Moab Bundle: Arches Canyonlands, and La Sal Self-Guided Tours

If you’re planning a trip to Moab and want to see its iconic parks without being tied to a big tour group, this self-guided audio tour bundle from Shaka Guide might just be what you need. It’s a flexible way to explore Arches, Canyonlands, and La Sal Mountain Loop at your own pace, with the added benefit of detailed narration and offline maps.

What we like: First, the ability to revisit stops as many times as you’d like really lets you tailor your experience. Plus, the stories and tips included make each stop more meaningful—no boring waiting around for a guide.

A potential consideration: The main caveat is that this is a self-guided experience, so if you thrive on guided tours with a charismatic guide, you might find this less engaging. Also, keeping in mind that admission tickets to parks are not included**, so you’ll need to plan accordingly.

This tour bundle is especially suited for travelers who prefer independence, enjoy driving themselves, and want to maximize their time with detailed insights without rushing or sticking to a fixed schedule.

Key Points

• Three tours for one price offer great value for exploring multiple parks.
• Unlimited replays and offline maps provide flexibility, making it easy to customize your visit.
• The tour covers major highlights like Delicate Arch, Mesa Arch, Dead Horse Point, and La Sal Mountains.
• Audio narration with stories, tips, and music makes the drive more engaging and informative.
• It’s an excellent choice for those who like to explore at their own pace—stop when you want, skip when you don’t.
• The pricing at $24.99 per group is budget-friendly, especially since it covers up to 15 people.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Day 1: Arches National Park

We start with what many consider the star of Moab—Arches National Park. Known for its surreal stone formations, this park has the highest concentration of natural arches in the world. The self-guided audio tour will help you navigate this expansive area with stories about its geology and history, making each stop more meaningful.

Expect to visit some of the most famous arches, like Delicate Arch, which is probably the most iconic sight of Moab. The tour also includes Landscape Arch and Double O Arch, each with their own unique shapes and stories.

The benefit here is that you’re not confined to a schedule—if you want to linger at Delicate Arch for sunset or pause to take photos longer, you can. Keep in mind that admission tickets to Arches are not included, so you’ll need to reserve those separately.

One reviewer mentions, “Had a great time! Clint was a great guide and lots of fun!” which highlights the quality of narration and storytelling you can expect, even if delivered through an app.

Day 2: Canyonlands National Park

Next up is Canyonlands National Park, focusing on the Island of the Sky District, which offers some of the most dramatic vistas in Utah. The tour guides you through popular spots like Dead Horse Point, famous for its sweeping views, and Mesa Arch, a favorite for sunrise pictures.

The guide also recommends six hiking trails, including Upheaval Dome, giving you options if you want to stretch your legs. The narration aims to bring the landscape to life, sharing not just the sights but stories around the area’s formation and significance.

A reviewer noted that “The audio guide is supposed to work with your GPS on the phone, but we got poor signal and audio cut off in 2 seconds,” so ensure your device has a good connection or download everything beforehand. Fortunately, the offline maps help with navigation even without signal.

Day 3: La Sal Mountain Loop & Moab Area

The final day takes you on a scenic drive through the Manti-La Sal National Forest. This part is more about appreciating the mountains and nature, with stops at Warner Lake, Fisher Towers, and Parriott Mesa. It’s a more relaxed day, giving you time to explore or visit local attractions like the Moab Museum of Western Heritage.

This part of the tour is completely free of admission fees and offers a nice change of pace from the rugged parks, with plenty of opportunities for photos or picnics.

What Travelers Say

One reviewer praised the guide, saying, “Clint was a great guide and lots of fun,” which underscores the value of knowledgeable narration. Another reviewer had a less positive experience, citing poor signal that cut off the audio, but emphasized the importance of downloading the tour beforehand.

A satisfied customer shared, “We only did the Arches part, but it was informative and allowed us to stop and start as we liked. The jokes sprinkled in made it lighthearted,” which highlights how the tour balances education and entertainment.

Overall, people appreciate the flexibility and the stories that make each site more engaging. The price point is also attractive—at just $24.99 for the whole bundle, it’s a budget-friendly way to cover multiple parks without paying per person or per tour.

The Practicalities

Since the tours are self-guided and mobile, you’ll need your own vehicle. The tour provides turn-by-turn GPS directions and offline maps, which are handy given that Moab’s cell service can be spotty in remote areas.

Timing-wise, each major park tour is about 8 hours, giving you plenty of time to stop, explore, eat, and photograph. The La Sal Mountain drive is shorter at around 4 hours, offering a more relaxed day.

Booking well in advance is recommended—most bookings are made about 16 days ahead—so plan accordingly. Remember, your park entry tickets are not included, so reserve those early to avoid disappointment.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re someone who enjoys exploring at your own pace, appreciates a good story behind stunning scenery, and wants to keep costs down, this bundle is a smart choice. It’s especially appealing for groups of up to 15 people, making it a flexible option for families or groups of friends.

However, if you thrive on guided tours with a charismatic guide who can answer your questions in real-time, this might not satisfy that desire. Also, be mindful of the technical aspect—poor signal can be an issue unless you download everything beforehand.

This experience is ideal for travelers who value independence but still want to soak up useful info and stories. Plus, the ability to revisit stops as many times as needed makes it perfect for those who like to take their time or explore more deeply.

FAQ

Do I need to join a specific start time?
No, you can start the tour whenever you like. It’s completely customizable, and you can pause or restart as needed.

Are the tours suitable for multiple days?
Yes, the tours never expire, so you can stretch them over multiple days or revisit parts as often as you want.

Do I need Wi-Fi or data?
No, the offline maps and pre-downloaded audio content mean you don’t need Wi-Fi once you’ve downloaded the tour.

Is the price per person or per group?
It’s $24.99 per group, up to 15 people, making it very cost-effective for small groups or families.

Are park entry tickets included?
No, you’ll need to purchase your own admission to Arches and Canyonlands separately.

How does the navigation work?
The tours include turn-by-turn GPS directions, so you won’t get lost even if cell service drops out.

Can I do the tour with children?
While not specifically marketed as family tours, the narration is kid-friendly enough for most families, but consider your children’s interest in driving and scenery.

What if the audio guide doesn’t work?
Some reviews mention signal issues, but downloading the tour beforehand should prevent this. If problems persist, contact support at [email protected].

Exploring Moab independently with this self-guided tour bundle offers a flexible, affordable, and informative way to see its most famous sights. It’s a good fit if you’re comfortable navigating on your own and love stories and insights along the way. Just plan ahead for park tickets, download everything in advance, and enjoy the ride.