
Arches National Park Backcountry: Escape The Crowds
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 2,060 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Arches National Park Backcountry: Escape The Crowds worth booking?
Arches National Park Backcountry: Escape The Crowds is a 4-hour experience in Moab, United States, from $240 per person. It scores 83 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 2,060 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 83 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (2,060)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $240 per person
Experience the hidden side of Arches National Park on a refined overland journey. Traveling aboard a Toyota Land Cruiser, you’ll leave the pavement behind and venture deep into remote terrain rarely experienced by most park visitors. Your journey begins near Utahraptor State Park, where dinosaur tracks mark the beginning of a landscape shaped over millions of years. From there, enter the park and pass iconic formations including Balanced Rock before climbing rugged sandstone ledges into the backcountry. Wind through towering fins, sculpted spires, and the dramatic formations while your expert guide shares the geology, ecology, and human history of canyon country. Optional walks to Tower Arch, Eye of the Whale, and secluded slickrock viewpoints offer opportunities to explore beyond the road and experience the stillness of the desert away from the crowds Designed for travelers seeking depth, access, and authenticity, this journey offers a more intimate way to experience the landscape
What you get
About this experience
Experience the hidden side of Arches National Park on a refined overland journey. Traveling aboard a Toyota Land Cruiser, you’ll leave the pavement behind and venture deep into remote terrain rarely experienced by most park visitors. Your journey begins near Utahraptor State Park, where dinosaur tracks mark the beginning of a landscape shaped over millions of years. From there, enter the park and pass iconic formations including Balanced Rock before climbing rugged sandstone ledges into the backcountry. Wind through towering fins, sculpted spires, and the dramatic formations while your expert guide shares the geology, ecology, and human history of canyon country. Optional walks to Tower Arch, Eye of the Whale, and secluded slickrock viewpoints offer opportunities to explore beyond the road and experience the stillness of the desert away from the crowds Designed for travelers seeking depth, access, and authenticity, this journey offers a more intimate way to experience the landscape
What's included
Included
- Licensed experienced local guide
- National Park Tour by Four Wheel Drive Vehicle
- Ice water & lemonade (bring your own bottle)
Not included
- Gratuity
- Soft drinks/food (you're welcome to bring your own)
- Car or booster seats for children 7 years old and under
- Entrance fees
What you'll see and do
Arches National Park
Visit Arches National Park on a 4-wheel drive (4WD) tour that features spectacular sandstone arches and access to areas that most visitors don't see. An expert guide will maneuver your 4WD past red rock highlights such as Marching Men, Tower Arch and Eye of the Whale. Experience these monuments and more up close and learn about the park’s wildlife and history.
240 minutes here
This 5-hour tour even includes a stop to see fossilized dinosaur tracks, left behind millions of years ago when dinosaurs roamed the region.
10 minutes here · Admission included
Eye of the Whale Arch is located in the Herdina Park area of Arches. An optional 1/2 mile hike leads you under the arch to an outcropping of seldom visited red rock formations .
20 minutes here · Admission included
Tower Arch
An optional hike to the awe-inspiring Tower Arch begins at the foot of the bluff, where the 4WD road ends. From here, the route is rocky and steep, though short. Tower Arch itself is very large with a 92-foot span and can be viewed from the trailhead for those opting out.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Moab
You can meet us at our office 15 minutes prior to departure at 321 N. Main St. in Moab. We have parking for your convenience and there is also free curbside parking all around if our lot is full. Please contact Navtec directly for pick-up.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
You can meet us at our office 15 minutes prior to departure at 321 N. Main St. in Moab. We have parking for your convenience and there is also free curbside parking all around if our lot is full. Please contact Navtec directly for pick-up.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- NAVTEC Expeditions
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Things to bring: camera, water bottle (lots of extra water provided on your tour for refills) and sun protection
- NAVTEC Expeditions is an authorized concessionaire of Canyonlands and Arches National Park
- Every 4x4 tour needs a minimum of 3 individuals to run. If your trip does not meet the minimum, you will be offered other tour options or get a full refund (Another option is to pay for the 3rd fare)
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 2,058 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
9 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
2,058 verified traveler reviews for Arches National Park Backcountry: Escape The Crowds. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great tour for all ages.
Had a fabloytine on this tour. Ben was our driver and he was very knowledgeable about the National Park as well as the surrounding area. This is a true off road experience so if you have back or neck poi would avoid it. My husband and I are both seniors and had a wonderful time.
via Viator
Backroads jeep tour of the arches
This was another excellent Viator trip with an excellent guide ( Ben) who was so knowledgeable, fun, funny and part geologist, botanist, biologist, historian and story teller . Oh and he’s an excellent driver :). We had a great time with him
Response from the operator: Hi there, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that your Arches and Canyonlands adventures with Ben were such a memorable part of your vacation. Ben truly brings an incredible depth of knowledge, passion, and storytelling to every tour, and we’ll be sure to share your kind words with him. We’re especially glad his expertise- from geology and paleontology to history, plants, wildlife, and everything in between- helped make your experience so special. Thank you for choosing Navtec Tours and for recommending us. It was our pleasure to be part of your adventure, and we hope to see you back in Moab for another unforgettable experience! Best, Sierra
via Viator
Great adventure for pictures
We had just 3 of us in the vehicle with the guide. It was a very personal and informative adventure. Great adventure for picture taking! Very rough travel!!! Saying off-roading doesn’t cut it! It’s between 4-5 hours long. Check the weather. Make sure you go on a non-rainy day!
Response from the operator: Hi there, Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We’re glad to hear you enjoyed the personal and informative nature of your backcountry adventure. With a small group, there’s plenty of opportunity to take in the scenery, learn about the area, and capture some incredible photos. Thank you for choosing us and for the recommendation. We hope to see you again for another Moab adventure! Best, Sierra
via Tripadvisor
5 out of 5
What a great "backcountry" experience! Cody and Allen were so knowledgeable and fun. We saw Eye of the Whale Arch, Tower Arch, and up close to the Marching Men. The backroom experience was thrilling (wowsa), and the conversation never ended. Recommend!!
Response from the operator: Hi there, Thank you so much for the fantastic review! We’re thrilled to hear you had such a memorable backcountry adventure with Cody and Allen. It sounds like you packed in some incredible sights, from Eye of the Whale Arch and Tower Arch to getting up close to the Marching Men! We love hearing that the rugged backcountry experience and great conversation made the day even more fun. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with Cody and Allen. Thank you for the recommendation, and we hope to see you again for another “wowsa” Moab adventure! Best, Sierra
via Viator
Great 1/2 Day Arches Tour
Totally enjoyed our 1/2 Day Arches Tour guided by Ben & Marsha. Interesting, educational, lots of fun. Attentive & caring to all needs. Highly recommended!
Response from the operator: Hi there, Thank you so much for the fantastic review! We’re thrilled to hear you had such a fun and memorable time on your half-day Arches tour with Ben and Marcia. It’s wonderful to know they made the experience interesting, educational, and enjoyable while taking such great care of your group. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with Ben and Marcia. Thank you for choosing Navtec and for recommending us! We hope to see you again for another Moab adventure! Best, Sierra
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 721
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by NAVTEC Expeditions, who run 11 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 75.3.
See everything NAVTEC Expeditions runsWhy this scores 83
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Arches National Park Backcountry: Escape The Crowds: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Moab.
How much does Arches National Park Backcountry: Escape The Crowds cost?
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Prices start at $240 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Moab usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Arches National Park Backcountry: Escape The Crowds take?
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Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Moab is not rushed.
Is Arches National Park Backcountry: Escape The Crowds worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 83 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 2,060 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Moab, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Arches National Park Backcountry: Escape The Crowds?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Arches National Park Backcountry: Escape The Crowds suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Arches National Park Backcountry: Escape The Crowds?
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Around 721 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Moab can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Moab and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Arches National Park Backcountry: Escape The Crowds start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Moab within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Moab?
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Moab is the gateway to Arches and Canyonlands: sunrise arch tours, 4x4 runs on Hell's Revenge, Colorado River rafting, canyoneering and dark-sky stargazing. Park entry timing systems change often, so we weight tours that handle reservations for you. On Outty we rank every Moab experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include HIGHLY RATED U-DRIVE Moab Hell’s Revenge UTV Off-Road Adventure, BEST! Hell's Revenge U-Drive 4X4 Tour in Moab +Dinosaur Tracks!, 5-STAR Moab Hell's Revenge UTV U-DRIVE TOUR + DINO TRACKS. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Moab?
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April to May and September to October, avoiding peak summer heat. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Moab?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Arches National Park Backcountry: Escape The Crowds?
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Included: Licensed experienced local guide; National Park Tour by Four Wheel Drive Vehicle; and Ice water & lemonade (bring your own bottle). Not included: Gratuity; Soft drinks/food (you're welcome to bring your own); Car or booster seats for children 7 years old and under; and Entrance fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Arches National Park Backcountry: Escape The Crowds?
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You can meet us at our office 15 minutes prior to departure at 321 N. Main St. in Moab. We have parking for your convenience and there is also free curbside parking all around if our lot is full. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Arches National Park Backcountry: Escape The Crowds offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Arches National Park Backcountry: Escape The Crowds?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Arches National Park Backcountry: Escape The Crowds if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Arches National Park Backcountry: Escape The Crowds?
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Across 2,060 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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