Canyonlands National Park Needles District by 4x4

Overview

Explore the awe-inspiring landscape of Chesler Park, located in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. This full-day tour by 4-wheel drive (4WD) visits remote sections of the pristine wilderness. Your expert guide drives over some of Utah's most rugged off-road tracks to highlights such as Elephant Hill, Devil's Kitchen, Devil's Lane and SOB Hill. Take an optional 3-mile (4.8-km) hike on the incredible Joint Trail to experience even more of this national park’s breathtaking beauty up close.

City: Moab

Sat 16 Nov

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $316.46

Make a reservation

Sat 16 Nov

Starting at $316.46

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Professional guide

Hotel pick-up and drop-off (depending on location)

Transport by 4x4 vehicle

Ice Water

Buffet-style lunch

Additional Info

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Things to Bring: reusable bottle (your guide will have lots of extra water available), sun protection/camera/suitable attire and footwear for the weather
NAVTEC Expeditions is an authorized concessionaire of Canyonlands and Arches National Park
If you have an Annual National Parks Pass, please bring this for your park entrance fee, otherwise you will need to purchase a day pass for $15
Every 4x4 tour needs a minimum of 3 individuals to run. If your trip does not meet the minimum the day prior, you will be offered other tour options or get a full refund (Another option is to pay for the 3rd fare)

What To Expect

NAVTEC Expeditions - Day Tours

Make your own way to the conveniently located meeting point in Moab, then hop into the sturdy and comfortable 4WD vehicle for the scenic 2-hour drive to Chesler Park, located in the heart of the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park.

Needles District Visitor Center

The Needles District offers awe-inspiring landscapes and scenic vistas at every turn. Admire towering multicolored rock formations, ancient rock art, desert landscapes dotted with cactus and the vibrant blue southwestern sky. Keep an eye out for a variety of critters including birds, lizards, mule deer and big horn sheep, and enjoy the scent of pinyon, juniper and sage brush in the desert air.

Elephant Hill

Your guide expertly maneuvers the 4WD over Elephant Hill, known as one of the most challenging 4WD trails in southeastern Utah. Pass Devil's Kitchen and cruise down Devil's Lane before encountering SOB Hill, another challenge to the driving skills of your guide.

Canyonlands National Park

At midday, enjoy a delicious buffet-style picnic lunch at a gorgeous viewpoint. Afterward, have the option to hike the Joint Trail to the spacious meadows of Chesler Park, one of Canyonlands' most spectacular spots. Expect to walk a 3-mile loop on a well-groomed trail that passes between enormous boulders and side canyons. The trail has a good walking surface and steep uphill pitch in parts, making for a challenging hike suitable for strong hikers. Or skip the hike and simply relax at the vehicle with time to soak up the beauty around you. Either way, your 4WD tour takes you to some of the more remote parts of the Canyonlands so that you can experience this stunning landscape firsthand.

Utah Scenic Byway 279 Rock Art Sites

In an area filled with challenging mountain passes, technical terrain and plenty of level 2, 3 and 4 hikes, the Rock Art Sites of Moab offer travelers easy access to ancient drawings scattered along paths even a novice can navigate.

Moab

After a full day of exploring by 4WD, your guide returns you to your starting point in Moab to end your tour.

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Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (220)

robertmaster123

May 2022

We took the all day 4X4 tour of the Needles district of Canyonlands. The driver/guide Matt was fantastic. The ride through elephant hill was exhilarating. A tasty lunch was served. Then we had a hike with beautiful views. This was a great experience.

DarleneK446

May 2022

We did the overnight Needles District with Mic from Navtec. Everything about the trip was top notch and exceeded our expectations. Our guide, Mic, was knowledgeable about the history, flora and fauna, an expert at navigating Elephant Hill and other obstacles, and an awesome camp host and cook. The hikes were amazing. Navtec was very accommodating and flexible regarding our dates. We hope to do it again!

nicoledbaker

Apr 2022

We did the Elephant Hill drive to Chessler Park and the Joint trail. Our guide, Justin, was phenomenal. I cannot say enough about what an incredible guide he was and super friendly/personable. I would definitely do another trip and request him. Now, about Elephant Hill, I would say this is not for the feint of heart. I Had researched the trip and watched You Tube videos to make sure this wasn’t going to be too intense for my family. I will say the videos don’t do it justice. This is a very intense drive right off the bat. As soon as you leave the parking lot to ascend the trail, it is steep, uneven terrain with drop offs. I felt like I was strapped in to a rollercoaster and wanted to get off! I was terrified for the first 10 minutes. I would describe myself as a fairly adventurous person, (2 days earlier we went rappelling), and this is legitimately the scariest activity I have done Before getting started on our hike, Justin set up a great picnic lunch and then we hit the trail which was spectacular. There was some scrambling, climbing and hiking through narrow passageways. My kids loved this. The views of the Needles and Chessler Park were spectacular. That being said, it was an awesome day. We are a family of 4 with a 9 and 12 year old. To get to the Joint trail via hike would have been too much for us, so this was a reasonable alternative that included the fun of a 4x4 experience. Before getting started on our hike, Justin set up a great picnic lunch and then we hit the trail which was spectacular. There was some scrambling, climbing and hiking through narrow passageways. My kids loved this. The views of the Needles and Chessler Park were spectacular. I will say, after getting over the initial shock of elephant hill I really enjoyed the trip. There are a few other questionable sections in the trail, and you have to exit the same way you entered, so elephant hill must be completed a second time along with the frightening descent down to the parking lot. Justin shared that this is one of the most technical trails in the area. I felt that our family was in good hands with his expert knowledge and safety training. He was always calm and in control which helped to allay my fears and as the day went on I actually enjoyed some of the obstacles. I wish we had more time in Moab. I would love to do the half day Arches tour as well. We will just have to come back for that and I hope Justin is still there!