Day Tour Arches and Canyonlands National Park in Utah

Moab , United States

Day Tour Arches and Canyonlands National Park in Utah

Active

(19 reviews)

10h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This tour combines both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks in one day. You will experience the wonders that both these parks have to offer while riding in the comfort of one of our fully enclosed, air-conditioned, 4×4 vehicles. Marvel at the towering rock walls, sweeping sandstone landscapes, and the sheer beauty that is laid out before you. Throughout this day-long adventure, your experienced and knowledgeable guide will provide you with information on the parks, from the history to the archeology and geology of the area. Your guide will also point out formations and other landscapes along the way, which many visitors to these parks might miss on their own. A delightful lunch is included with this all-day adventure.

Available options

Arches & Canyonlands National

Duration: 10 hours<br/>lunch, snacks and water <br/>Arches & Canyonlands National <br/>Jeep Rubicons

What's included

Lunch

Ice water and snacks

Air-conditioned vehicle

Parking available at the office

Experienced, knowledgeable guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The tour will head north on US 191, passing the entrance of Arches National Park, which was designated as a National Monument before being changed to a National Park in 1971. Our special use permit allows us to enter the back door to Arches via the Willow Springs Road. Along this backcountry route, you’ll travel through the new area of the “Utah Raptor State Park”. Here, where Native Americans lived back in history for thousands of years, you’ll see dinosaur tracks and enjoy the views of the La Sal Mountains. The Park lies atop an underground salt bed that is responsible for the arches, spires, and sandstone fins. Several of the stops include Eye of the Whale, Balanced Rock, Delicate Arch viewpoint, and the Windows Section. The trip length is approximately 4 hours. All vehicles are Jeep Rubicons, which are enclosed and air-conditioned.

The Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park is the focus of this excellent half-day tour. Set 2,000 feet above the canyon floor below, we will descend from the top of the mesa via the famous Shafer Trail. Using Shafer Trail’s winding switchbacks the tour will take guests from atop the mesa to the meandering river corridor below. Throughout the tour your experienced and knowledgeable guide will provide you with information on the Park and the various scenery that you will see. There will be an emphasis on the history, archeology, and geology of the area. Your guide will also point out natural sandstone arches, and other formations that many visitors might miss on their own while visiting the Park and the canyons below. This tour offers guests the opportunity to see the splendor of Canyonlands from the comfort of our fully enclosed, air-conditioned, 4×4 vehicles. The tour could be run in reverse, or bottom of the canyon, climbing up.

What's not included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

16 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Not recommended for those with motion sickness, vertigo, etc.

The Jeep Wranglers used have four passenger seats, and the guide/driver has all guests rotate seats throughout the trip. This makes it so that one person is not stuck in the same seat for the entire trip.

Due to these tours being 'backcountry' tours, you will be going off the paved roads in an elevated vehicle that has the clearance for these special off-road trails.

Please call our office to reconfirm tour the day before your scheduled tour date.

Things to bring: water bottle (free refills available), sunglasses, sunscreen, visor/hat, sun protection, sturdy footwear for hiking, day pack, camcorders and cameras (bring at your own risk)

We advise that is you are, or anyone in your party is, over 6'2" and/or 225+ pounds to please consult the tour office prior to your trip's departure date.

Car infant seat (required by Utah State Law for children 8 years and younger or under 57 inches

Park entrance fee are not included. Please call our office at (435) 259-8594 for the current National park entrance fees.

You will spend approximately 4 and half hours in each Park. There will be travel time back to our office Approximately 15 minutes. In-between the parks for an approximate one hour lunch.

Meeting point

You will be able to see the meeting point next door to the Comfort Suites We have a large statue of a man that is made out of pipes holding a large oar in front of our parking lot.

Important notes

• Advised to reconfirm your reservation with the tour office (Adrift Adventures 435.259.8594) the day before your tour. Stop by our office he day before to check in physically if possible. If not please call our office the day before.
• Arrive 15 minutes before departure time. Please note that departure times and locations may vary slightly.
• Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet the requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
• For the safety and comfort of all our National Park Backcountry Jeep tour guests, if the seat belt cannot be safely fastened, then this issue will need to be taken care of before the date of your tour. We encourage guests to address all seating needs when booking. We highly recommend not leaving any possible seating issues for the day of your tour. Our jeep tours are operated in 4-door Jeep Wranglers and hold a max of 4 passengers, plus one of our well-trained and knowledgeable guides as the driver.
• The Jeep Wranglers used have four passenger seats, and the guides/drivers have all guests rotate seats throughout the trip. This makes it so that one person isn’t stuck in the same seat for the entire trip.
• Not recommended for those with motion sickness, vertigo, etc.
• Due to these tours being “backcountry” tours, you will be going off the paved roads and are elevated to have the clearance to do these off-road trails.
• Things to bring: camera, water bottle (free refills available), sunglasses, sunscreen, visor/hat, and sun protection
• Sturdy footwear – for hiking
• Day Pack – comes in handy if you have one but is not necessary
• Camcorders and cameras – bring them at your own risk

About Moab

Moab, Utah, is renowned for its stunning red rock formations and outdoor adventures. Nestled near the borders of both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, it offers a unique blend of natural beauty and thrilling activities, making it a paradise for nature lovers and adrenaline seekers alike.

Top Attractions

Arches National Park

Arches National Park is famous for its over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the iconic Delicate Arch. The park offers stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and scenic drives.

Nature Full day Moderate (Entrance fee applies)

Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park is divided into four districts, each offering unique landscapes and outdoor activities. The park is known for its rugged canyons, mesas, and buttes.

Nature Full day Moderate (Entrance fee applies)

Dead Horse Point State Park

Dead Horse Point State Park offers breathtaking views of the Colorado River and the surrounding canyons. The park is known for its stunning overlooks and hiking trails.

Nature Half day Moderate (Entrance fee applies)

Mill Canyon Dinosaur Tracksite

Mill Canyon Dinosaur Tracksite is a unique attraction featuring well-preserved dinosaur tracks from the Jurassic period. The site offers a glimpse into the prehistoric past.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Moab Giants Adventure Park

Moab Giants Adventure Park is a family-friendly attraction featuring a dinosaur garden, zip lines, and a ropes course. The park offers a fun and educational experience for all ages.

Adventure Half day Moderate (Entrance fee applies)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Green Chile Stew

A hearty stew made with pork, green chiles, potatoes, and spices. It's a staple of Southwestern cuisine and a must-try in Moab.

Dinner Contains pork and dairy

Navajo Tacos

Fried bread topped with beans, meat, cheese, and vegetables. A unique and delicious dish that's a favorite in the region.

Lunch/Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan

Cowboy Coffee

Strong, black coffee brewed over a campfire. A classic drink for outdoor enthusiasts and a popular choice in Moab.

Drink Caffeinated

Popular Activities

Hiking Mountain biking Rock climbing Rafting ATV tours Scenic drives Picnicking Wildlife viewing

Best Time to Visit

April to May, September to October

The best times to visit Moab are during the spring and fall when the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller. These seasons offer comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists, making it ideal for outdoor activities.

10°C to 25°C 50°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Mountain Time Zone (MT) (GMT-7)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Moab is generally a safe destination, but visitors should be aware of potential hazards such as extreme weather, wildlife, and rugged terrain.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of extreme weather conditions
• Carry plenty of water and sun protection
• Be cautious when hiking or exploring rugged terrain

Getting there

By air

Grand Junction Regional Airport • 100 miles (160 km)
Canyonlands Field • 10 miles (16 km)

By bus

Moab Transit Center

Getting around

Public transport

Moab Transit offers bus services within the town and to nearby attractions. The service is limited but convenient for those without a car.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

Downtown Moab South Moab North Moab

Day trips

Canyonlands National Park

30 miles (48 km) • Full day

Canyonlands National Park offers stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and scenic drives. The park is divided into four districts, each with its own unique features.

Dead Horse Point State Park

32 miles (51 km) • Half day

Dead Horse Point State Park offers breathtaking views of the Colorado River and the surrounding canyons. The park is known for its stunning overlooks and hiking trails.

Bryce Canyon National Park

250 miles (400 km) • Overnight

Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its unique hoodoos, or rock spires, and offers stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and scenic drives.

Festivals

Moab Music Festival • September Moab Folk Festival • October

Pro tips

Visit Arches National Park early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and heat.
Bring plenty of water and sun protection for outdoor activities.
Explore the less-known trails and attractions for a unique experience.
Check road conditions before visiting Canyonlands National Park, as some roads may be unpaved or closed.
Consider hiring a local guide for a more in-depth and personalized experience.