Moab: Hurrah Pass 4x4 Trail Tour & Ancient Petroglyphs

Summary

Drive a 4x4 through Moab’s canyons and catch ancient rock art up close

You’ll take the wheel of a 4x4 UTV for a hands-on drive from Moab along Hurrah Pass Trail, guided by a local who brings geology and history alive. Pause to see ancient petroglyphs up close, wind through canyons with river views, and climb to an overlook near Canyonlands—moments that linger long after you’re back in town.

What’s the experience like?

Li was already grinning at us before we’d even finished signing the waiver at the Moab Tourism Center. “You ready for a little dust?” he asked, and I honestly didn’t know if I was. The UTV looked like something out of a sci-fi movie — knobby tires, roll cage, the whole deal. My partner squeezed my hand, and I laughed because it felt like we were about to blast off instead of just heading out on a day trip from Moab to Hurrah Pass.

The first stretch hugged the Colorado River, red cliffs rising on one side, water glinting on the other. Li radioed back about geology stuff — how the layers told stories older than anyone could imagine — but honestly I was distracted by the way the air smelled: dry sage mixed with river mud. We bumped past Moonflower Canyon (Li slowed so we could peek in), and then he stopped at these petroglyphs. He called them Fremont and Ancestral Puebloan — you could see figures carved right into the stone, faded but still there after all this time. I tried to guess what they meant; Li laughed when I tried to say “Birthing Scene” in Mandarin — probably butchered it.

The trail started winding up, switchbacks that made my stomach flutter a bit (I’m not great with heights). The UTV handled it better than I did. At one point, we paused for water and all you could hear was wind scraping over rock — no cars, no voices except ours. That silence sticks with me more than any photo. And then suddenly you’re at Hurrah Pass Overlook, looking out toward Canyonlands and everything feels huge and small at once. Weird how that works.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Scenic 4x4 tour in Moab

• Meet at Moab Tourism Center
• Attend safety briefing
• Drive UTV toward Hurrah Pass Trail
• Off-road tour along Colorado River
• Pass by Moonflower Canyon
• Pass by Birthing Scene
• Explore historic Kane Creek area
• Learn about geology and history
• Return to Moab Tourism Center

Top questions

Is this Hurrah Pass 4x4 tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, it’s considered easy terrain with mostly dirt roads—just be aware of some heights and bumpy sections.

How long does the day trip from Moab to Hurrah Pass take?

The tour lasts about 3 hours total including stops.

Can I drive my own UTV on this tour?

Yes, this is a “You Drive Experience” as long as you’re over 21 years old.

Are there any age or health restrictions?

It’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or heart issues.

What will we see during the tour?

You’ll pass Moonflower Canyon, see ancient petroglyphs like Birthing Scene, drive along Kane Creek and reach Hurrah Pass Overlook.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup; you meet at Moab Tourism Center for check-in.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

No lunch is included; bottled water is provided though.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting at the Moab Tourism Center for check-in, bottled water to keep you going in the desert air, a guided ride in an automatic four-seat UTV (you get to drive), narration from your local guide about geology and ancient cultures along Kane Creek Road—and plenty of stops for photos and petroglyph viewing before returning to town.