Few places in the United States capture the imagination quite like Moab, Utah. Surrounded by two world-famous national parks, vast red rock canyons, and desert landscapes that look like they belong on another planet, Moab is an adventurer’s paradise. Visitors come from around the world to hike, climb, photograph, and most of all, explore.
For travelers who want to experience the parks and their surrounding lands in the most exciting and immersive way possible, Moab National Park tours with Outlaw Adventure Tours deliver an unforgettable adventure. Combining expert guidance, local insight, and access to stunning off-road trails, these tours offer a perspective on Moab’s natural beauty that goes far beyond what most visitors see.
Discover the Heart of Utah’s Red Rock Country
Moab sits between two of Utah’s crown jewels: Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. Each park is distinct, yet both share the dramatic desert scenery that defines this region of the American Southwest.
Arches National Park is home to over 2,000 natural stone arches, along with towering pinnacles, fins, and balanced rocks. Popular spots like Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, and Double Arch are famous for a reason, but there are also many hidden formations scattered beyond the paved roads.
Canyonlands National Park, just a short drive away, offers a very different but equally impressive landscape. Deep canyons carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers create vast plateaus and sheer cliffs. The views from Island in the Sky, The Needles, and The Maze are breathtaking and often stretch for miles in every direction.
Most visitors explore these parks by car or on foot, but Outlaw Adventure Tours provides a way to go further. Their guided off-road adventures reveal the places between and around these parks, where the boundaries blur and the raw beauty of the desert shines brightest.
Experience the Landscape from the Driver’s Seat
Moab is not just about seeing nature—it is about experiencing it. Outlaw Adventure Tours specializes in Jeep and UTV adventures that combine the thrill of off-roading with the wonder of Utah’s national park landscapes.
While national parks have designated driving and hiking areas, the surrounding public lands include countless off-road trails that lead to incredible viewpoints overlooking the parks themselves. These trails allow guests to see Arches and Canyonlands from unique vantage points that few visitors ever reach.
Guided tours take you across slickrock, through winding canyons, and up sandstone ridges where you can see the desert stretch endlessly in every direction. Along the way, your guide shares stories about the geology, history, and culture that shaped the region. It is an active, hands-on way to experience Moab’s national park country without worrying about navigation or safety.
Why Choose a Guided National Park Tour
There is no shortage of ways to explore Moab, but a guided tour brings advantages that make the experience richer and more rewarding.
Local Expertise: Outlaw’s guides are Moab locals who live and breathe the desert. They know which trails have the best views, which roads lead to hidden arches, and how to avoid crowded spots. Their insight turns a scenic drive into a meaningful adventure.
Access to Remote Trails: Many of the best off-road routes near Moab border Arches and Canyonlands but are not within the official park boundaries. These trails provide spectacular views of the parks without the restrictions of paved roads. Guides can safely take guests through these areas, where independent drivers might hesitate to venture.
Safety and Comfort: Off-roading near the national parks can be unpredictable. Professional guides handle every detail, from vehicle preparation to navigation, allowing you to focus on enjoying the ride.
Educational Insight: Guides also explain how the region’s unique rock formations were created, point out ancient petroglyphs, and share the stories behind the names of the trails and landmarks. This context deepens appreciation for the landscape and its significance.
Popular Routes Near the National Parks
Outlaw Adventure Tours offers several routes that showcase the beauty of Moab’s national park region.
Hell’s Revenge: One of Moab’s most iconic off-road trails, Hell’s Revenge offers thrilling climbs and heart-stopping descents across smooth sandstone slickrock. Along the way, you will enjoy panoramic views of the Colorado River and the cliffs of Arches National Park in the distance.
Fins & Things: This trail delivers a mix of fun obstacles and scenic beauty, perfect for those who want a balance of challenge and sightseeing. The views include sweeping vistas of Arches and the La Sal Mountains.
Shafer Trail: Winding along the edges of Canyonlands National Park, the Shafer Trail provides one of the most stunning drives in the Southwest. The narrow road descends dramatically from the mesa top into the canyon floor, offering unbeatable photo opportunities.
Chicken Corners: This route follows a scenic path along the Colorado River, providing incredible views of Canyonlands and the cliffs that define the river valley. It is a favorite among photographers and anyone seeking a more relaxed ride.
The Best Time to Visit Moab’s National Parks
While Moab is beautiful all year long, fall and spring are the best times for national park tours. The temperatures are comfortable, ranging from the 60s to 80s during the day, and the lighting is perfect for photography.
Fall brings rich colors and soft golden light that make the red rocks glow. The crowds thin out after summer, leaving the trails quieter and more peaceful. It is the perfect time for an off-road adventure combined with visits to Arches and Canyonlands.
Winter also has its charm. Snow occasionally dusts the cliffs, creating an incredible contrast against the red sandstone. With fewer visitors, the parks feel more serene, and guided tours provide safe, enjoyable access to areas that remain open year-round.
What to Bring for Your Adventure
Preparation makes a big difference when exploring the parks and backcountry around Moab. Outlaw Adventure Tours provides vehicles, safety gear, and water, but guests should bring a few essentials.
- Layered clothing: Temperatures can vary widely throughout the day.
- Closed-toe shoes: Comfortable footwear is important for getting in and out of vehicles and short walks at scenic stops.
- Camera or smartphone: The views are too good not to capture.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses: Even in winter, the desert sun is strong.
- A sense of adventure: The most important thing of all.
Make the Most of Your Moab Experience
Whether it is your first time in Moab or a return trip, guided off-road tours are the best way to experience the landscapes surrounding Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. Each route reveals something new—a hidden canyon, a panoramic overlook, or a story carved in stone.
When you choose a Moab National Park tour with Outlaw Adventure Tours, you are not just taking a ride. You are joining a journey guided by experts who know how to bring the desert to life. You will see, learn, and feel more than you ever could on your own.
Plan Your Moab National Park Tour Today
Outlaw Adventure Tours offers a variety of guided experiences that complement visits to Moab’s nearby national parks. Whether you crave the thrill of slickrock climbs or the peace of a scenic sunset ride, there is a tour designed for you.
FAQ
1. What do I need to bring and what should I wear for a tour?
We recommend you bring a hat, sunglasses, a jacket, a camera or your mobile phone, and wear closed-toe shoes that stay securely attached to your feet. It is also a good idea to dress in layers because the high desert temperatures can fluctuate, especially on morning or sunset tours.
2. How many people fit into a vehicle on a You-Drive or Ride-Along tour?
For our You-Drive UTV tours, up to four adults can fit in one vehicle, and there is a minimum charge for two people per vehicle. For Ride-Along Jeep tours, up to three adults fit in each Jeep, and we have one Jeep modified to accommodate five people provided two are smaller children.
3. What is the cancellation policy if something comes up?
You can cancel your tour 72 hours ahead of your scheduled departure for standard flexibility. If you cancel within the 72-hour window, please call us to discuss options for rebooking or applying your booking to a gift card, subject to our booking fee.
4. Can I bring my own vehicle on a guided tour?
Yes. We offer a guide service where you bring your own 4×4 vehicle and we provide expert navigation, support, and access to trails including the Jeep Badge of Honor routes and other hidden trails.
