Arches Backcountry 4x4 Jeep Tour from Moab: Off-Road Access

See Arches the way most visitors never do: off the paved loop on remote backcountry trails.

A backcountry 4x4 Jeep tour of Arches National Park from Moab takes you off the main roads through unpaved, rugged terrain where the park's geology and history come into focus. You'll drive directly over the ancient salt beds that created the arches, stop at backcountry landmarks like Eye of the Whale, Tower Arch and Skyline Arch, and see the iconic park views (Balanced Rock, the Windows Section, Park Avenue) from a different angle on the way out. An experienced guide leads the tour. The vehicle seats four passengers plus the guide, and everyone rotates seats so no one stays in the same spot for the full 4.5 hours. Ice, water and snacks are included, and timed entry tickets are not required.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Arches National Park backcountry

• Drive north on HWY 191
• Enter park via rugged backcountry route
• Discover ancient salt beds geology
• Visit Eye of the Whale and Tower Arch
• See the Marching Men and Skyline Arch
• Explore Sand Dune Arch
• View Balanced Rock and Windows Section
• Observe Park Avenue area

The experience

What makes this tour different is the access: while the main park loop stays paved and crowded, you enter Arches through a remote gateway via an unpaved route north on Highway 191. The Jeep Wrangler has the clearance for these backcountry trails, and the guide drives while sharing the geology and human history of the region as you travel. You're literally driving over the ancient salt beds responsible for the arches and spires the park is famous for: that layer is underneath, shaping everything you see above ground.

The backcountry stops may include Eye of the Whale, Tower Arch, the Marching Men and Sand Dune Arch: places most visitors never reach because they require off-road access. Skyline Arch is another possible stop depending on conditions and time. These aren't quick photo ops. You get out and walk to each one, so bring sturdy footwear and sun protection. The guide points out the geology and history at each spot, and you have time to look around before moving on.

On the way out of the backcountry, you'll see the park's most famous views (Balanced Rock, the Windows Section and Park Avenue) from the perspective of someone who has just come from the remote interior. Many people book a return visit to explore those iconic areas on foot after this tour. The full experience runs 4.5 hours, and the guide rotates passengers through different seats in the Jeep so the ride stays comfortable for everyone. Water refills are free, and snacks are provided.

What’s included

• Transport by 4x4 Jeep with an experienced guide.
• ice, water and snacks throughout the 4.5-hour tour.
• parking at the office.
• free water refills.

Information

Lasts 4h 30m, runs every day at 07:00 and 12:30, from US$ 210 per person, with a live guide in English, as a private tour and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:00 and 12:30Last departure this season: 31 DecAnother time? ›

GroupPrivate9 group tours ›

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 to1d before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Youth (4 to 15 years) · Under 4: 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 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Adrift Adventures

Is this one for you?The backcountry trails are unpaved and rough, so expect to feel every bump in an elevated vehicle. This is not a smooth park loop. If you want to see Arches from the remote interior and don't mind the off-road ride, this tour reaches places most visitors never access.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (4 to 15 years). Children under 4 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 exactly is the Eye of the Whale and where is it on the tour?

Eye of the Whale is a backcountry rock formation in Arches that you can only reach by off-road vehicle. It's one of the possible stops on this tour, depending on conditions and time. The guide will explain the geology and history of the formation when you get there.

Do I need a park entry ticket for this backcountry tour?

No, timed entry tickets are not required for this tour. The backcountry access route enters the park through a remote gateway, so the standard ticketing system does not apply.

How rough is the unpaved road, and will I be uncomfortable in the Jeep?

The backcountry trails are rugged and off-road, so you will feel the terrain. This is not a smooth drive. The Jeep Wrangler is built for this, and the guide rotates passengers through different seats throughout the 4.5 hours so no one stays in the same spot. Sturdy footwear and sun protection are essential, and the tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, motion sickness or vertigo.

What's included, and what should I bring?

The tour includes transport by 4x4 vehicle, an experienced guide, ice, water and snacks. Water refills are free. Bring a water bottle, sunglasses, sunscreen, a visor or hat, sturdy hiking footwear, a day pack and cameras if you want them. The office is located near parking, so you can leave your car there while you tour.

What time does the tour start, and do I need to book morning or afternoon?

The tour runs either morning or afternoon depending on the option you choose at checkout. Call the office the day before your tour to confirm your reservation and confirm which time slot you've selected.