Descend the Shafer Trail, stand at Thelma and Louise Point, and watch the Colorado River carve the canyon below on a four-hour backcountry 4x4 from Moab. This half-day tour pairs geological context and short walks with off-road adrenaline.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You climb into the back of a four-door Wrangler as the morning sun sharpens the canyon rim. The engine hums, tires find traction, and within half an hour the red light of Moab gives way to bleached slickrock and a horizon sliced by mesas. The guide outlines the plan: a 30-mile drive into Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky, switchbacks down the famous Shafer Trail and a string of overlooks where the Colorado River dares you to look straight down.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most travelers as a passenger; be able to walk short uneven trails and handle brief standing at viewpoints.
Wildlife
History
The Island in the Sky region contains archaeological sites tied to ancestral Puebloan peoples and later Euro-American ranching and river-running histories.
Conservation
Canyonlands’ fragile soils and cryptobiotic crust are easily damaged; stay on roads and marked paths and pack out all trash. Operators follow park guidelines to minimize impact.
Reserve your spot on the Canyonlands National Park Backcountry 4x4 Adventure from Moab today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Hydrate and refill
Bring a refillable water bottle; free refills are available at the operator and you’ll be exposed to sun and wind for hours.
Wear sturdy shoes
Short walks from overlooks include slickrock and loose gravel — closed-toe shoes with grip are recommended.
Prepare for motion
The Shafer switchbacks and off-road sections are rough; those prone to motion sickness should take precautions or avoid the tour.
Protect your gear
Dust is omnipresent — use protective cases for cameras and keep electronics in sealed pockets when not shooting.
Refillable water bottle
Keeps you hydrated across exposed viewpoints and off‑road bumps.
Sturdy hiking shoes
Necessary for short hikes off overlooks and on slickrock.
Wide‑brim hat & sunscreen
Protects against intense desert sun and reflective heat from rock surfaces.
summer
Light wind shell
Useful for sudden temperature drops and dusty gusts on the mesa.
spring