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)

CJsAZ

Oct 2021

this was hands down the BEST 4x4 trip we've EVER taken. Puts the Pink Jeep tours in Sedona to shame!! The guide, Buzz, was just terrific. An EXTREMELY experienced and skilled driver on this very difficult 4x4 paths...and just a wealth of knowledge and insights into the culture, history and geology of the area. The hike we took was AWESOME and challenging but so worth it. The lunch they prepared was terrific too! given that the whole experience was about 10 hours or so, we thought it was just the very best day we had in the National Parks in Utah overall....and we'd recommend this to ANYONE!!! We're in our early 60s and while the hike was challenging, with some scrambling over rocks, climbs that required a hand up or a guiding hand to place a foot on the way down, we enjoyed it immensely. You do have to have a reasonable level of fitness to do the hike. Not extreme, but no walk in the park. The 4x4 ride is just incredible where these Toyota Land Cruisers can go through, up and down. Just a fun, fun experience!!!

ahs3826

Oct 2021

Our trip exceeded all expectations and our expectations were very high. A thrilling and rugged ride over Elephant Hill was only the start of an awesome day. Our hike led us through stunning joints and broad vistas. Our guide, Buzz, provided us with great information regarding the geography and ecosystem of the area. He was also a big help in safely guiding us through the more challenging parts of the hike. This will be the highlight of our trip to Moab.

Jim M

Oct 2021

Beyond our highest expectations. This trip should really be headlined "The Needles' Elephant Hill - A 4X4 Tour de Force" rather than focusing on the Needles District alone. Yes, that is technically where you spend the day, but doesn't give you the breathtaking nature of the drive up and down Elephant Hill. And that drive, more like a rock-bedded roller coaster than a "road" is one of the greatest natural thrill rides you'll ever experience. Our guide, Charlotte, combined grace, toughness, technical prowess and an unbridled passion for the natural and man-made wonders of the Needles District. She was Central-Casting perfect for her role. The Navtec guides have great, first-name relationships with the Canyonlands rangers and have earned their respect. There's also a hike through the Joint Trail, one of my favorite hikes of all time. Even if you're not a big hiker, Charlotte will guide you through the trail. I can't rave enough about this trip.