
Canyonlands National Park Backcountry Adventure
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 1,132 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Canyonlands National Park Backcountry Adventure worth booking?
Canyonlands National Park Backcountry Adventure is a 4-hour experience in Moab, United States, from $240 per person. It scores 84 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 1,132 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 84 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (1,132)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $240 per person
Discover the wild beauty of Canyonlands National Park on this half-day 4x4 adventure through the Island in the Sky district. Travel deep into the park aboard a custom 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser as your expert local guide navigates steep switchbacks sandstone ledges, and sections of the legendary White Rim Road. Along the way, learn about the geology, ecology, and ancient cultures that shaped this rugged landscape, including remnants of Ancestral Puebloan history. With fewer crowds, incredible scenery, and access to remote terrain most visitors never experience, this tour offers an unforgettable introduction to the raw beauty and adventure of Canyonlands. This tour is ideal for travelers who want to experience the rugged beauty of Canyonlands beyond the paved viewpoints—without committing to a full-day adventure. It’s perfect for photographers, families, first-time visitors to Moab, and anyone looking for a comfortable but adventurous introduction to the backcountry.
What you get
About this experience
Discover the wild beauty of Canyonlands National Park on this half-day 4x4 adventure through the Island in the Sky district. Travel deep into the park aboard a custom 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser as your expert local guide navigates steep switchbacks sandstone ledges, and sections of the legendary White Rim Road. Along the way, learn about the geology, ecology, and ancient cultures that shaped this rugged landscape, including remnants of Ancestral Puebloan history. With fewer crowds, incredible scenery, and access to remote terrain most visitors never experience, this tour offers an unforgettable introduction to the raw beauty and adventure of Canyonlands. This tour is ideal for travelers who want to experience the rugged beauty of Canyonlands beyond the paved viewpoints—without committing to a full-day adventure. It’s perfect for photographers, families, first-time visitors to Moab, and anyone looking for a comfortable but adventurous introduction to the backcountry.
What's included
Included
- Pick-up from your hotel or campground, if needed
- Professional guide
- National Park Tour by Four Wheel Drive Vehicle
- Ice Water
Not included
- Gratuity for Guide :)
- Soft drinks + food
- National Park Entrance Fees ($15/person unless you have a parks pass)
- Car/booster seat (required for children 7 & under)
What you'll see and do
Potash Road
Our first stop is along Scenic Byway 279 at a petroglyph rock art site. Guides provide insight to the people who passed this way and left markings on the canyon walls.
15 minutes here · Admission included
Utah Scenic Byway 279 Rock Art Sites
The Rock Art Sites of Moab offer travelers easy access to ancient drawings scattered along paths even a novice can navigate.
15 minutes here · Admission included
Island in the Sky
We enter Canyonlands National Park on the 4WD trial and take a short trip along the White Rim. This prominent sandstone formation wraps for 100 miles around the Island in the Sky.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Musselman Arch
Our excursion along the White Rim follows the trail along a bench to Musselman Arch. Guests take a short 300' stroll to see this amazing natural stone arch.
30 minutes here · Admission not included
Shafer Trail Viewpoint
We backtrack along the White Rim Trail to the iconic switchbacks of the Shafer Trail. This old cattle trail climbs 1000' to the rim of Island in the Sky with magnificent views of the backcountry of Canyonlands. The 4X4 trail ends at scenic byway 313.
Pass by without stopping
Canyonlands National Park
This 4 hour guided interpretive tour starts along the banks of the Colorado River and travels into Canyonlands on 4WD roads up to the mesa of Island in the Sky.
Pass by without stopping
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 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- NAVTEC Expeditions
Know before you go
- 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 1,129 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
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
1,129 verified traveler reviews for Canyonlands National Park Backcountry Adventure. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Best way to see Canyonlands
We spent a wonderful afternoon exploring the back roads of the magnificent Canyonlands National Park. With the very knowledge, fun and funny Adam as our guide/driver we viewed vast and awe inspiring landscapes we could have never seen on our own. Our highest recommendations for your Canyonlands visit!
via Tripadvisor
Canyonlands tour
Great tour of Canyonlands. Sean was an excellent guide, highly recommend! Good overview of the park’s history
via Viator
Bumpy but brilliant . A...
Bumpy but brilliant . A fantastic way to see Canyonlands . Our tour guide Ben was incredibly knowledgeable and did an amazing job driving the very challenging trails!
via Viator
Backroads jeep tour of canyonlands
avtec tours provided us with two backroads jeep tours - one in arches and one in canyonlands. We had the MOST amazing guide and driver Ben who was part geologist, paleontologist, archeologist, biologist, botanist, historian, story teller ,AND …an excellent driver . I highly recommend Navtec for a park experience you cannot script yourself. It was an unforgettable experience that made our vacation! Thanks Ben!
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
Canyonlands Off Road Tour
Thoroughly enjoyed our tour with NAVTEC guide Abby, who was a knowledgable and excellent guide who took us to areas of Canyonlands that we would never have visited on our own. Would absolutely recommend this tour.
Response from the operator: Hi there, Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear you thoroughly enjoyed your Canyonlands adventure with Abby. It’s always special to help our guests discover areas they may never have experienced on their own. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with Abby. Thank you for choosing Navtec and for the recommendation. We hope to see you again for another unforgettable backcountry 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
- 396
- 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 84
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Canyonlands National Park Backcountry Adventure: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Moab.
How much does Canyonlands National Park Backcountry Adventure 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 Canyonlands National Park Backcountry Adventure 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 Canyonlands National Park Backcountry Adventure worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 84 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 1,132 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 Canyonlands National Park Backcountry Adventure?
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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 Canyonlands National Park Backcountry Adventure 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 Canyonlands National Park Backcountry Adventure?
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Around 396 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 Canyonlands National Park Backcountry Adventure 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 Canyonlands National Park Backcountry Adventure?
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Included: Pick-up from your hotel or campground, if needed; Professional guide; National Park Tour by Four Wheel Drive Vehicle; and Ice Water. Not included: Gratuity for Guide :); Soft drinks + food; National Park Entrance Fees ($15/person unless you have a parks pass); and Car/booster seat (required for children 7 & under). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Canyonlands National Park Backcountry Adventure?
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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 Canyonlands National Park Backcountry Adventure 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 Canyonlands National Park Backcountry Adventure?
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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 Canyonlands National Park Backcountry Adventure 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 Canyonlands National Park Backcountry Adventure?
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Across 1,132 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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