Canyonlands National Park Backcountry Tour

5.0 (88 reviews) 4 h 30 min Free cancellation

out of 5

88 reviews

5.0

Canyonlands National Park Backcountry Tour — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Canyonlands National Park Tours — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

To truly understand the raw scale of Canyonlands, get off the pavement and down onto the canyon floor. As an authorized concessionaire of the National Park Service, we hold exclusive permits to take you into the rugged heart of Canyonlands on this premier half-day adventure.

Our route begins along the Colorado River corridor and reveals a red rock desert that most park visitors completely miss. Professional guides offer an authentic, deeply knowledgeable look into the region's natural history and complex geological layers.

The trail serves as a living timeline of earth's history, showcasing the exposed rock layers within the park. Along the way, we'll step out to examine the intricate petroglyphs left behind by the Ancestral Puebloans, take in the sweeping bend at the Gooseneck Overlook, and track across the White Rim to view Musselman Arch. The trip culminates with a dramatic ascent up the sheer cliff face via the Shafer Trail switchbacks, delivering you right to the top of the mesa.

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At a glance

Duration: 4 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 24 people
People per booking: 1–6
Guide: English
Operated by: Moab Scenic Adventures

Ages: Children (1–14 years) · Adults (15–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Private transportation
Included: Bottled water
Included: Light Snacks are provided

Not included

Not included: Gratuity not included but always appreciated
Not included: Entrance fees: America the Beautiful pass holders excluded

Itinerary

Canyonlands National Park

2 hours

Folks visiting the parks on their own typically only see what is along side the pavement road - this tour will venture into the 4x4 backcountry for an exquisite and unique National Park experience.

Throughout this half day experience you will learn all about the parks, history, and geology of the Moab area. Your guide will point out formations, and other towering landscapes along the way. We stop frequent for photos but there is little hiking.

Sight seeing areas on this tour include but are not limited to Potash Road, Shafer Trail, Musselman Arch, Ancient Petroglyphs (Rock Carvings), Thelma and Louise point, and breathtaking canyon views.
Potash Road

Passing by

Potash Road as it carves along the Colorado River, tracking beneath towering red cliffs before the pavement ends and the real backcountry begins
Utah Scenic Byway 279 Rock Art Sites

15 min

Stand beneath the towering sheer cliffs, where centuries-old petroglyphs left by ancient cultures are etched into the dark desert varnish.
Shafer Trail Viewpoint

30 min

We’ll ascend the legendary Shafer Trail, a stunning series of dirt switchbacks that hug the cliffside, offering sweeping, panoramic views that open up wider with every turn as we climb toward the top of Island in the Sky mesa.
Musselman Arch

20 min

We’ll stop to look out at Musselman Arch, a striking, flat-topped stone bridge that juts out over a sheer 300-foot drop to the canyon floor offering a dramatic look at the power of natural erosion.
Island in the Sky

Passing by

Thousands of feet above the canyon floor with sweeping views of a landscape carved by time. Where each layer of exposed sandstone tells a different chapter of earth's ancient geologic history.

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

Do Not rely solely on GPS to find us! Please head south starting from downtown Moab. We will be on the right hand side approx 4 miles down the road. Our Address is 2182 US 191

End point

Do Not rely solely on GPS to find us! Please head south starting from downtown Moab. We will be on the right hand side approx 4 miles down the road. Our Address is 2182 US 191

Pickup points

Element by Marriott Moab
Slackline Moab, Outset Collection by Hilton
Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton
The Virginian Inn
Bowen Motel
Silver Sage Inn
Red Stone Inn
Wingate by Wyndham Moab
Moab Springs Ranch
Adventure Inn & Motel
Hampton Inn Moab
Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn

and 32 more pickup points

Please contact us 24 hours prior to confirm pick up. Thank you.

Using your ticket

Address is 2182 S HWY 191 Moab, UT 84532

Please pre-sign your waivers! Here is a link for the e-waiver. Every participant must have a waiver signed before the tour.

https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/61def737c5c52/web/

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

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please book separate reservations for groups over 6. Your group will travel together in separate vehicles.