Arches National Park Backcountry: Escape The Crowds

About this activity

Experience the hidden side of Arches National Park on a refined overland journey. Traveling aboard a Toyota Land Cruiser, you’ll leave the pavement behind and venture deep into remote terrain rarely experienced by most park visitors.

Your journey begins near Utahraptor State Park, where dinosaur tracks mark the beginning of a landscape shaped over millions of years. From there, enter the park and pass iconic formations including Balanced Rock before climbing rugged sandstone ledges into the backcountry.

Wind through towering fins, sculpted spires, and the dramatic formations while your expert guide shares the geology, ecology, and human history of canyon country.

Optional walks to Tower Arch, Eye of the Whale, and secluded slickrock viewpoints offer opportunities to explore beyond the road and experience the stillness of the desert away from the crowds

Designed for travelers seeking depth, access, and authenticity, this journey offers a more intimate way to experience the landscape

Itinerary

1. Arches National Park · 240 min

   Visit Arches National Park on a 4-wheel drive (4WD) tour that features spectacular sandstone arches and access to areas that most visitors don't see. An expert guide will maneuver your 4WD past red rock highlights such as Marching Men, Tower Arch and Eye of the Whale. Experience these monuments and more up close and learn about the park’s wildlife and history.

2. Stop 2 · 10 min

   This 5-hour tour even includes a stop to see fossilized dinosaur tracks, left behind millions of years ago when dinosaurs roamed the region.

3. Stop 3 · 20 min

   Eye of the Whale Arch is located in the Herdina Park area of Arches. An optional 1/2 mile hike leads you under the arch to an outcropping of seldom visited red rock formations .

4. Tower Arch · 30 min

   An optional hike to the awe-inspiring Tower Arch begins at the foot of the bluff, where the 4WD road ends. From here, the route is rocky and steep, though short. Tower Arch itself is very large with a 92-foot span and can be viewed from the trailhead for those opting out.

Meeting point

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

End point: You can meet us at our office 15 minutes prior to departure at 321 N. Main St. in Moab. We have parking for your convenience and there is also free curbside parking all around if our lot is full. Please contact Navtec directly for pick-up.

Good to know

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Things to bring: camera, water bottle (lots of extra water provided on your tour for refills) and sun protection
• NAVTEC Expeditions is an authorized concessionaire of Canyonlands and Arches National Park
• Every 4x4 tour needs a minimum of 3 individuals to run. If your trip does not meet the minimum, you will be offered other tour options or get a full refund (Another option is to pay for the 3rd fare)

Cancellation policy

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

Reviews

• 5 star1,874
• 4 star84
• 3 star42
• 2 star26
• 1 star33

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