Full-Day Two-Park 4x4, Meal Included

Overview

This full-day trip from Moab packs two national parks into one long outing, and the 4x4 is the point: the route includes backcountry stretches a regular vehicle would not manage. One reviewer noted roads on this tour are actually not passable otherwise. NAVTEC Expeditions runs it as a roughly 9-hour loop, collecting guests at their Moab hotel or at the office on North Main Street, then heading first to Canyonlands and finishing in Arches. A picnic lunch with ice water and lemonade is part of the day.

The first park on the route is Canyonlands, at the Island in the Sky mesa. The vehicle descends the switchbacks of the Shafer Trail, pauses at rock art carved by Ancestral Puebloans, and follows part of the White Rim Trail out to Musselman Arch above the Colorado River. After lunch at Devils Garden, the route enters Arches through the back side near Doc Williams Point, climbing a rock wall and crossing sand between fins toward Tower Arch, the Eye of the Whale Arch, and the Marching Men, a row of 7 sandstone towers. On the drive back to Moab there is a short stop at dinosaur tracks.

It suits travellers who want deep coverage of both parks without long hikes. Walking is limited to short strolls at viewpoints, and reviewers repeatedly say the guide's commentary on geology and history is a big part of the value. Note that park entrance fees and gratuities are extra, and the tour needs at least 3 participants to run.

Itinerary

1. Hotel pickup in MoabThe operator collects guests from their hotel, or from the Navtec office at 321 N Main St, Moab. Pickup arrangements should be confirmed with Navtec directly.
2. Drive to Island in the SkyThe vehicle heads toward Canyonlands National Park, up onto the Island in the Sky mesa.
3. Shafer Trail descentThe route drops down steep switchbacks, with a brief stop to see Native American rock art carved into the cliffs by Ancestral Puebloans.
4. White Rim Trail and Musselman ArchThe tour continues through Canyonlands along a portion of the White Rim Trail to Musselman Arch, with views of the Colorado River below and a few stops for short hikes.
5. Picnic lunch at Devils GardenLunch is served at Devils Garden, with ice water and lemonade provided.
6. Arches backcountry driveThe tour enters Arches National Park near Doc Williams Point, climbs a steep rock wall and crosses a valley through sandstone fins and dunes.
7. Tower Arch and the Marching MenThe route passes Tower Arch, the Eye of the Whale Arch and the Marching Men, 7 towers lined up in one row, with short walks at stops along the way.
8. Dinosaur tracks and returnOn the way back to Moab the group makes a brief stop to see dinosaur tracks before drop-off.

Before You Book