Skip to content
Vacantier

Activity Moab, USA

Canyonlands NP. Backcountry Morning or Afternoon 4X4 JEEP

4.9 (516 reviews) 4 hours Free cancellation
Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Canyonlands NP. Backcountry Morning or Afternoon 4X4 JEEP

About this activity

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.

Half-day Tours Private and Luxury 4WD Tours Small Group Adventure Tours Involves Animals Top Product Short term availability

At a glance

Duration
4 hours
Confirmation
Instant confirmation
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group
Up to 12 people
People per booking
1–12
Guide
English
Operated by
Adrift Adventures

Ages: Youth (4–17 years) · Adults (18–99 years)

What is included

Included

  • Included: Ice water and snacks
  • Included: In-vehicle air conditioning: Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Included: Parking available at the office
  • Included: Experienced, knowledgeable guide

Not included

  • Not included: Gratuities
  • Not included: Car infant seat (required by Utah State Law for children 8 years and younger or under 57 inches)
  • Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Not included: Lunch

Itinerary

  1. Shafer Trail Viewpoint

    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. White Rim Road

    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. Goosenecks Overlook

    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. Adrift Adventures

    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. Canyonlands National Park

    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. Cataract Canyon

    Passing 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. Corona Arch Trail

    Passing 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. Island in the Sky

    Passing by

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

  9. Potash Road

    Passing by

    Drive along this scenic HWY to the Shafer trail.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

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.

End 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.

Using your ticket

  • 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

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel You get back
At least one day before 100%
Less than a day before 0%
  • The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
  • The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

  • 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)

Traveller ratings

4.9 out of 5 · 516 reviews
5
96%
4
3%
3
0%
2
0%
1
1%

Activities, prices and reviews are from Viator. Booking and payment happen on Viator; Vacantier may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Canyonlands NP. Backcountry Morning or Afternoon 4X4 JEEP

Pick a day to see the times and the price

Necessary cookies keep the site running and cannot be switched off. With your consent we also load Google Analytics, which tells us how the site is used, and our affiliate partners' scripts (Travelpayouts, Kiwi.com), which set cookies to credit us with bookings made through us. Details in the Cookie Policy.

  • Necessary

    The session, form protection, signing in, your chosen currency and this choice. The site does not work without them.

    Always on
  • Analytics

    Google Analytics. Counts visits and which pages and offers are used, so we know what to improve. It never receives your name, email or account.

  • Marketing and affiliate

    The Travelpayouts scripts and the Kiwi.com flight search. They set their own cookies, through which the partner knows you came from Vacantier.