Ride into Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky backcountry aboard a 4x4 for private stops at Shafer Trail, Musselman Arch, and ancient petroglyphs. This half‑day tour mixes geology, human history, and wide canyon views with comfort and expert interpretation.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The vehicle climbs out of Moab's heat and the canyon rim opens like a map folded into cliffs. Wind carries dust along slickrock shoulders while your guide eases the 4x4 onto a dirt ledge; the canyon below feels active, as if it’s daring you to look closer. Over the next four hours you’ll move between paved stretches and true backcountry tracks, stopping where the views—and the light—are best.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4–5 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required—participants should be able to climb into a 4x4 and stand for short interpretive stops.
Wildlife
History
The Island in the Sky area preserves millennia of human history from Ancestral Puebloan rock art to 20th‑century potash mining and modern film history at Thelma & Louise point.
Conservation
Stay on designated roads and follow Leave No Trace principles; motorized travel is restricted to established routes to protect cryptobiotic soil and fragile desert vegetation.
Reserve your spot on the Canyonlands National Park Backcountry Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring a reusable water bottle
Hydration is essential—refill stations are limited, and the tour provides bottled water but a refillable bottle reduces waste.
Sun protection matters
High desert sun can be intense even on cool days; bring a wide‑brim hat and SPF 30+ sunscreen.
Expect dust and bumpy roads
Wear closed‑toe shoes and secure loose items—4x4 sections can kick up dust and require steady footing when boarding or exiting.
Timing for photos
Golden hour yields the best contrast on canyon walls—ask your guide to time a stop near sunrise or late afternoon if possible.
Reusable water bottle
Keeps you hydrated between provided bottled water and reduces plastic waste.
Sun hat & sunscreen
Protects against intense desert sun and UV reflection from slickrock.
summer
Sturdy closed‑toe shoes
Needed for short walks on uneven sandstone and for safe entry/exit from the vehicle.
Lightweight layers or wind jacket
Useful for temperature swings on the canyon rim and when the vehicle is stopped for photos.
fall