Canyonlands National Park Backcountry 4x4 Adventure from Moab
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Canyonlands National Park Backcountry 4x4 Adventure from Moab

Active
(456 reviews)
4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

On this half-day 4WD adventure from Moab, explore the rugged, red stone interior of Canyonlands National Park, where you’ll experience the beauty of the Island in the Sky district and the stunning Gooseneck Overlook. Your professional guide will navigate your vehicle down the switchbacks of the famous Shafer Trail, where you will not only see the remains of ancient Pueblo civilizations but also admire the canyon walls that drop 1,000 feet (300m) down. It’s an easy drive from Moab to Canyonlands, and the views of the meandering Colorado River help cap off this Utah adventure.

Available options

Isky

Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes<br/>Canyonlands Island in The Sky

What's included

Ice water and snacks
Air-conditioned vehicle
Parking available at the office
Experienced, knowledgeable guide

Detailed itinerary

1

Your tour begins in the town of Moab where you’ll meet your professional guide, who will help you get comfortably situated inside of the off-road, 4x4 vehicle. Enjoy the 30-mile (48km) drive from Moab to Canyonlands National Park, where you’ll explore the popular Island in the Sky District with its spectacular desert scenery.

Start off atop a mesa with views looking out over the horizon before your guide deftly maneuvers the switchbacks of Shafer Trail. On this section of the 100-mile (161-km) White Rim Road Loop, you’ll make stops with very photographic vistas of the Colorado River and the view from Thelma and Louise Point.

In addition to the popular lookouts, your expert guide will take you to spots that aren’t as frequently visited, where you’ll find everything from ancient Pueblo rock art to vertical views down the canyons. You’ll learn the history of the Pueblo people who inhabited the Four Corners area, and aside from the culture and history lessons, your guide will also explain the geology of the red rock canyons before you.

When you stop for a break to take photos, venture out on one of the short trails that leave from many of the viewpoints; you’ll get a different perspective and angle for photographing the canyons.

When this Canyonlands tour from Moab is over, your guide will return you to the town of Moab to the spot where the tour began.
**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 Adrift’s well trained, and knowledge guides as the driver. We fill all 4 passenger seats, in each of our jeeps, on a daily basis.

2

Your tour begins in the town of Moab where you’ll meet your professional guide, who will help you get comfortably situated inside of the off-road, 4x4 vehicle. Enjoy the 30-mile (48km) drive from Moab to Canyonlands National Park, where you’ll explore the popular Island in the Sky District with its spectacular desert scenery.

Start off atop a mesa with views looking out over the horizon before your guide deftly maneuvers the switchbacks of Shafer Trail. On this section of the 100-mile (161-km) White Rim Road Loop, you’ll make stops with very photographic vistas of the Colorado River and the view from Thelma and Louise Point.

In addition to the popular lookouts, your expert guide will take you to spots that aren’t as frequently visited, where you’ll find everything from ancient Pueblo rock art to vertical views down the canyons. You’ll learn the history of the Pueblo people who inhabited the Four Corners area, and aside from the culture and history lessons, your guide will also explain the geology of the red rock canyons before you.

When you stop for a break to take photos, venture out on one of the short trails that leave from many of the viewpoints; you’ll get a different perspective and angle for photographing the canyons.

When this Canyonlands tour from Moab is over, your guide will return you to the town of Moab to the spot where the tour began.
**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 Adrift’s well trained, and knowledge guides as the driver. We fill all 4 passenger seats, in each of our jeeps, on a daily basis.

3

Your tour begins in the town of Moab where you’ll meet your professional guide, who will help you get comfortably situated inside of the off-road, 4x4 vehicle. Enjoy the 30-mile (48km) drive from Moab to Canyonlands National Park, where you’ll explore the popular Island in the Sky District with its spectacular desert scenery.

Start off atop a mesa with views looking out over the horizon before your guide deftly maneuvers the switchbacks of Shafer Trail. On this section of the 100-mile (161-km) White Rim Road Loop, you’ll make stops with very photographic vistas of the Colorado River and the view from Thelma and Louise Point.

In addition to the popular lookouts, your expert guide will take you to spots that aren’t as frequently visited, where you’ll find everything from ancient Pueblo rock art to vertical views down the canyons. You’ll learn the history of the Pueblo people who inhabited the Four Corners area, and aside from the culture and history lessons, your guide will also explain the geology of the red rock canyons before you.

When you stop for a break to take photos, venture out on one of the short trails that leave from many of the viewpoints; you’ll get a different perspective and angle for photographing the canyons.

When this Canyonlands tour from Moab is over, your guide will return you to the town of Moab to the spot where the tour began.
**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 Adrift’s well trained, and knowledge guides as the driver. We fill all 4 passenger seats, in each of our jeeps, on a daily basis.

4

Your tour begins in the town of Moab where you’ll meet your professional guide, who will help you get comfortably situated inside of the off-road, 4x4 vehicle. Enjoy the 30-mile (48km) drive from Moab to Canyonlands National Park, where you’ll explore the popular Island in the Sky District with its spectacular desert scenery.

Start off atop a mesa with views looking out over the horizon before your guide deftly maneuvers the switchbacks of Shafer Trail. On this section of the 100-mile (161-km) White Rim Road Loop, you’ll make stops with very photographic vistas of the Colorado River and the view from Thelma and Louise Point.

In addition to the popular lookouts, your expert guide will take you to spots that aren’t as frequently visited, where you’ll find everything from ancient Pueblo rock art to vertical views down the canyons. You’ll learn the history of the Pueblo people who inhabited the Four Corners area, and aside from the culture and history lessons, your guide will also explain the geology of the red rock canyons before you.

When you stop for a break to take photos, venture out on one of the short trails that leave from many of the viewpoints; you’ll get a different perspective and angle for photographing the canyons.

When this Canyonlands tour from Moab is over, your guide will return you to the town of Moab to the spot where the tour began.
**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 Adrift’s well trained, and knowledge guides as the driver. We fill all 4 passenger seats, in each of our jeeps, on a daily basis.

5

Your tour begins in the town of Moab where you’ll meet your professional guide, who will help you get comfortably situated inside of the off-road, 4x4 vehicle. Enjoy the 30-mile (48km) drive from Moab to Canyonlands National Park, where you’ll explore the popular Island in the Sky District with its spectacular desert scenery.

Start off atop a mesa with views looking out over the horizon before your guide deftly maneuvers the switchbacks of Shafer Trail. On this section of the 100-mile (161-km) White Rim Road Loop, you’ll make stops with very photographic vistas of the Colorado River and the view from Thelma and Louise Point.

In addition to the popular lookouts, your expert guide will take you to spots that aren’t as frequently visited, where you’ll find everything from ancient Pueblo rock art to vertical views down the canyons. You’ll learn the history of the Pueblo people who inhabited the Four Corners area, and aside from the culture and history lessons, your guide will also explain the geology of the red rock canyons before you.

When you stop for a break to take photos, venture out on one of the short trails that leave from many of the viewpoints; you’ll get a different perspective and angle for photographing the canyons.

When this Canyonlands tour from Moab is over, your guide will return you to the town of Moab to the spot where the tour began.
**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 Adrift’s well trained, and knowledge guides as the driver. We fill all 4 passenger seats, in each of our jeeps, on a daily basis.

6
Stop 6 Pass by

Cataract Canyon is a 46-mile-long canyon of the Colorado River located within Canyonlands National Park and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in southern Utah.

7
Stop 7 Pass by

Corona Arch is a natural sandstone arch near Moab. The arch is located within the same rock formation as Pinto Arch and Bowtie Arch.

8
Stop 8 Pass by

Drive the backcountry of the island in the sky district along the white rim trail

9

Drive along this scenic HWY to the Shafer trail.

What's not included

Gratuities
Car infant seat (required by Utah State Law for children 8 years and younger or under 57 inches)
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9
68 reviews
5★
63
4★
3
3★
0
2★
1
1★
1
Tripadvisor 5.0
388 reviews
5★
375
4★
11
3★
0
2★
0
1★
2

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please call our office to reconfirm tour the day before your scheduled tour date.
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.
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.
Not recommended for those with motion sickness, vertigo, etc.
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.
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)

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.
• 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.
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 18-99
1
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 12
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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