Moab Shafer Trail 4x4: Full-Day Arches & Canyonlands Adventure
Spend a full day exploring both Arches and Canyonlands by 4x4: switchback the Shafer Trail, ride the White Rim views, and stop for framed arches and a picnic lunch. This nine-hour tour blends geology, local history and tight-shelf driving for an efficient Moab adventure.
The Experience
Before You Go
Bring a reusable water bottle
Guides provide extra water but you’ll want your own bottle for refills throughout the day to stay hydrated in the high desert heat.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes
Short hikes and uneven trail surfaces at viewpoints need good traction and ankle support—ditch sandals for the day.
Prepare for a bumpy ride
The Shafer Trail and White Rim sections are rough and elevated; if you get motion-sick, take medication before departure.
Bring sun protection and layers
Sun is intense on exposed ledges; a hat, sunscreen and a lightweight jacket for wind or cool mornings are smart.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Drive to lesser-seen overlooks on the Island in the Sky for quiet Colorado River curves
- •Small side pullouts on the Shafer Trail offer dramatic photo angles away from the main ledges
Wildlife
- •Desert bighorn sheep
- •Golden eagles or red-tailed hawks overhead
Conservation Note
These parks are fragile: stay on designated roads and trails to protect cryptobiotic soil and native plants; pack out all trash and use refillable bottles to reduce waste.
The area contains archaeological traces of Fremont and Ancestral Puebloan peoples and later usage by Ute and Paiute communities; 20th-century access roads opened the parks to modern visitation.
Photographer's Notes
- • Island in the Sky overlook for sweeping canyon panoramas
- • Shafer Trail switchback pullouts for dramatic ledge shots
- • Arches viewpoints near Windows and Balanced Rock for classic compositions
What to Bring
Reusable water bottleEssential
Guides refill bottles; you’ll need at least 2 liters for a hot day in the desert.
Sturdy closed-toe shoesEssential
Short walks to viewpoints involve rocky, uneven ground—support and traction matter.
Sun hat and sunscreenEssential
Direct sun exposure on mesas can be intense; protect skin and eyes.
Lightweight wind or fleece layer
Temperatures can swing, especially on exposed rims or in early morning departures.
Common Questions
Where do I meet the tour?
Meet at the operator office at 321 N. Main St. in Moab 15 minutes before departure; there is parking and curbside spots nearby.
Do I need a park pass?
Yes—if you don’t have an Annual National Parks Pass, you will need to purchase a day pass for each park (the operator notes $15 per park at booking time).
Is the tour suitable for people with back problems?
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries due to bumpy roads; check with the operator if you have concerns about mobility or medical conditions.
How rough is the Shafer Trail?
The Shafer Trail is a shelf road with steep switchbacks and exposed sections—driven professionally but expect significant bumps and low-speed, careful driving.
What’s included in the price?
Licensed guide service, a quality picnic lunch with ice water, and a narrated national park tour by four-wheel-drive vehicle are included.
What happens if the tour doesn’t meet the minimum participants?
Every 4x4 tour needs at least three guests; if minimums aren’t met you’ll be offered alternate options or a full refund; you can also pay for the third fare to keep the tour running.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
9 hours
Location
Moab, Utah
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness—able to board vehicles, walk short uneven trails, and remain seated through bumpy stretches.
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