Moab: Arches Backcountry Jeep Tour & Dinosaur Tracks

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Free cancellation

1/15

Duration4h 30m

GroupPrivate

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

Backcountry arches, dinosaur prints, desert air and stories from Moab

You’ll feel the thrill of entering Arches by its wild side near Moab—bumping down old roads in a Jeep, spotting dinosaur tracks, hearing local stories, and standing under arches without crowds around you. Expect real desert air, laughter with your guide, and moments where time slows down under all that sky.

4h 30m

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Arches National Park backcountry

Depart from Moab, Utah
Drive north on US 191
Enter Arches via Willow Springs Road
Travel through Utah Raptor State Park
View dinosaur tracks and La Sal Mountains
See Eye of the Whale formation
Stop at Balanced Rock
Visit Sand Dune Arch
View Delicate Arch viewpoint
Explore the Windows Section
Return to Moab

The Experience

I never thought the best part of Arches would start before the park gate. We left Moab early, dust still hanging in the air as our Jeep bumped along Willow Springs Road—definitely not your average entrance. Our guide, Ben (he grew up here), pointed out these faint dinosaur tracks pressed into rock. I tried to imagine that—giant lizards lumbering where we now bounced along in a Rubicon with cold water rattling in the cupholder. The La Sal Mountains were just barely blue in the distance. It smelled like warm sand and sage.

There’s something about seeing Eye of the Whale Arch from this side—no crowds, just us and a couple of ravens watching from a ledge. Ben told us stories about Native Americans who lived here ages ago; he even found a tiny piece of chert once, but today it was just footprints and wind. The Jeep’s AC was a relief after stepping out into that dry heat (my shirt stuck to my back instantly). We took turns riding up front—if you’re tall, maybe call shotgun early because those back seats are snug for long legs.

Somehow Balanced Rock looks even stranger when you’re parked right under it instead of seeing it on postcards. I tried to pronounce “Delicate Arch” in Navajo after Ben said it (I definitely butchered it—he laughed). We stopped for snacks near Sand Dune Arch, and the sand really does get everywhere; I’m still finding grains in my shoes. There’s this quiet out there you don’t expect until you stop talking and just listen to nothing but wind scraping over stone.

I keep thinking about that last stretch—the sun getting lower, painting everything orange-red. You see so much more from the backroads than just driving through the main gate. It felt like we’d borrowed someone else’s secret for a few hours, then handed it back at sunset.

What’s included

Your day includes transport by enclosed 4x4 Jeep Rubicon with an experienced local guide at the wheel, ice-cold water and snacks along the way (bring your own bottle if you want refills), plus parking at their office if you’re driving yourself. No timed entry tickets needed—they handle access via special permit through Willow Springs Road into Arches’ quieter corners before looping past famous arches and formations before heading back to Moab.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for back problems

Operated by Adrift Adventures