Riding the Slickrock: A Moab Backcountry Off-Road Experience
Short, scenic, and adrenaline-tinged—how Moab’s backcountry opens up when the pavement ends
The engine threads a low, steady growl through a canyon the color of old pennies. Dust settles in the sunlight like slow sand and the truck’s tires kiss slickrock with a sound that feels part rubber, part applause. We slide over ridgelines that look like the back of some enormous, patient creature; from any angle, the red sandstone is both map and manifesto. Behind the wheel, a veteran guide — someone who grew up reading the land like the weather — points out fracture lines and hard-to-see desert varnish, and the vehicle leans into curves the pavement never made. This is Moab’s backcountry: a place where the landscape dares you to pay attention and rewards you for moving slowly enough to notice.
Trail Wisdom
Hydrate Early
Start sipping water before you leave town and carry at least 1–1.5 liters per person for a 2–3 hour tour; desert heat and vehicle motion dehydrate faster than you expect.
Choose a Comfortable Seat
Wear supportive, closed-toe shoes and seats can get bumpy—bring a thin seat cushion if you’re sensitive to jolts.
Protect Your Skin
Sun protection is non-negotiable—wide-brim hat, high-SPF sunscreen, and sunglasses cut glare off the slickrock.
Listen to Your Guide
Guides know which lines are safe for vehicles and which require foot travel—follow instructions for your safety and the vehicle’s.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Corona Arch trail (a dramatic arch outside Arches NP with a 3-mile round-trip)
- •Gemini Bridges overlook—a photogenic double-bridge formation visible from small pullouts
Wildlife
Desert Bighorn Sheep, Common Raven
Conservation Note
Much of the route is across BLM-administered lands; stay on designated roads, avoid creating new tracks, and pack out all waste to protect fragile cryptobiotic soils.
The Moab region has long histories of Indigenous habitation followed by ranching and mining; the landscape holds petroglyphs and archaeological sites that speak to centuries of human presence.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Wildflower pockets, Comfortable daytime temps, Photography of layered light
Challenges: Possible late-season storms, Mud on low-lying dirt roads, Variable temps
Spring offers pleasant temperatures and bursts of desert bloom; watch for sudden rain that can slick rock and make some routes impassable.
summer
Best for: Long daylight hours, Sunset color shows, Evening tours to avoid heat
Challenges: High daytime heat, Heat-related dehydration, Limited shade
Summer brings strong heat—schedule morning or sunset tours and carry ample water; midday heat can be intense on exposed slickrock.
fall
Best for: Peak light for photographers, Mild temps, Sunset and golden-hour rides
Challenges: Busy weekends, Cooler nights after sunset
Fall is ideal—stable weather and dramatic light—though popular dates book quickly, especially for sunset tours.
winter
Best for: Crisp air for clear photos, Fewer crowds, Low-angle winter sun
Challenges: Cold mornings, Occasional snow or ice on shaded slickrock, Shorter daylight
Winter can be quiet and beautiful but expect cold starts and the possibility of icy patches on shaded rock; layers are essential.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Hydration Reservoir or Water BottleEssential
Keeps you hydrated during warm, exposed sections—aim for at least 1 liter per hour.
Sturdy Closed-Toe ShoesEssential
Short walks and rocky surfaces need supportive footwear and good traction.
Wide-Brim Hat & SunscreenEssential
Protects against intense desert sun and glare off the slickrock.
Lightweight Wind/Insulating Layer
Mornings and evenings can be cool—layers let you adapt quickly.
Common Questions
How long is the tour?
Tours typically last 2 to 3 hours depending on whether you book a morning, afternoon, or sunset option.
Are there age limits or restrictions?
Most companies welcome children but check for minimum age or car-seat policies; pregnant travelers should consult with the operator before booking.
Is the tour safe for people prone to motion sickness?
The terrain can be bumpy; if you’re prone to motion sickness, take appropriate medication before the tour and choose a seat near the vehicle’s center.
Do I need permits?
Guided tours generally cover access on BLM roads; separate entrance fees apply if you stop inside Arches or Canyonlands National Parks.
What’s the cancellation policy?
This product offers free cancellation; check the operator’s policy for specific timelines and weather-related changes.
Are meals or drinks provided?
Most standard tours provide bottled water and light snacks on request—confirm specifics with the operator before booking.
What to Pack
Sun hat (shade & wind security), 1–1.5L water (hydration), Closed-toe shoes (traction for short walks), Light layers (temperature swings)
Did You Know
Arches National Park, just north of Moab, contains more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches—one of the highest concentrations on earth.
Quick Travel Tips
Book sunset tours early, carry cash for tips, expect patchy cell service in the backcountry, confirm meeting point in Moab downtown
Local Flavor
After a tour, grab a beer at Moab Brewery and dinner at Desert Bistro for locally sourced dishes; stroll Main Street for galleries and handcrafted maps that explain the landscape you’ve just traversed.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airports: Canyonlands Regional (CNY, ~25 miles) or Grand Junction (GJT, ~110 miles). Typical meeting point: Moab downtown—expect a 5–30 minute drive to pick-up points. Cell service: intermittent in backcountry. Permits: No special permit for most BLM roads; park entrance fees apply for Arches/Canyonlands.
Sustainability Note
This is BLM-managed desert—stay on designated routes, avoid off-trail hiking to protect cryptobiotic soils, and pack out all trash.
Continue Reading
Red Rock Primer: Two Hours Inside Sedona’s Scarlet Circuits
A fast, guided primer to Sedona’s iconic formations: two hours of geology, Wild West stories, and the best photo frames that will shape the rest of your trip.
Sedona, Arizona
Between Plates and Parliament: Hiking Thingvellir’s Rift and Waterways
Where Iceland’s parliament met and two continents keep a slow, visible disagreement—Thingvellir combines short cultural walks, long ridgeline hikes, and the surreal clarity of Silfra. It’s an intimate, elemental introduction to Icelandic landscape and history.
Reykjavík, Capital Region