Moab: Arches Backcountry Jeep Tour & Dinosaur Tracks

Summary

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.

What’s the experience like?

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.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 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

Top questions

How long is the Arches backcountry tour from Moab?

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours from departure to return.

Is hotel pickup included for this Arches Jeep tour?

The tour includes pickup at the office; parking is available there.

What kind of vehicle is used for the Arches day trip?

The tour uses enclosed, air-conditioned Jeep Rubicons with four passenger seats.

Are snacks or drinks provided on this Moab backcountry tour?

Yes, ice, water, and snacks are included during your trip.

Do I need timed entry tickets for Arches on this tour?

No timed entry tickets are required for this trip; access is via special permit.

Which arches or formations will I see on this day trip?

You’ll visit Eye of the Whale Arch (backcountry), Balanced Rock, Sand Dune Arch, Delicate Arch viewpoint, and Windows Section.

Is this Arches Jeep tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with motion sickness or vertigo.

Can tall or larger guests join comfortably?

If anyone in your party is over 6'2" or 225+ lbs., it’s advised to consult the office before booking due to seat space.

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.