Canyonlands White Rim Trail: 4WD Day Tour with Hikes & Lunch

Summary

Rugged trails, ancient art, secret canyons and Colorado River views

You’ll ride deep into Canyonlands by 4WD with a local guide, hike to hidden canyons and ancient rock art sites, and share a relaxed picnic lunch overlooking wild desert views. Expect laughter, red dust everywhere, and moments that linger long after you’re back in Moab.

What’s the experience like?

"You see that line up there? That’s where the world just drops away," our guide Mark grinned, pointing out the window as we bounced along White Rim Road in Canyonlands. I’d never been in a 4WD that felt more like a rollercoaster — every turn showed off another layer of red rock or some wild spire I couldn’t name. The air smelled like dust and sage. We’d left Moab early (coffee still half-warm in my hand), and already it felt like we were somewhere completely different.

We stopped at the Utah Scenic Byway 279 Rock Art Sites — Mark called them “messages from before asphalt.” The petroglyphs were just there on the stone, sunbaked and quiet. I tried to trace one with my finger (not touching, promise) and imagined what those hands must’ve looked like carving them. There was this silence except for wind and someone’s water bottle clinking against the seat. Not sure why that stuck with me.

The hikes weren’t long but they got my heart going — scrambling under ledges near Musselman Arch, then peering down into Lathrop Canyon where the light made everything look sharper than real life. Sometimes you could hear the Colorado River way below before you saw it, kind of a low rush behind all that emptiness. Lunch was this picnic spread under a patch of shade; nothing fancy but somehow lemonade tastes better when you’re covered in red dust and laughing about who slipped most on the rocks.

I didn’t expect to feel so small out there or to laugh so much with people I’d just met that morning. The Shafer Trail switchbacks looked impossible from above — Mark joked he’d done it so many times he could drive it blindfolded (I’m glad he didn’t). Heading back to Moab, legs tired and camera full, I kept thinking about those petroglyphs and how old stories just sit quietly while we pass through.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Canyonlands White Rim Trail

• Meet in central Moab
• Drive 30 miles to Island in the Sky
• Pass Rock Art Sites of Moab
• Explore White Rim Road landscape
• Optional hikes to caves and viewpoints
• Visit Gooseneck overlook and Lathrop Canyon
• See Musselman Arch and Shafer Trail
• Enjoy buffet-style picnic lunch
• Return to Moab to end tour

Top questions

How long is the Canyonlands White Rim Trail 4WD tour?

The tour lasts a full day, starting in Moab and returning there at the end.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

Yes, a buffet-style picnic lunch is included along with cold water and lemonade.

Are there any hikes during the tour?

Yes, there are several short optional hikes to caves, canyons, and viewpoints beneath the White Rim Sandstone level.

What attractions are visited on this Canyonlands tour?

You’ll visit Island in the Sky, Gooseneck overlook, Musselman Arch, Lathrop Canyon, Shafer Trail, and Utah Scenic Byway 279 Rock Art Sites.

Do I need to bring my own water?

You should bring a reusable bottle; your guide will provide plenty of extra ice water during the day.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup; you meet at a central location in Moab for departure.

How difficult are the hikes on this tour?

The hikes are moderately challenging but optional—most travelers with moderate fitness can participate.

Can I bring my service animal?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

What should I bring for this day trip to Canyonlands?

Bring sun protection, suitable attire/footwear for hiking, your reusable water bottle, camera, and your National Parks Pass if you have one.

What’s included

Your day includes transport by 4x4 vehicle from central Moab with an expert guide leading short hikes to viewpoints and rock art sites. You’ll get plenty of ice water (just bring your own bottle), plus a buffet-style picnic lunch with lemonade before heading back in the evening.