Family-Friendly Easter ATV Rides in Utah: Trails, Picnics & Chocolate Brownies

Spring in Utah has a personality of its own. One morning might start with frost on the windshield, and by afternoon you’re peeling off layers and enjoying the sun.

That unpredictable mix actually makes it a great time to head out for a family trail ride.

Across Utah, there are plenty of ATV and side-by-side trails that work well for families, especially in early spring. Add a simple picnic and a little Easter fun, and you’ve got a holiday adventure that beats staying indoors.

Here are two places that are especially good for easy spring riding with kids.

Moab Desert Roads: A Relaxed Ride with Big Views

The area around Moab is well known for its red rock landscape, but it’s also a great place for families who want a trail that’s scenic without being intimidating.

A good example is Onion Creek Road. The route follows a canyon stream and crosses the water several times as it winds deeper into the valley. For kids, those shallow water crossings often end up being the highlight of the ride.

The road itself is generally manageable for beginners, which makes it a nice option if your group includes younger riders or anyone new to off-roading.

A CRUCIAL quick note before you go:

Desert weather can change quickly. If storms are in the forecast, check local conditions since canyon routes can occasionally see LIFE-THREATENING  flash flooding.

Make it an Easter ride:

Bring along a few plastic eggs or small treats and tuck them around your picnic stop. A quick egg hunt in the desert tends to be a big hit.

Coral Pink Sand Dunes: Riding in the Sand

If your family wants something a little different than rocky desert trails, the dunes near Kanab are worth the drive.

At Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, the sand has a warm pink-orange color that looks especially striking in the afternoon light. The park allows off-highway vehicles in designated dune areas, giving riders plenty of room to explore.

Families who are new to riding in sand usually start on the more established travel paths across the dunes, sometimes referred to by riders as the “Sand Highway.” These areas tend to be easier to navigate than the steeper slopes.

Between rides, kids often enjoy sliding down the dunes or just climbing to the top to take in the view.

A fun Easter idea:

Hide a few eggs along the base of a dune before setting up your picnic. Kids love digging through the sand to find them. Call the park ahead of time to make sure that eggs are only placed in areas where this is allowed. And as always, leave no trace.

A Simple Easter Trail Picnic

Some easy options include:

• Rainbow veggie cups – sliced bell peppers, cucumbers, snap peas, and carrots with hummus or ranch at the bottom of the cup.
  
  

• Mini egg salad lettuce wraps – butter lettuce leaves filled with egg salad; light, protein-packed, and naturally gluten-free.
  
  

• Hard-boiled eggs with seasoning packets – bring small containers of everything bagel seasoning, smoked salt, or paprika so people can customize.
  
  

• Trail mix “Easter nest” cups – almonds, cashews, coconut flakes, pumpkin seeds, and a few dark chocolate eggs for fun.
  
  

• Mini cucumber sandwiches – use cucumber slices as the “bread” with cream cheese or herbed goat cheese in the middle with prosciutto.
  
  

• Picnic bean cups – small containers of baked beans with tortilla chips or veggie sticks.
  
  

• Bell pepper boats – halved mini peppers filled with tuna salad, chicken salad, or hummus.
  
  

• Healthy homemade brownies – recipe below. Set up a decoration station so kids and adults can add Easter candy toppings.

Healthier Easter Brownies

These brownies are rich and chocolatey but made with a few pantry ingredients you might not expect.

Ingredients

• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  
  

• 2 large eggs
  
  

• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
  
  

• 1/4 cup melted coconut or avocado oil
  
  

• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  
  

• 1/2 cup almond flour or oat flour
  
  

• 1 tsp vanilla extract
  
  

• 1/2 tsp baking powder
  
  

• 1/4 tsp sea salt
  
  

• 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
  
  

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper.
   
   

2. Blend the beans, eggs, maple syrup, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
   
   

3. Add cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt and blend again.
   
   

4. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
   
   

5. Bake for 18–22 minutes, then allow the brownies to cool before slicing.
   
   

Pumpkin variation:

You can swap the beans for ¾ cup pumpkin purée and increase the flour to ¾ cup for a softer, cake-like texture.

A Different Way to Spend Easter

For some families, after church festivities might mean a simple indoor dinner. For others, it might mean a little dust on the tires and kids laughing from the back seat of a side-by-side.

Fresh air, a simple picnic, and a few miles of trail can turn a regular spring weekend into a holiday tradition your family looks forward to each year.

Need a vehicle for your adventures? We’ve got you!