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About Us

Zion’s Original Jeep Tour Company

Zion Outback Safaris was established in 2003. Since that time, we have taken thousands of visitors from all across the world to places in and around Zion most tourists never see except in photos. Our guides provide interesting information about the geology, wildlife, plant life, and human history to enhance your understanding of this beautiful region.


Meet The Team

a man standing in front of a car

Larry McRae – President

Larry’s love for outdoor recreation and adventure began as a child.  He and his family spent their vacations exploring the southwest in their Ford Bronco.  When his daughter was born, he continued this tradition, but this time in a Jeep.  This passion later lead to competing in the (then) new sport of Rockcrawling where he won several national championships and a world championship.

He later turned his hobby into a business when he bought Poison Spyder Customs, a company that builds aftermarket parts for Jeeps.  As a way to test parts, PSC built several race Jeeps.  He went on to win two class championships in Ultra4 (Rock) Racing and has the honor of being the first modified class winner at King of the Hammers, the toughest single day off-road race.  He also has 4 Baja 1000 class wins.

He sold PSC to retire in beautiful South Western Utah.  After being retired for a few years he decided he needed a way to share his love of the outdoors and Jeeps with others and bought Zion Jeep Tours in 2018.  He now spends his days tinkering on the Jeeps and exploring the area looking for additional tour options.


 

Cheri McRae-Sec/CFO – Office Managera person posing for the camera

Cheri has worked in an office setting for 30+ years.  Even in high school as a stat girl for the wrestling team she was given the title of “Girl Friday” and was right there to lend a hand to coaches and anyone on the team that needed it.  This character trait continued into adulthood in the various business endeavors that she and her husband Larry embarked on through the years.  Together in Southern California they owned a construction business, a real estate brokerage and an aftermarket Jeep parts manufacturing facility.  They retired and moved to Southern Utah, but found they weren’t quite ready for that change and decided a Jeep Tour business would be a good fit for them.  Cheri runs the day to day function of the office and enjoys exploring the area either by Jeep or side x side.  Typically you won’t find the McRae’s Yellow Lab or Irish Doodle too far from them…they are certainly “dog” people.


a man standing in front of a mountain

Andrew – Guide

Andrew, a lifelong resident of Southern Utah, has spent many years exploring the back roads and trails of Zion and its vast area.  Andrew enjoys providing fun, educational tours and showing guests his secret spots away from the crowds.

A retired Police Officer and former military, he’s loving this next chapter of his life. Join Andrew and take the road less traveled.


 

Melissa – Guidea man standing in front of a mountain

Melissa was born and raised here in Southwest Utah. She grew up recreating in the outdoors and has a passion for outdoor adventure. Melissa moved to Springdale and began guiding professionally in 2010. She loves to learn about plants, animals and geology and to share her knowledge with guests. She is currently finishing a bachelors degree in Digital Design at Dixie State University. In her free time Melissa enjoys making art, spending time with her two dogs and getting out on as many wilderness adventures as possible.


a person riding on the back of a truck

Kevin – Guide

Kevin has lived in the area surrounding Zion for 20 years.  He believes everything about the desert is uniquely beautiful and endlessly fascinating.  When not out in a tour vehicle, you’ll find Kevin and his lovely dog enjoying the area both exploring and camping.  He also enjoys traveling beyond and gaining new perspectives.  But his real passion comes when sharing this majestic area with visitors.


Layney – Guidea person wearing a hat

Layney was born and raised in Southern California spending most of her time between the beach and the mountains. She came to Utah in 2016 on a solo backpacking trip and visited all 5 National Parks. Not only did she fall in love with the red rocks of Utah but also fell in love with her canyoneering guide!! They are now married and living the dream in the local town of Rockville. Layney has always had a love and passion for the outdoors and is an avid adventure seeker.  Whether it be hiking, biking, paddling, backpacking or rappelling into the narrow slot canyons of Utah, she’s always looking for her next big adventure.


a man wearing a hat and sunglasses posing for the camera

Richard – Guide

Richard has been in Southern Utah since 2016 and has a background in off-road driving and adventuring. He enjoys exploring all of Utah’s public lands with his wife and their two pitties, and has developed a love for Utah’s geology and history. In addition to camping, hiking and recreating, Richard also works as a Firefighter and teaches fire science at a local technical college.


Julie – Guide

Julie was raised a ‘Navy brat’, moving every two years from the east coast to the west. Julie got her love for the outdoors while visiting family in Utah between moves. After college, Julie settled with her husband, Rick, in Lexington, Kentucky where she raised her three kids. While in Kentucky, Julie went back to school and got a second BS and a MS in Geology. After retirement, they moved to Utah to be closer to Julie’s family.

Julie enjoys off-roading and hiking. Exploring the backroads while learning the history and geology of Utah are a favorite pastime. When not in the great outdoors, Julie can be found on a pool deck as a USA Swimming Official, reading a good book on the back porch, or traveling the country or world discovering new places and cultures. Discovery is Julie’s passion and one she loves to share with others.


a man wearing sunglasses and a canyonAdam – Guide

Adam is a native of Southern Idaho who grew up enjoying camping, hiking, and skiing.  The purchase of a prized (to him) Jeep while attending college in Idaho continued his love of exploration and adventure. Moving to Oregon to continue his education, brought that adventure to a new location where he continued to enjoy the greater outdoors, but also added the frigid waters of the west coast to many weekend outings. Visiting family living in St George as a youngster, he instilled a love of the uniqueness and stunning scenery that Southern Utah offered. When an opportunity to move to the area became available, he and his family moved and settled in. Adam now gets to not only share his love of Zion and Southern Utah with his family but loves the opportunity to share what makes this area so special with new friends and visitors.