Canyonlands National Park Backcountry Tour
5.0 / 5 · 87 traveler reviews
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.
Your experience
Stop 1
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.
Stop 2
Potash Road as it carves along the Colorado River, tracking beneath towering red cliffs before the pavement ends and the real backcountry begins
Stop 3
Stand beneath the towering sheer cliffs, where centuries-old petroglyphs left by ancient cultures are etched into the dark desert varnish.
Stop 4
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.
Stop 5
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.
Stop 6
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.
What’s included
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- Snacks
Not included
- Gratuity not included but always appreciated
- Entrance fees
Meeting and pickup
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 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.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
Check dates and book on Viator →Confirm the meeting point, inclusions, cancellation policy and final price on Viator. We may earn a commission from your booking.