Moab: Arches & Canyonlands 4x4 Tour with Shafer Trail Lunch

Summary

Moab’s wild shapes and red silence on a real 4x4 day out

You’ll ride deep into Arches and Canyonlands by 4x4 with a local guide, tackle Shafer Trail’s switchbacks, share a picnic lunch overlooking wild canyons, and wander among arches shaped by time. Expect laughter, desert air, and moments where you just stop talking because of what’s right in front of you.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the sound — tires crunching over red dirt as we left Moab behind, that kind of silence you only get in big spaces. Our guide, Ben (who grew up here), pointed out the way the light hit the cliffs along Shafer Trail. It was early but already warm, and I could smell sagebrush when we stopped to look down into those impossible canyons. He told us stories about Island in the Sky that made me want to come back just to watch sunrise from there. Honestly, I didn’t expect to feel so small and wide awake at the same time.

I think my favorite part was bouncing along White Rim Road — not exactly gentle (my coffee nearly took flight), but it felt like being let in on a secret route. The wind kicked up dust and sometimes you’d just catch these flashes of blue sky between arches. At one stop, Ben handed around sandwiches and cold water for lunch; I’m not sure if it was the view or the hunger, but that sandwich tasted like an award. There’s something about eating outside with your shoes full of sand that makes food better, you know?

Later in Arches, we tried to pronounce “Marching Men” in Navajo (Li laughed when I tried — probably butchered it). Tower Arch looked like something from another planet. The sun kept shifting shadows across Eye of the Whale and for a minute everyone just stood there quietly — even Ben went quiet. I still think about that view sometimes, especially when I see red rock photos online. The drive back to Moab felt slow in a good way; nobody really wanted it to end.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 4X4 tour of Arches and Canyonlands

• Pass by Island in the Sky
• Drive Shafer Trail
• Pass by White Rim
• Pass by Arches National Park
• Pass by Marching Men
• Pass by Tower Arch
• Pass by Eye of the Whale
• Pass by Canyonlands National Park

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Moab 4x4 tour?

No, hotel pickup isn’t included; tours depart from a set meeting point in Moab.

Does the tour visit both Arches and Canyonlands in one day?

Yes, this 4x4 tour combines both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks into one day trip from Moab.

What is included for lunch on this tour?

A quality picnic lunch with ice water is provided; bring your own reusable water bottle.

Do I need to buy park entry tickets separately?

If you have an Annual National Parks Pass bring it; otherwise you’ll need to purchase day passes ($15 each) for both parks.

How many people are needed for the tour to run?

A minimum of three participants is required for each 4x4 tour to operate.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or limited physical fitness due to rough terrain.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are permitted on this Moab 4x4 adventure.

What should I bring for this day trip from Moab?

Bring sun protection, camera, suitable attire/footwear for weather conditions, and your own water bottle.

What’s included

Your day includes guided touring by licensed local expert in a four-wheel drive vehicle across both Arches and Canyonlands parks via Shafer Trail and White Rim Road, all necessary park permits (if you have an annual pass bring it), plus a picnic-style lunch with plenty of cold water—just remember your own bottle! Service animals are welcome too.