Canyonlands National Park Backcountry Tour in Moab, United States
Moab, United States

Canyonlands National Park Backcountry Tour

Outty Ranking 75 4.9 · 91 traveler reviews4.5 hoursFrom $171
Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

75/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 91 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Canyonlands National Park Backcountry Tour worth booking?

Canyonlands National Park Backcountry Tour is a 4.5-hour experience in Moab, United States, from $171 per person. It scores 75 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 91 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
75 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (91)
Duration
4.5 hours
From
$171 per person

To truly understand the raw scale of Canyonlands, get off the pavement and down onto the canyon floor. As an authorized concessionaire of the National Park Service, we hold exclusive permits to take you into the rugged heart of Canyonlands on this premier half-day adventure. Our route begins along the Colorado River corridor and reveals a red rock desert that most park visitors completely miss. Professional guides offer an authentic, deeply knowledgeable look into the region's natural history and complex geological layers. The trail serves as a living timeline of earth's history, showcasing the exposed rock layers within the park. Along the way, we'll step out to examine the intricate petroglyphs left behind by the Ancestral Puebloans, take in the sweeping bend at the Gooseneck Overlook, and track across the White Rim to view Musselman Arch. The trip culminates with a dramatic ascent up the sheer cliff face via the Shafer Trail switchbacks, delivering you right to the top of the mesa.

What you get

    About this experience

    To truly understand the raw scale of Canyonlands, get off the pavement and down onto the canyon floor. As an authorized concessionaire of the National Park Service, we hold exclusive permits to take you into the rugged heart of Canyonlands on this premier half-day adventure. Our route begins along the Colorado River corridor and reveals a red rock desert that most park visitors completely miss. Professional guides offer an authentic, deeply knowledgeable look into the region's natural history and complex geological layers. The trail serves as a living timeline of earth's history, showcasing the exposed rock layers within the park. Along the way, we'll step out to examine the intricate petroglyphs left behind by the Ancestral Puebloans, take in the sweeping bend at the Gooseneck Overlook, and track across the White Rim to view Musselman Arch. The trip culminates with a dramatic ascent up the sheer cliff face via the Shafer Trail switchbacks, delivering you right to the top of the mesa.

    What's included

    Included

    • Private transportation
    • Bottled water
    • Snacks

    Not included

    • Gratuity not included but always appreciated
    • Entrance fees

    What you'll see and do

    1. Canyonlands National Park

      Folks visiting the parks on their own typically only see what is along side the pavement road - this tour will venture into the 4x4 backcountry for an exquisite and unique National Park experience. Throughout this half day experience you will learn all about the parks, history, and geology of the Moab area. Your guide will point out formations, and other towering landscapes along the way. We stop frequent for photos but there is little hiking. Sight seeing areas on this tour include but are not limited to Potash Road, Shafer Trail, Musselman Arch, Ancient Petroglyphs (Rock Carvings), Thelma and Louise point, and breathtaking canyon views.

      120 minutes here

    2. Potash Road

      Potash Road as it carves along the Colorado River, tracking beneath towering red cliffs before the pavement ends and the real backcountry begins

      Pass by without stopping

    3. Utah Scenic Byway 279 Rock Art Sites

      Stand beneath the towering sheer cliffs, where centuries-old petroglyphs left by ancient cultures are etched into the dark desert varnish.

      15 minutes here

    4. Shafer Trail Viewpoint

      We’ll ascend the legendary Shafer Trail, a stunning series of dirt switchbacks that hug the cliffside, offering sweeping, panoramic views that open up wider with every turn as we climb toward the top of Island in the Sky mesa.

      30 minutes here

    5. Musselman Arch

      We’ll stop to look out at Musselman Arch, a striking, flat-topped stone bridge that juts out over a sheer 300-foot drop to the canyon floor offering a dramatic look at the power of natural erosion.

      20 minutes here

    6. Island in the Sky

      Thousands of feet above the canyon floor with sweeping views of a landscape carved by time. Where each layer of exposed sandstone tells a different chapter of earth's ancient geologic history.

      Pass by without stopping

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Moab

    Do Not rely solely on GPS to find us! Please head south starting from downtown Moab. We will be on the right hand side approx 4 miles down the road. Our Address is 2182 US 191

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.

    Ends at

    Do Not rely solely on GPS to find us! Please head south starting from downtown Moab. We will be on the right hand side approx 4 miles down the road. Our Address is 2182 US 191

    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 6 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Moab Scenic Adventures

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Please book separate reservations for groups over 6. Your group will travel together in separate vehicles.

    Photos

    Canyonlands National Park Tours, Canyonlands National Park Backcountry Tour in MoabCanyonlands National Park Tours, Canyonlands National Park Backcountry Tour in MoabCanyonlands National Park Tours, Canyonlands National Park Backcountry Tour in MoabCanyonlands National Park Tours, Canyonlands National Park Backcountry Tour in MoabCanyonlands National Park Tours, Canyonlands National Park Backcountry Tour in MoabCanyonlands National Park Tours, Canyonlands National Park Backcountry Tour in Moab

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 83 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    9 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    8 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    4 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Traveler reviews

    83 verified traveler reviews for Canyonlands National Park Backcountry Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    80
    4 star
    2
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    Jan_H · October 2026

    Canyonlands Moab Adventures Tour

    Enjoyed a fantastic and exhilarating Canyonlands Tour today with Mike, our tour guide. Mike shared many interesting stories along the way while expertly navigating the backcountry roads in the park. Some favorite stops included the Musselman Arch, Thelma and Louise Point and other stunning views. This is a must do tour while on vacation in Moab!

    Response from the operator: Right on! We are so thrilled to hear that Mike showed you a wonderful time in Canyonlands. Mike is for sure one of our best story tellers.

    via Viator

    shmuelap · October 2026

    Buckle up buttercup

    Crusty rusty Mike the repeller was our guide on this breathe holding storyteller extraordinar Mike adventure in canyon lands. We drove from nola to Fort Worth to Santa Fe nm to Jackson hole wy to Moab back to Santa Fe to San Antonio to nola I am still thinking about the best storyteller beautiful 2 hour ride with Mike it was Tony the Tiger greaaaat

    Response from the operator: We are thrilled that Mike was able to show your group a stellar time through Canyonlands. Mike is a heck of a story teller, we always love to hear when people get a laugh from Mike

    via Tripadvisor

    Allen_R · September 2026

    This was a fun tour. Mike...

    This was an excellent back country tour. Mike was an entertaining and informative guide who showed us places and told us things we would not have seen or heard if we were not on a guided tour. It was a good mid-point between just staying on the paved highway on the canyon rim and “extreme” off-road exploring. Mike was a solid driver and we always felt safe. Canyonlands is so vast you can’t see everything on a single tour but this provided us with a good slice. Worth the money.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for the awesome review on this tour! We are so happy to hear that Mike showed you a great time through Canyonlands. Please reach out if you're ever in town again. Best regards!

    via Viator

    Y5656MHcherylg · September 2026

    Beautiful Ride

    Mike was a great guide. Beautiful views that he showed us. Plenty of information.

    Response from the operator: Right on! We are so thrilled Mike was able to show you a good time through Canyonlands. Thank you for you feedback, and we hope to see you again soon

    via Tripadvisor

    Travel22316190905 · September 2026

    Don’t miss this tour!

    Jack was a wonderful guide. He was very knowledgeable and provided a vast amount of information. The sights we saw were breathtaking. Would highly recommend this tour.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a wonderful 5-star review! We are thrilled to hear that you had an amazing experience on our Canyonlands National Park Backcountry Tour and that you enjoyed the breathtaking sights. We will be sure to pass along your kind words to Jack—he will be delighted to know his knowledge and guidance made your trip so memorable. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back for another adventure in the future!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    4.5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $171 to $225
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    32
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Moab Scenic Adventures, who run 5 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 64.6.

    See everything Moab Scenic Adventures runs

    Why this scores 75

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)93
    Review evidence (18% weight)60
    Booking momentum (14% weight)54
    Value for money (12% weight)72
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)52
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Canyonlands National Park Backcountry Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Moab.

    How much does Canyonlands National Park Backcountry Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $171 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 Tour take?

    +

    Plan for about 4.5 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 Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 75 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 91 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Moab, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Canyonlands National Park Backcountry Tour?

    +

    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 Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Canyonlands National Park Backcountry Tour?

    +

    Around 32 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?

    +

    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 4.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Canyonlands National Park Backcountry Tour start and how do I get there?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 Tour?

    +

    Included: Private transportation; Bottled water; and Snacks. Not included: Gratuity not included but always appreciated; and Entrance fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Canyonlands National Park Backcountry Tour include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 46 listed pickup locations in and around Moab. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time.

    What languages is Canyonlands National Park Backcountry Tour offered in?

    +

    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 Tour?

    +

    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.

    Is Canyonlands National Park Backcountry Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Canyonlands National Park Backcountry Tour if the weather is bad?

    +

    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 Tour?

    +

    Across 91 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Canyonlands National Park Backcountry Tour.

    Pick your date