Drive time
3 hours
Distance
175 miles
Route
I-80 E to US-40 E through Heber City, Duchesne, and Roosevelt
Nearest airport
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)

UTV Tours Near Vernal, Utah — Salt Lake City Visitor Guide

Driving out from Salt Lake City? Vernal sits about 3 hours east via I-80 and US-40 — a scenic drive through Heber City, Duchesne, and Roosevelt into Utah's Dinosaur Country. Adventure Tours Vernal runs guided Kawasaki KRX 1000 side-by-side tours through the backcountry surrounding Dinosaur National Monument.

The Drive East

From Salt Lake City, the route to Vernal follows I-80 E to Silver Creek Junction, then US-40 E through Heber City, Duchesne, and Roosevelt before arriving in Vernal. It's about 175 miles and 3 hours of driving, most of it through open Utah high desert and mountain scenery — a straightforward day trip east from the airport city, or the first leg of a longer Uintah Basin trip.

Why Salt Lake City Visitors Choose Vernal

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is the closest major airport to Vernal with regular commercial service, which makes Vernal an easy add-on for visitors flying into Utah. Once you're in Vernal, Adventure Tours Vernal offers five guided trail systems — Doc's Beach, Moonshine Arch, Ashley Gorge, Outlaw Trail, and Asphalt Ridge — plus easy access to Dinosaur National Monument, just 20 minutes from town. If you have an extra day, it's worth extending the trip an hour north to Flaming Gorge for reservoir fishing, boating, and red-canyon scenic drives.

Every tour is guided by owners Dave and Trudy Wilson on Kawasaki KRX 1000 side-by-sides with FOX 2.5 PODIUM LSC shocks. No prior UTV experience is required — a full safety briefing and all safety gear are included. Check dates and book your tour when you're ready, or see the travel guides for what to wear, what to pack, and seasonal weather before you drive out.

Before You Head East

If Dinosaur National Monument is on your itinerary, read our Ultimate Guide to Dinosaur National Monument before you leave Salt Lake City. It covers how much time to budget, the best scenic drives and petroglyph stops, and how to pair a monument visit with a guided UTV tour.

Planning tip: Call Dave or Trudy at (435) 219-9447 to check trail conditions and timing before you make the drive from Salt Lake City — especially outside peak season (see the Vernal Weather Guide).

Coming from out of town? Start with your gateway route.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Vernal, Utah from Salt Lake City?
Vernal is about 3 hours (175 miles) east of Salt Lake City, via I-80 E to US-40 E. The route runs through Heber City, Duchesne, and Roosevelt before reaching Vernal.
What airport should I fly into for a Vernal UTV tour?
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is the nearest major airport with regular commercial service. From there, Vernal is a straightforward drive east on I-80 and US-40 — there is no commercial airport in Vernal itself.
Can I do a Vernal UTV tour as a day trip from Salt Lake City?
It's possible but tight — with roughly 3 hours of driving each way plus a 3-hour guided tour, most visitors from Salt Lake City prefer an overnight stay in Vernal to avoid a very long single day on the road.

The way most families cap off their Vernal trip.

$349/machine · 3 hours · up to 2 riders

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Explore Vernal

More Vernal Guides

Best UTV Trails Near Vernal

All five guided trail systems, with terrain and difficulty for each.

Vernal, Utah Weather Guide

Month-by-month conditions to help you pick your travel dates.

What to Bring on a UTV Tour

A complete packing checklist for your tour day.

UTV Tours Near Dinosaur National Monument

Pair your tour with a visit to the Quarry Exhibit Hall.