Arches National Park Backcountry: Escape The Crowds
Recommended by 95% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Moab, USA
- 4 to 5 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Why travelers loved this
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Overview
To truly experience the legendary beauty of Arches National Park, you need to explore its isolated corners. On this adventurous 4WD tour from Moab, your expert guide helps you do just that as you navigate the backcountry to spots such as Tower Arch, as well as visit the famous red rocks at Marching Men, and Eye of the Whale. Your tour includes a stop to see fossilized dinosaur tracks, so it's an ideal experience for budding paleontologists.
- Ditch the crowds and explore the quiet parts of Arches National Park
- See unique geological formations such as sandstone spires and layered red rock
- Relax with handy round-trip hotel pickup from Moab
- Don't worry about getting lost—your group and guide are easy to follow
What's Included
- National Park Tour by Four Wheel Drive Vehicle
- Ice water & lemonade (bring your own bottle)
- Licensed experienced local guide
- Gratuity
- Soft drinks/food (you're welcome to bring your own)
- Car or booster seats for children 7 years old and under
- Entrance fee - National Park Fee$15.00 per person
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- NAVTEC EXPEDITIONS321 N Main St, Moab, UT 84532, USA
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.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
Your tour begins in the middle of Moab or pickups can be arranged from your motel or campground (if needed). Meet your guide, and board the comfortable 4WD vehicle for the 5-mile (8-kilometer) drive to the park. Once inside Arches National Park, your off-roading adventure begins when you leave the road by Doc Williams Point.
More than 2,000 giant sandstone arches are scattered throughout the park, which is the densest collection of naturally stone arches found anywhere in the world. You’ll also find pinnacles, fins, and rocks along this epic landscape of rich red earth sculpted by time.
If some of this landscape looks familiar, it’s probably because you’ve seen it in the movies. Popular films such as *Thelma and Louise* were shot in portions of the park, as were scenes for *Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade*.
If you choose the late afternoon tour, there’s a chance you could see a fiery sunset illuminate the red rocks. Once the sun is below the horizon, stars sparkle in one of the darkest skies in the American southwest.
Towards the end of the tour, you’ll leave the park via an old cowboy trail. It’s here where you’ll stop to see fossilized dinosaur tracks stamped into the earth.
Finally, after several hours of backcountry exploring in the southern Utah terrain, your tour finishes in the same spot where it began.
More than 2,000 giant sandstone arches are scattered throughout the park, which is the densest collection of naturally stone arches found anywhere in the world. You’ll also find pinnacles, fins, and rocks along this epic landscape of rich red earth sculpted by time.
If some of this landscape looks familiar, it’s probably because you’ve seen it in the movies. Popular films such as *Thelma and Louise* were shot in portions of the park, as were scenes for *Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade*.
If you choose the late afternoon tour, there’s a chance you could see a fiery sunset illuminate the red rocks. Once the sun is below the horizon, stars sparkle in one of the darkest skies in the American southwest.
Towards the end of the tour, you’ll leave the park via an old cowboy trail. It’s here where you’ll stop to see fossilized dinosaur tracks stamped into the earth.
Finally, after several hours of backcountry exploring in the southern Utah terrain, your tour finishes in the same spot where it began.
1
Arches National Park
4 hours • Admission Ticket Free
2
Utahraptor State Park
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
3
Eye of the Whale Arch
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
4
Tower Arch
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Most travelers can participate
- 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)
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers
Supplied by
Frequently Asked Question (1)
Q:How many people fit into each 4X4?
A:Each vehicle can carry up to four guests.
May 2023
The answers provided are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Katherine_J
Adam was the very BEST guide at Navtec. We did the 4x4 Arches tour, 1/2 day and it was FABULOUS! He was very knowledgeable and took us through to spots you wouldn’t have been able to get through! He also has the BEST dad jokes! 😂 will do this again but a full day and request Adam as our guide! Loved loved loved this tour and excited to come back in May!
Reviews
4.8
based on 2,044 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
vilma_m, Jul 2026
The ride was bumpy and sometimes very steep but this was a bonus! It is what added to a bit more fun and adventure to the outing. The proximity to the tower arch was great. Only a small hike to get to it
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Hi there,
We are glad that you had a fun time on the technical 4X4 trails. We must admit, we have more fun when it is steep and bumpy, too! Thank you for taking the time to leave us a 5 star review.
Best,
Sierra
Robert_C, Jun 2026
This was an excellent tour and a great way to experience Arches National Park.
Our guide, Abbie, was friendly, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic throughout the trip. She provided informative commentary about the geology, history, and natural features of the park while ensuring that everyone had ample opportunity to enjoy the scenery and take photographs.
Arches is a remarkable landscape, and the tour did an excellent job showcasing many of the park's most impressive features. The pace was comfortable, the vehicle was well suited to the terrain, and the overall experience was both enjoyable and informative.
What I particularly appreciated was the opportunity to learn more about how the arches and other rock formations developed over time. The combination of spectacular scenery and knowledgeable interpretation made for a memorable experience.
I have taken many guided tours over the years, and this was a very good one. Abbie did an excellent job, and I would not hesitate to recommend this tour to anyone visiting Moab and Arches National Park.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Hi Robert,
We really appreciate you taking the time to write us a detailed five star review. We agree that Abbie is a gem! Thank you so much for the recommendation and for highlighting her going above and beyond on your tour. We will be sure to share this with her.
Best,
Sierra
Lesley_L, Jun 2026
Loved the jeep ride tour through Arches! It was a great experience! We got to see arches up close and personal that you wouldn’t normally see on your own. Matt was a great tour guide. He kept us safe and very entertained and informed. It was a great day!
Amanda_R, Jun 2026
Awesome experience with Seth- he was super friendly and knowledgeable about the area, geology, and rock formations. He was a very skilled and careful driver and my son especially enjoyed the hikes and consideration from Seth. Would absolutely recommend this tour!
Cynthia_K, Jun 2026
We had an awesome off road experience with Adam today to celebrate my husband’s birthday. Adam was very knowledgeable and informative on the tour and we felt very comfortable with his driving even though this was our first off-road trip into a national park. Would highly recommend because you’ll definitely see things that only experienced hikers would see, but from an air conditioned vehicle! Great tour for seniors!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Hi Cynthia,
Please wish your husband a happy belated birthday from the team at Navtec. Thank you for choosing to spend this special day with us. We're so glad to hear that it was such an enjoyable experience. We strive to provide a safe yet exciting tour of the backcountry suitable for all ages so it warms our heart to read your remarks. We hope to have the opportunity to lead you on another expedition on your next visit to Moab!
Best,
Corey
Vivie_J, May 2026
Marsha, our tour guide, was knowledgeable, informative, engaging, and an awesome driver. Great way to see the backcountry of Arches as well as the iconic sights. The air conditioned 4X4 traversed the rocks and sand without any difficulty.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for the wonderful review and for exploring the backcountry of Arches National Park with Navtec Expeditions! We’re so glad you had a great experience with Marsha. Her knowledge, storytelling, and calm confidence behind the wheel make her an incredible guide for these remote canyon country routes.
One of our favorite parts of this experience is combining the iconic highlights of Arches with the quieter, rugged backcountry areas that many visitors never get to see. We’re thrilled you enjoyed the journey and appreciated the capability and comfort of the 4x4 along the way.
We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and hope to welcome you back to Moab again in the future!
Victoria_M, May 2026
Great experience! Our guide Seth had extensive knowledge of the geological history which he shared in an interesting manner. He took us to sites that less than 1% of visitors get to see. We enjoyed arches away from the crowds and took some amazing photos. Highly recommend this tour!
Sue_G, Apr 2026
This is one amazing tour
Marsha was very informative and one heck of a great driver
I will do this to her every time I go to Moab
Russell_M, Apr 2026
Great time saw so much
Seth our tour guide was knowledgeable and a great driver. We went to a part of the park that only 1% of people get to see . So happy i did the tour guide .
Marie_s, Apr 2026
The off roading is exciting and the park wonderful. Our guide Big Ben was very knowledgeable. Would recommend this tour,
Sarah_R, Mar 2026
What an incredible experience! Was able to see a lot of incredible spots without the crazy amount of traffic, and took some
Incredible pics
Response from Host, Mar 2026
We are glad to hear that you had an incredible experience. We certainly agree that this backcountry tour is a wonderful way to avoid some of the heavy amount of traffic the front country of the park can experience. We would love to have the opportunity to showcase some of our other backcountry tours to you on your next trip to Moab!
Jeramy_K, Mar 2026
It was a great way to see the hidden gems in Arches National Park. Our tour guide, Abby, was excellent.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
We are glad to hear you enjoyed your time! We also passed along your kind words to Abby. Please keep us in mind during your future travels to Moab.
Randy_P, Mar 2026
Expect a wonderful and adventurous outing. Very rugged back roads which take you deep into the park. The tower arch is magnificent and is an 8-mile walk if you do it on your own. Our guide took us to where it was only about a half mile walk. Our guide Allen was very knowledgeable, friendly and made us feel very safe traversing the rough terrain.
We had a great time!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Hi Randy,
Thank you for taking the time to leave this great review. We are happy to hear that you had a great time out in Arches with Alan. We'd be happy to take you on another adventure anyday!
Best,
Sierra
Timothy_B, Jan 2026
Very unique experience! Was able to see all the major arches plus additional arches that were only visible by 4x4. Our guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. I highly recommend this tour!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Hi Timothy,
We really appreciate you taking the time to write us a review and are so glad to hear you had a great trip! Please don't hesitate to give us a shout if you're ever in the area again- we'd love to take you out for another adventure.
Best,
Sierra
Jackie_B, Dec 2025
Our guide, Courtney, was wonderful. She took us off road at Arches National Park, and sometimes, off off road to beautiful uncrowded areas of the park. Courtney is an excellent and safe driver and hugely knowledgeable about the area’s history, the best places to visit at the park and provided great ideas for photos. We enjoyed our tour with Courtesy so much that we requested her as our guide the following day.
Shehnaz_V, Nov 2025
Not to miss this experience when in Moab. Our guide Ben made it special because he is from this area. He added a personal touch to the tour.
Doran_E, Nov 2025
Be aware off road means bumpy with occasional really rapid whiplash moves. Be sure you’re seated and hold on well. The views were well worth it. Wonderful vistas, fascinating close up details and thought provoking history were all handled with ease by our guide John.
Sandy_A, Nov 2025
We learned so much about Arches from Marcia! Her knowledge runs deep, stories are great, expert 4x4 navigator, and a truly wonderful person! Highly recommend!
michael_R, Nov 2025
That it was well worth the money. Ben was our guide and was fabulous. Lots of knowledge about all he took us to see and then sum
Cheryl_S, Oct 2025
We did the half day morning tour with Ron. We only had 2 days in Moab while doing the “Mighty 5” park loop and wanted to maximize our experience. This experience/tour was one of the best of our trip. We saw amazing views as well as learning a lot about how this landscape came to be. We took 2 short hikes and had two arches completely to ourselves. Ours was a back country trail, so be prepared there are some bumps and humps but it’s all worth the unique experience of places you get to go that we could have never had without a guide. Would definitely recommend.
Dana_D, Oct 2025
This was a fabulous day in the park! We loved every moment. Adam was an amazing guide! He took us to the most spectacular places! We loved the climb to Tower Arch! Couldn't have done that without him! He knows everything about every inch of the park and kept us entertained and enlightened! Best excursion ever! Highly recommend!!
Kara_P, Oct 2025
Such an amazing tour from Ron! Highly recommend the backcountry if everyone is able. It is spectacular and Ron is so very knowledgeable. Went with teenagers and they both loved it! Arches is nice from the pavement, but it’s breathtaking from the back roads. Don’t miss a chance to do this tour, you won’t be sorry.
patricia_g, Oct 2025
Adam was a good and knowledgeable guide. But not worth the price of admission. You can do better on your own
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We are pleased to hear that Adam's enthusiasm for his work was evident. We sincerely regret that the tour did not meet your expectations. We believe that the in-depth knowledge and passion of our guides add significant value to the experience, even on sections that pass through easily accessible areas on the way to the backcountry.
Stephen_M, Oct 2025
We paid $675 for our tour and didn’t enjoy it. We took a 4x4 tour. They were short staffed and gave us a river guide. She was a nice girl but knew very little about the geology, even the names of rock formations.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you for your feed back. We are incredibly proud of our team's enthusiasm for continuous learning and cross-training across multiple roles within the company. We invest in top-tier education for all our guides, covering local history, geology, flora, and fauna. This commitment to deep knowledge is a core part of the enriching experience we aim to deliver, even as staff members develop their expertise.
We hope you still gained insightful information from your lead guide at each destination and thoroughly enjoyed the spectacular scenery that Arches National Park is famous for!
Vic_V, Oct 2025
Excellent experience with a knowledgeable guide. Saw parts of the part few visitors see. Tour was about 5 hours.
Sherry_C, Oct 2025
We had a great 1/2 day 4x4 trip in Arches. They took us to places you couldn’t get to driving on the park road ourselves. They provided snacks and water and did stop at bathrooms. Would definitely recommend this trip.
Don_S, Oct 2025
It rained today, we were discouraged about our excursion, but our NAVTECH guide saved the day. We explored a combination the back country and the iconic sites in Arches. Saw waterfalls, rare occasion in this dry area, got to stand under an arch (Eye of the Whale) and a great overview of the geology, history of the park and local culture. Thanks NAVTECH!
Jay_M, Oct 2025
Marcia the tour guide was very knowledgeable and we had a great time. I would recommend this adventure. Kudos to Marcia
Raylene_R, Oct 2025
Our Guide, Marcia, drove us to places in Arches National Park the general public would never get to experience, both in our off-road vehicle and hikable terrain. She was extremely knowledgeable about the history and geology of the various rock formations, and could answer any questions we had. She was always concerned about our comfort and safety. My husband and I (in our 70s) felt like we had a wonderful experience on the only day we had to visit Arches National Park.
David_C, Sep 2025
Outstanding trip with an amazing tour guide! Abby was a powerhouse of knowledge, professional, fun and can drive the Land Cruiser, Rooster, like no other!!!
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