Arches: Backcountry 4x4 Tour with Dinosaur Tracks & Hidden Arches

Utah’s wild arches, secret trails and ancient footprints in one half-day ride

You’ll crunch over fossilized dinosaur tracks in Utahraptor State Park before riding deep into Arches’ backcountry by 4x4, snacks in hand, with a local guide who knows every twist of red rock. Expect quiet moments beneath hidden arches and sweeping views you won’t get from paved roads. It’s more than photos. You’ll feel part of something ancient.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Arches National Park backcountry

• Depart from Moab in 4x4 vehicle
• Visit Utahraptor State Park dinosaur tracks
• Drive off-road into Arches National Park
• Stop at Eye of the Whale Arch hike
• View Balanced Rock formation
• Pass Windows Section and Double Arch
• See Delicate Arch from overlook
• Return to Moab

The experience

"That’s not a rock, that’s a dinosaur footprint," our guide, Ben, grinned as we squinted at the sun-baked slab in Utahraptor State Park. I’ll admit, I didn’t see it at first. Just a mess of cracks and dust. But then Ben crouched down and traced the curve with his finger, and suddenly I could picture this massive creature stomping across what used to be a swamp. The wind was dry and sharp that morning, carrying a smell like warm clay. We’d barely started the 4x4 ride toward Arches but already felt like we’d time-traveled.

The drive into the backcountry was bumpier than I expected (in a good way), with red dust swirling behind us and those strange salt valley beds rolling out for miles. Our group was small, just four of us plus Ben, so we could ask anything. He seemed to know every weird fact about Moab’s geology and didn’t mind when I interrupted him to point out some bird or ask about the twisted juniper trees. Snacks showed up right when I needed them most. There’s something about salty trail mix after bouncing around in a truck that just hits different.

We stopped at Eye of the Whale Arch. It’s tucked away where most people never go, super quiet except for our footsteps on the sand. There was this half-mile walk under the arch itself. Not hard, but my shoes filled with fine red grit anyway (I’m still finding it weeks later). Balanced Rock looked almost fake from up close: like someone stacked it there on purpose. Ben explained how it’s actually eroding right now, which made me weirdly protective of it all of a sudden. The whole place feels alive in slow motion.

I caught my first glimpse of Delicate Arch from far off, not the postcard view you see everywhere, but somehow better because it felt earned after all those dirt roads. On the way back toward Moab, someone asked about Double Arch being in Indiana Jones and Ben did his best Harrison Ford impression (not great). We laughed anyway. Honestly, I keep thinking about that silence under Eye of the Whale. Just us and old stone.

What’s included

Your day covers park entry fees, bottled water, light snacks for everyone on board, and all rides in an air-conditioned 4x4 designed for both pavement and rugged off-road sections, plus plenty of stops for photos or questions whenever you want along the way.

Information

Lasts 4h 30m, runs every day at 09:00 and 14:30, from US$ 212.55 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 14:30Last departure this season: 30 NovAnother time? ›

GroupUp to 24 · max 6 per booking3 private ›

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 46 pickup points.

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (1 to 14 years)

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Moab Scenic Adventures

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (1 to 14 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the Arches backcountry 4x4 tour?

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours from start to finish.

Does this tour include entry fees for Arches?

Yes, your National Park entry fee is included in the booking price.

What kind of vehicle is used for this tour?

A climate-controlled 4x4 vehicle built for rough terrain is used throughout.

Are snacks or water provided during the tour?

Bottled water and light snacks are included free of charge.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned. Meeting details are provided after booking.

Will we see Delicate Arch up close?

You’ll get a classic long-distance view of Delicate Arch from an overlook, not up close on foot.

Do we visit Utahraptor State Park during this trip?

Yes, before entering Arches you’ll stop at Utahraptor State Park to see fossilized dinosaur tracks.