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

Sun 17 Nov

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $316.46

Make a reservation

Sun 17 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.

Show 3 more stops

Cancellation Policy

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

Traveler Photos

Reviews (220)

Crystal Z

Sep 2019

This is an unbelievable adventure. Our guide Ben drove through Elephant Hill trial - beautiful scenery and extremely difficult road. We joked that we drove on hiking trial. The hiking is amazing. Only one person can pass the joint section and the view at the top is spectacular. Highly recommend.

Cynthia S

Sep 2019

Our guide, Chris, picked us up promptly and we were on our way to Canyonlands N.P. Needles area. We engaged instantly with Chris and the hour-long ride to the Park flew by. We met up with the rest of the group in another vehicle near the turnoff and proceeded into the park. Soon we were on a 'trail' that seemed impossible but our capable 4-wheel drive vehicle clamoured up the rocks with ease. Although the trail was narrow with long drop-offs beside it we felt safe, even though I have a fear of heights. Chris was an expert driver who negotiated the trail with confidence. We saw amazing geologic wonders as we negotiated the narrow trail. We got to a parking lot where we had a great lunch of sandwiches, fruit, chips and cookies. Then we took our hike through narrow crevices in rocks and climbing rocks to get to an amazing view of the Needles. The five of us on the hike, all well over 50, were all questioning our ability to complete the hike but Chris helped all of us get to the top and back again. One member of the group couldn't complete the hike and the other guide took her back to the vehicles to wait. The guides worked well together and supported us well throughout the day. We got back an hour and a half later than advertised but I took this as a plus because they took the time we needed both to feel comfortable and safe during the 4-wheel part of the tour as well as during the walk. We had a wonderful day seeing a part of Canyonlands we could never have seen on our own. I highly recommend this tour for folks who want some thrills but don't want to take on the responsibility of driving themselves.

Sallie D

Sep 2019

This all day trip takes you into the backcountry of the Needles district. It was adventurous, peaceful, and beautiful with amazing scenery. We 4x4’d down impressive rock routes, where we all held our breath a few times. We had a wonderful lunch out in the wilderness and did a awesome hike thru a slot-like Canyon and scrambled up rock to a breathtaking view of cool rock formations and far vistas. Buzz, our guide, was very skillful in driving the terrain. He was so knowledgeable about the geology of the area and the fragile ecosystem. We all enjoyed him and appreciated his input. He truly is passionate about the area! Loved, loved this tour!