Canyonlands National Park Backcountry Adventure

About this activity

Discover the wild beauty of Canyonlands National Park on this half-day 4x4 adventure through the Island in the Sky district. Travel deep into the park aboard a custom 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser as your expert local guide navigates steep switchbacks sandstone ledges, and sections of the legendary White Rim Road.

Along the way, learn about the geology, ecology, and ancient cultures that shaped this rugged landscape, including remnants of Ancestral Puebloan history. With fewer crowds, incredible scenery, and access to remote terrain most visitors never experience, this tour offers an unforgettable introduction to the raw beauty and adventure of Canyonlands.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want to experience the rugged beauty of Canyonlands beyond the paved viewpoints—without committing to a full-day adventure. It’s perfect for photographers, families, first-time visitors to Moab, and anyone looking for a comfortable but adventurous introduction to the backcountry.

Itinerary

1. Potash Road · 15 min

   Our first stop is along Scenic Byway 279 at a petroglyph rock art site. Guides provide insight to the people who passed this way and left markings on the canyon walls.

2. Utah Scenic Byway 279 Rock Art Sites · 15 min

   The Rock Art Sites of Moab offer travelers easy access to ancient drawings scattered along paths even a novice can navigate.

3. Island in the Sky · 60 min

   We enter Canyonlands National Park on the 4WD trial and take a short trip along the White Rim. This prominent sandstone formation wraps for 100 miles around the Island in the Sky.

4. Musselman Arch · 30 min

   Our excursion along the White Rim follows the trail along a bench to Musselman Arch. Guests take a short 300' stroll to see this amazing natural stone arch.

5. Shafer Trail Viewpoint · pass by

   We backtrack along the White Rim Trail to the iconic switchbacks of the Shafer Trail. This old cattle trail climbs 1000' to the rim of Island in the Sky with magnificent views of the backcountry of Canyonlands. The 4X4 trail ends at scenic byway 313.

6. Canyonlands National Park · pass by

   This 4 hour guided interpretive tour starts along the banks of the Colorado River and travels into Canyonlands on 4WD roads up to the mesa of Island in the Sky.

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

• 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 star1,056
• 4 star46
• 3 star10
• 2 star11
• 1 star10

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