fun four seater models, you can choose from the Yamaha Wolverine 850, Honda Talon 1000, Polaris RZR 900 or Polaris General.
Ultimate UTV Adventures offers five hour rentals, full day rentals and 24 hour rentals.
High Point Hummer & ATV
High Point Hummer & ATV has been operating in Moab for over 20 years. They offer a well maintained fleet current model UTVs that are all capable of getting your blood pumping as you take on the scenic trails of the area.
High Point is one of the limited number of rental companies that offers the high performance Can-Am Maverick X3 among their fleet of rentals. You can rent a new 172 HP Can-Am X3 DS Turbo R if you really want to get your blood pumping. They offer both the two seat and four seat models. Also available is the two seater Kawasaki KRX 1000, which is great for the many technical trails of Moab. In addition to the DS Turbo R, High Point also offers the Polaris RZR 1000 four seater. They also offer the six seat Yamaha Viking 700 if you want to bring the entire gang along.
In addition to High Point’s UTV rentals, they also offer guided tours in both UTVs and Hummers. If you want to take an adventure on road, we also highly recommend taking advantage of their Vanderhall rentals. They are a blast to drive on the road and offer unobstructed views when traveling through the Moab area’s two national parks, Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park.
High Point Hummer & ATV offers half day, full day and 24 hour rentals.
Moab Tour Company
Moab Tour Company has been offering offroad tours of Moab for over 15 years and is locally owned and operated. They offer a fleet of 2020 and up UTVs that are well maintained and ready for your adventure in Moab.
New for 2021, Moab tour company has brought on the direct drive Honda Talon for exploring the area, along with the redesigned 2021 Polaris RZR 900S. If two seats are all you need, the Honda Talon, reliable Kawasaki KRX 1000, Polaris RZR S 1000 and new Polaris RZR S 900 are all available for rental. If you need four seats, the Talon, Kawasaki Teryx 4 800, RZR S 1000 and RZR S 900 offer more seating for you and your friends or family. If listening to music is a must for you, the Polaris RZR XP 1000 four seater comes with a bluetooth sound bar at no extra charge. Their Polaris Crew 900 offers even more, with seating for up to six.
Moab Tour Company stays true to their name with a variety of options for those visiting Moab. They offer both ride along UTV tours, along with guided tours where you can drive your own UTV. For those that like to get out there on two wheels, they offer dirt bike rentals. Mild build Jeep rentals are also available as an option to explore the area. The company also offers a unique UTV and jet boat tour, along with a UTV and rafting adventure for those that really like to mix things up.
Moab Tour Company offers five hour, full day and 24 hour rental services.
