Arches National Park Back Country Adventure from Moab

Exploring the Arches National Park Back Country Adventure from Moab

Looking for a way to experience Arches National Park beyond the typical crowded viewpoints? This Back Country Adventure with Adrift Adventures might just be what you need. While we haven’t done it ourselves, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions suggest it’s a great way to see some of the park’s lesser-visited spots, combined with the thrill of off-road driving.

What we love about this tour is the combination of expert guides who bring the landscape alive with stories and insights, and the chance to access remote backcountry areas that most visitors never get to see. Plus, the Jeep Rubicons are enclosed and air-conditioned, which definitely helps on those hot days. On the flip side, a potential consideration is the 4-hour duration—it’s a compact trip, so if you’re craving a longer, more immersive experience, this might feel a bit rushed.

This adventure suits travelers who appreciate nature, geology, and off-road fun. It’s especially good for those who want a deeper look at Arches without the crowds or who enjoy a bit of adventure in their sightseeing. If you’re concerned about mobility or travel restrictions, note that the jeep seats are rotated for comfort and accessibility, but it’s always worth checking if you have special needs.

Key Points

• Small group size (max 12 travelers) means personalized attention and a more intimate experience
• Knowledgeable guides enhance the tour with interesting facts and stories
• Off-road access takes you to remote areas and viewpoints inaccessible by regular vehicles
• Comfortable transportation with enclosed, air-conditioned Jeep Rubicons
• Flexible seat rotation keeps everyone comfortable during the 4-hour trip
• Great value considering the included snacks, water, and expert guidance

What to Expect from the Tour

This backcountry adventure starts with a trip north on US 191, passing the entrance to Arches National Park. Unlike many tours that stick to the main roads, this one uses a special use permit to enter via Willow Springs Road, leading you into more hidden parts of the park. You’ll get to see the dinosaur tracks in Utah Raptor State Park along the way—an exciting bonus for those interested in natural history—and enjoy spectacular views of the La Sal Mountains.

The Itinerary Breakdown

First Stop: Arches National Park
From the start, you’re in one of the most renowned parks in the US, home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches. Instead of just passing through, you’ll get to see key formations like Delicate Arch from a viewpoint, appreciating its grandeur without the crowds. The park’s unique geology lies above an underground salt bed, which creates the dramatic arches, spires, and fins.

Next: The Windows Section
This area is famous for its large, accessible arches like North and South Windows, with views that are perfect for photos and understanding the scale of these formations. The reviews mention the scenic drive through the park as a highlight, and you’ll have around 40 minutes here to soak in the views and take photos.

Sand Dune Arch
Hidden among rocks, this tiny but picturesque arch is a favorite for many. It’s a quick stop—about 20 minutes—but you’ll love the unique setting of this shaded, sandy spot. The tour’s small group means you can take your time to explore and photograph this little gem.

Delicate Arch Viewpoint
From the vehicle, you get to see one of the most iconic symbols of Utah. While not a close-up hike, the viewpoint offers a stunning perspective of the delicate, freestanding arch. Many reviews mention how the guides make the experience more rewarding with stories and context.

What Makes the Experience Special

The real value here is the off-road journey through less-visited parts of the park, combined with the expert insight of guides like Ric, Bill, and Mark. Reviewers repeatedly praise the guides’ knowledge, storytelling, and driving skills, making the adventure both fun and educational.

Travelers mention that the scenery is simply breathtaking and that the guides are able to make even the most familiar landmarks feel fresh by showing them from different angles. Plus, the refreshments—ice, water, snacks—are appreciated during the trip, especially under the sun.

The Practical Details: What You Need to Know

This tour lasts about 4 hours, making it a perfect half-day adventure. The price of $210 per person reflects the unique access, small group size, and guided experience. Considering you get a private-style tour with expert guides and transportation in high-quality vehicles, many would see this as good value for the intimate and personalized experience.

Transportation is by enclosed, air-conditioned Jeep Rubicon, designed for comfort and safety on rugged terrain. The group size is capped at 12, ensuring you’ll get plenty of attention from your guide and a less crowded experience.

What to bring is straightforward: water (refills are free), sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, sturdy shoes, camera, and a day pack. Be aware that not recommended for those with motion sickness or vertigo, as you’ll be on unpaved, bumpy roads in a high-clearance vehicle.

Booking in advance is recommended—most travelers reserve about 53 days ahead—highlighting its popularity. The tour is also flexible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before, which gives some peace of mind if your plans change.

What Do Travelers Say? Authentic Perspectives

Many reviews praise the knowledge and friendliness of the guides. One reviewer called Ric “probably the best tour guide we’ve ever had,” emphasizing his ease of conversation and expertise. Others highlighted the stunning scenery—from the breathtaking views of the park to the hidden gems like Sand Dune Arch.

One reviewer shared, “Bill was lots of fun and extremely knowledgeable,” echoing the sentiment that the guides make the trip memorable. Several travelers also appreciated that the trip was more than just sightseeing; it was an adventure, with some noting how the off-road driving added excitement.

While most reviews are glowing, it’s worth noting that the 4-hour duration means the tour is fairly quick**. If you’re looking for a very in-depth, extended exploration, you might find this a bit light. Still, for what it offers, the price seems fair, given the access and guided insight.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This adventure is ideal for small groups or couples who want a personalized experience. It suits those interested in geology, natural scenery, and off-road driving. If you’re short on time but want to see a variety of key spots in Arches, this is a convenient choice.

It’s not targeted at those with mobility issues or motion sickness, due to the off-road nature and elevated vehicle. Families with older children or teens who enjoy a bit of adventure might also find this a memorable outing.

Final Thoughts

If you’re visiting Moab and want to see Arches National Park from a different angle, this Back Country Adventure offers a fantastic blend of scenic views, expert guides, and off-road fun. The small group size, knowledgeable guides, and remote locations set this apart from standard park tours.

While it may be a quick trip, it’s packed with memorable moments and unique perspectives. For travelers who love a bit of adventure, enjoy learning about fascinating landscapes, and want a comfortable, guided experience, this tour is a solid choice.

The experience is particularly well-suited for those who value personalized attention and want to avoid the crowds while still hitting some of the park’s most iconic sights. With consistent rave reviews and a high overall rating, it’s clear many find this trip worth the price.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour is generally suitable for most travelers, it involves off-road driving in a high-clearance vehicle, and the guide recommends checking with the office if traveling with children, especially if they have special needs or concerns about motion.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 4 hours, making it a good choice for a half-day outing.

Do I need to bring my park entrance fee?
No, the park entrance fee is not included, but you’ll enjoy a scenic drive and stops that don’t require additional tickets. Be prepared for possible extra costs if you visit other parts of the park independently.

What’s included in the price?
You get an experienced guide, snacks, water, ice, and transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned Jeep Rubicon. Parking is available at the meeting point.

Is this tour physically demanding?
Most travelers can participate comfortably, but some parts involve light walking at stops. The off-road driving can be bumpy, so sturdy footwear is recommended.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 53 days ahead, so planning early is advised to secure a spot, especially in peak seasons.

If you’re after a unique, knowledgeable-guided tour that takes you behind the scenes of Arches, with the added thrill of off-road driving, this adventure from Moab offers a memorable way to explore Utah’s stunning landscapes.