Adventure Company Helps Residents and Visitors Enjoy Beautiful Scenery

Sunrise Outfitting, a father and son team, saw a new void to be filled with the increasing interest in tourism in the remote Bears Ears National Monument area. Their company was already well-suited to fill the void. They held the necessary permits, licenses, and insurance, as well as five generations of knowledge that allowed them to start a new venture providing off-road vehicle tours in the area. They created Scenic Adventures Off-Road Vehicle Tours as a branch of Sunrise Outfitting company.

The company offers several adventure options. Ride-a-long tours allow clients to ride side-by-side with company guides, U-Drive tours let clients drive the side-by-sides and experience the beauty of the area and the excitement of driving the vehicles, and the Bring Your Own tours allow clients to follow along using their own vehicles. Tours include beautiful scenery, phenomenal history (both modern and pre-historic), and adventure.

“Not only are we able to provide our clients with activities to fill their day, we provide an experience to be remembered for years to come,” says Josh Nielson, who co-owns Sunrise Outfitting – Scenic Adventures along with his father, Lloyd Nielson.

The company also caters to locals as they help with family gatherings, special occasions, date nights, and more.

“As we layer our adventures with our unique experiences and knowledge, we can show local people their own backyard in ways they have not yet experienced,” says Josh.

The business started with just two side-by-sides and has since grown to include a third machine, two trailers, a new truck, and a new physical location.

The new location has been vital for growth, according to Josh. It is in a prime spot along the highway on the main street of Blanding. As the company grows, they hope to provide a place for clients to meet them, a reason for passersby to stop, and high-paying jobs for those living in the area.

“We hope to help our small community graduate from a pass-through town to a destination where people can stay and play,” Josh says.

The Small Business Development Center was a great help in assisting the Nielsons with their business needs. The center trained them to write grants to receive the financing used to improve their website and social media presence. The funding also helped them secure the new location that has been so key to their growth.

“Our new location in Blanding would not have been possible without the help of the SBDC,” Josh says. “They were able to help us get the needed funding and training as well as guidance to make it all happen and let the world know about our company and growth.”

Their advice for aspiring business owners is to find ways to obtain funding to operate it and to network with people who can help it grow.

“This is critical,” says Josh. “The SBDC provided the information and connections that have helped Sunrise Outfitting – Scenic Adventures thrive.”