The
staff of East Zion Adventures will conduct all guided ATV tours at
Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort. Our new ATVs have the muscle to climb
high hills and cross deep streambeds. ATVs are the US Postal Service
of the Ranch-"come rain or shine." The worse the weather, the more
the fun! ATVs are quite often the only vehicles that can make it to
most areas of the ranch, despite heavy rain or snow. East Zion Adventures
will provide all necessary gear, including: helmets, goggles, gloves
and rain gear, to make the ATV rides an awesome experience in any
type of weather.
Your
tour guide will take the time to explain all features of the ATV prior
to beginning the ride. A short driving course will be provided to
assess guest's ability. Guests will be required to sign and comply
with a pre-stated list of rules. Any guest that breaks ATV rules or
displays reckless driving will be dismissed from further ATV rides.
ATV RULES
1) All ATV riders acknowledge that the activity is potentially dangerous
and will hold East Zion Adventures and Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort
harmless in the event of personal injury.
2) All ATV riders must be at least 16 years old and must show proof
of a valid driver's license.
3) Single riding only, multiple riders on one ATV are forbidden. 4)
All riders must wear a helmet at all times during the ride.
5) Free riding without the tour guide is forbidden.
6) All riders must follow the tour guide in a single file spaced a
minimum of 30 feet apart.
7) Riders must take the responsibility to become aware of the features
of the ATV prior to the ride, including locations of brakes, throttle,
and ignitions switch.
8) Riders that do not follow the above rules will be required to stop
the ATV tour and walk back to the resort. Riders who show reckless
intent on ATV tours may also be forbidden from participating in other
resort activities.
9) ATV riders will also be liable for any damage to vehicles caused
during their ride.
10) ATV riders will be required to acknowledge their agreement and
understanding to the above rules in riding prior to beginning the
ride.
GUIDED ATV RIDES
Checkerboard
Overlook Ride
This ride is mainly flat and takes approximately one hour. Riders
traverse the plateau that overlooks Checkerboard Mesa in the Park.
Many species of natural trees and shrubs line the trail. Riders see
Checkerboard Mesa from a number of different views. Photo taking is
encouraged. This is an easy ride for beginners and a good warm-up
for old timers.
Jolley Gulch Ride
Jolley Gulch is a cool, tree lined ravine that is home to large ponderosa
pine trees and an old homesteader's cabin that dates back to the beginning
of the 1900's. Jolley Gulch ends at the Cave Canyon dryfall, a spectacular
300 foot cliff in the Park. A small stream turns the dryfall into
a beautiful waterfall during thunderstorms. Riders can
cross through the Gulch to the Park fence where they park their ATVs.
Guests can then walk the additional 50 yards on foot to the stunning
dryfall. This ride is excellent for beginners or more experienced
riders and lasts approximately one hour.
Pine Knoll Ride
Pine Knoll is the highest point in the Southern section of the ranch
and boasts an 360-degree, panoramic view of the East Zion area. The
trail ascends the backside of
Pine Knoll up a steep logging road. Plenty of time is taken at the
top of the Knoll for some great photo ops! The deep canyons of Zion's
Narrows can be viewed to the west, with Checkerboard Mesa to the south
and the 10,000-foot peaks of the Dixie National Forrest to the North.
The return trip is an exciting, downhill ride and guests must carefully
negotiate the trail to keep the ATV on the road and out of trouble.
This trail ride is not for beginners but can be enjoyed by anyone
who has a few rides under their belt.