Arches National Park 4WD Tour: Backcountry Arches Hidden Gems

Red rock formations, dinosaur tracks, and arches only a 4WD can reach

A 4-wheel drive tour of Arches National Park near Moab that leaves the pavement for backcountry terrain, with an expert guide navigating past Balanced Rock, Tower Arch, and Eye of the Whale Arch. The tour runs about 5 hours and includes park access, a licensed guide, and water. Optional hikes lead under the arches and to secluded slickrock viewpoints away from the main park crowds.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Arches National Park backcountry

• Start near Utahraptor State Park
• See fossilized dinosaur tracks
• Drive 4WD through park highlights
• Pass Marching Men and Balanced Rock
• Optional hike to Tower Arch
• Optional hike to Eye of the Whale Arch
• Explore secluded slickrock viewpoints

The experience

The tour starts near Utahraptor State Park, where fossilized dinosaur tracks mark the landscape millions of years old. From there, the 4WD climbs into Arches National Park proper, passing red rock highlights like Balanced Rock before the guide steers into the backcountry: terrain most visitors never see because it sits beyond the paved loop. The vehicle winds through towering fins and sculpted spires while the guide explains the geology, ecology, and human history of the canyon country.

Two optional hikes break up the drive. Tower Arch, a formation with a 92-foot span, sits at the end of the 4WD road. The hike to it is short and rocky but steep, though you can view the arch from the trailhead if you skip the walk. Eye of the Whale Arch lies in the Herdina Park area, and a half-mile hike leads under it to red rock outcroppings rarely visited. Both are included in the tour price if you choose them. The guide will not push either one.

The whole tour runs 4 to 5 hours. You'll ride in a Toyota Land Cruiser with an experienced local guide who holds a license from the park concessionaire. Ice water and lemonade come with the tour. Bring your own bottle for refills, plus a camera and sun protection. The minimum group size is three people. If your party is smaller, you can pay for the third seat or choose another tour option.

What’s included

• Licensed expert guide who knows the park's geology, ecology and human history.
• entry to Arches National Park.
• 4-wheel drive vehicle (Toyota Land Cruiser) for the entire tour.
• ice water and lemonade with your own bottle for refills.
• optional hikes to Tower Arch and Eye of the Whale included if you choose to do them.

Information

Lasts 4h–5h, runs every day at 09:00 and 12:00, from US$ 240 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 12:00Another time? ›

GroupUp to 163 private ›

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.2 with pickup ›

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (17 and older) · Youth (5 to 16 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

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 effortNot recommended with back problems

Operated by NAVTEC Expeditions

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to see arches and formations beyond the main park loop without driving your own 4WD. The guide handles the vehicle and the route, and you get access to terrain most visitors never reach. It's shared transportation with a small group (minimum three people), so costs are split. If you prefer to travel alone or with only your party, a private 4WD charter would suit you better.

Traveler reviews

4.82★★★★★★★★★★

2,059 verified traveler reviews

5 ★1,874

4 ★84

3 ★42

2 ★26

1 ★33

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (5 to 16 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

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.

What's the difference between this 4WD tour and the regular Arches National Park loop drive?

This tour leaves the paved main road and climbs into the backcountry where a standard car cannot go, reaching remote sandstone formations and arches like Tower Arch and Eye of the Whale that sit beyond the popular overlooks. The guide navigates rough terrain and shares the geology and history as you travel.

How long does the tour take and what's included in the price?

The tour runs 4 to 5 hours and includes park entry, the 4WD vehicle, an expert guide, and water. Optional hikes to Tower Arch and Eye of the Whale are part of the tour if you want to do them. You choose at the time.

What should I bring on the tour?

Bring a camera, a water bottle (the tour provides extra water for refills), and sun protection like sunscreen and a hat. The desert is exposed and the ride can be bumpy, so wear clothes you don't mind getting dusty.

Is this tour physically demanding?

The tour suits all fitness levels. The optional hikes are short (Tower Arch is steep but brief, and Eye of the Whale is a half-mile walk), so you can skip either one. Most of the tour happens inside the vehicle.

What if my group is smaller than three people?

The tour requires a minimum of three people to run. If your party is smaller, you can pay for the third seat yourself, or the operator will offer other tour options or a full refund.