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Exploring Arches National Park Backcountry: A 4x4 Adventure from Moab - Moab

Exploring Arches National Park Backcountry: A 4x4 Adventure from Moab

Moabmoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

4 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for most fitness levels; involves short hikes and sitting in a moving vehicle over rugged terrain.

Overview

Journey beyond the paved roads of Arches National Park on a 4x4 backcountry tour from Moab. Discover hidden arches, dinosaur tracks, and panoramic vistas in a rugged landscape carved by time and salt.

Exploring Arches National Park Backcountry: A 4x4 Adventure from Moab

jeep-tour
other
wildlife

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Arches National Park is a landscape daring travelers to witness its raw, sculpted beauty beyond the beaten path. From the small city of Moab, Utah, this backcountry adventure carves a route through lesser-traveled trails in a 4x4 Jeep Rubicon, pushing visitors off paved roads and into the heart of the park’s secretive sandstone terrain. Climbing through Willow Springs Road, the tour slips through the 'back door' to Arches — a less crowded gateway that threads across rugged earth and winds past towering rock formations shaped over millions of years.

Adventure Photos

Exploring Arches National Park Backcountry: A 4x4 Adventure from Moab photo 1

Adventure Tips

Bring plenty of water

Hydration is crucial when exploring backcountry trails exposed to desert sun—carry at least 2 liters per person.

Wear sturdy hiking shoes

Trails include off-pavement terrain; solid footwear with good grip is necessary for short hikes at stops.

Apply sun protection before departure

Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats as shade is sparse during the excursion.

Prepare for motion sensitivity

Off-road sections can be bumpy; avoid the tour if prone to motion sickness or vertigo.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Mule deer
  • Golden eagles

History

The area around Arches was inhabited by Native American tribes for thousands of years, leaving behind petroglyphs and traces of their presence near the park.

Conservation

Preserving the fragile desert ecosystem is a priority; staying on designated trails and respecting wildlife helps maintain the landscape’s integrity.

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Adventure Hotspots in Moab

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Sunscreen

Essential

spring specific

Sturdy hiking shoes

Essential

summer specific

Wide-brim hat or visor

Essential

summer specific

Light backpack or daypack

Useful for carrying water, camera, and personal items during stops

fall specific