11 Best Tours in Moab, UT (Our Top Picks)
This post may contain affiliate links, which means that we may earn a small commission, at no cost to you, for qualifying purchases. More info: Disclosure.
Moab in Utah is an amazing destination for outdoor and adventure lovers. There is so much to see and do in the area! Hiking, rafting, mountain biking, canyoneering… These are just a few of the big variety of Moab tours.
Furthermore, Moab is also a gateway to Arches National Park. It’s also just a short drive away from Canyonlands National Park. Both parks offer countless possibilities for things to experience.
But with such a big variety of things to do and tours in Moab, how do you choose the ones that are right for you? Those activities that will make your trip to this beautiful destination even more special…
In our previous articles, we shared some of the very best things to do in Moab and Moab itineraries for any trip duration. In this blog post, you can find an overview of the best excursions and organized tours in Moab. There is truly something for everyone and any of these tours will make your trip so much more memorable.
TIP: If you don’t have the time to read the entire article and are simply looking for the best tours in Moab, here are the most popular options:
- Scenic Arches Tour.
- 4×4 Hells Revenge Tour.
- Colorado River Half-Day Rafting Tour.
- 2-in-1: Colorado River Rafting + Canyonlands 4X4 Tour.
- Colorado River Dinner Cruise with Music and Light Show.
READ ALSO: Where to Stay in Moab
Best tours in Moab – OVERVIEW:
Here are some of the best tours in Moab, Utah:
1. 4WD Off-road Tours
An off-road tour in the Moab region is an experience you won’t quickly forget! Not only is it a great opportunity to get away from the crowds, but it’s also a thrilling way to escape into the wilderness and appreciate the stark beauty of Hell’s Revenge up close and personal!
If you’re feeling brave, you can take the wheel of your off-road vehicle yourself and follow your experienced guide. Safety is the number one priority on these tours and you will be fully briefed before getting behind the wheel. Still, driving these awesome but steep trails is not for the faint of heart!
Alternatively, you can share the driving with another member of your party. Or you can also ride as a passenger with your guide.
But the off-road tours in Moab are not just an adrenaline-rushing activity; it’s informative too. Local guides give you lots of information about the region that you just won’t come across elsewhere! You’ll even learn about dinosaurs that used to roam the area and get to see some of their fossilized trails!
Up to 4 passengers are allowed per vehicle and some tours allow children too. Just remember to arrive early so that child seats can be fitted.
Below, you can find our hand-picked selection of the best self-drive 4×4 tours.
Suggested off-road 4WD tours in Moab
Hell’s Revenge 4WD off-road tour. This self-drive tour is the perfect opportunity to test your mettle and is one of the most popular tours in Moab! It allows you to enjoy exceptional views of the Colorado River, La Sal Mountains, and Negro Bill Canyon as you negotiate steep climbs and descents over difficult terrain. You also stop near Lion’s Back to see the fossilized dinosaur tracks.
This tour is suitable for all ages (except babies) and all levels of experience, but the driver has to be over 18 and have a valid driver’s license. The tour takes about 2.5 hours and – in high season – it runs several times a day. Sunset tours are also available.
Backcountry Jeep Adventure. This is a good option for those who want to explore the natural beauty of the area with the excitement of off-road driving, but who prefer to let someone else do the driving. This tour also gives you the opportunity to see ancient rock art and carvings, some as old as 3,500 years!
Hell’s Revenge Trail Private Jeep Tour. This tour is similar to the one above but guarantees a private experience – just for your group. A pickup from your accommodation is also included.
2. Rafting
Rafting on the Colorado River is one of the most popular things to do in Moab in summer. It’s a great way to see some of the most amazing scenery that isn’t easily accessible otherwise. Furthermore, it’s also a perfect activity for hot summer days when temperatures soar over 100°F and more.
When it’s too hot to go hiking or do any other outdoor activities, rafting is a great alternative. It’s a great choice for anyone looking for a fun way to experience the beautiful area around Moab.
There are rafting tours available for everyone – from easy rafting/floating trips with class 1 or 2 rapids to more adventurous trips with some serious whitewater rafting.
So no matter if you are looking for a family-friendly tour in Moab or an adrenaline-rushing adventure, this is one activity that you really shouldn’t miss.
Suggested Moab rafting tours
Easy half-day rafting tour. This tour is perfect for families and everyone who is looking for a soft adventure rafting experience. You get to see some beautiful scenery and can also jump for a swim in the cool waters of the Colorado River. No experience is required and you don’t even have to peddle.
6hrs tour with class 2/3 rapids. This is an excellent rafting tour for those who want just a little bit more adventure. This trip is longer so you get to see more of the surroundings (including Scenic Hwy 128 and the Fisher Towers area) and there is just enough action to make it more exciting.
Full-day rafting tour with class 3 & 4 rapids. This is a longer and more adventurous rafting tour that covers a different part of the Colorado River, the Westwater Canyon. If you are looking for a real whitewater rafting experience in Moab, this is it!
READ ALSO: Rafting in Moab
3. Arches National Park
Named after its 2000+ natural sandstone arches – the largest collection to be found anywhere in the world – Arches National Park is filled with wondrous geological formations, including stunning pinnacles and fins.
The distinctive Arches landscape has formed the backdrop for parts of many major Hollywood movies, including classics such as Thelma and Louise, Indiana Jones, and The Last Crusade.
The best way to explore Arches is by going hiking or off-road driving. There is also a scenic drive with many nice stops that you can easily do in your own car or with this highly-rated tour.
However, if it’s too hot for hiking or if you want to visit some amazing places that are not easily accessible otherwise, a 4×4 tour from Moab to Arches is a great alternative.
A jeep tour is the best way to see unexplored corners of the park. Having an experienced driver/guide is a real bonus. With a local guide, you’ll be sure to see all the important sights and learn more about the area’s history.
READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Arches National Park
Recommended Arches NP tours from Moab
Arches National Park 4×4 Adventure from Moab. This half-day tour takes you into the backcountry. You’ll see Arches’ highlights, including the Tower Arch, the red rocks at Marching Men, and the Eye of the Whale. You can also hike the short but steep route to Tower Arch. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off. Iced drinks are provided.
Arches National Park 4×4 Drive and Hiking Tour. If you want to get off the beaten path in Arches and explore the very best of the park in a day, then this full-day tour is a great option! A combination of hiking and 4×4 off-road driving, this tour brings you to places that only very few people get to see.
Arches National Park Backcountry 4-hour Tour. This is one of the shorter 4WD tours to Arches NP and is ideal if you have less time available. You can explore the park’s best trails and most scenic areas, but also more remote places. Each Jeep has 4 passenger seats and your driver/guide will ask you to occasionally change positions so that no one has the same seat throughout the tour. Iced water and snacks are provided.
4. Canyonlands NP – Island in the Sky
Canyonlands National Park in Utah is another must-see place when visiting Moab. The park is very big and just small parts of it are easily accessible. The Island in the Sky section of Canyonlands NP is just 40 minutes drive from Moab. It is, therefore, a very popular day-trip destination.
If you have a car, you can easily visit the main highlights of the Island in the Sky district, such as Mesa Arch, and many nice viewpoints on your own. However, if you want to get off-road and visit the lesser-known places too, then it’s best to join a 4×4 tour from Moab.
Island in the Sky sits on sheer sandstone cliffs, over 1000 ft above the surrounding landscape. A jeep tour of the mesa top – looped around and under by the challenging 100-mile White Rim Road – gives you a very unique perspective of this spectacular terrain.
Experienced local drivers take you to the very best spots, navigating to the very top of mountains and to cliff edges for sweeping views down into the valleys. The benefits of a guided tour are that you get to see the most popular sights, but also the lesser-known and harder-to-reach ones too!
READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands Island in the Sky tours from Moab
Canyonlands National Park Half-Day Tour from Moab. This 4-hour tour is the best price-quality option for those looking to explore Canyonlands in a 4×4. It visits some amazing places that you wouldn’t be able to see in a regular car. The tour starts on the banks of the Colorado River and – among others – includes a visit to Thelma Louise Point, the Shafer Trail, and the Musselman Arch.
Canyonlands National Park White Rim Trail by 4WD. This is a full-day off-road tour deep into the park. It visits the Island in the Sky section, Gooseneck Overlook, Musselman Arch, Lathrop Canyon, and the Shafer Trail. You can also opt for short, guided hikes via secret passages into the area’s isolated canyons and caves. If you have a day to spare and don’t mind some bumpy roads, this is a great opportunity to get off the beaten path in Canyonlands!
Helicopter Tour. This is one of the most unique ways to see the vast wilderness of Canyonlands. The majority of the park isn’t easily accessible otherwise, but flying over it, you get to see some of the most incredible landscapes. Majestic canyons, red rocks and arches, and so much more – this tour is a bucket list experience in Moab!
Moab Combo: Colorado River Rafting and Canyonlands 4X4 Tour. This is one of the best Moab tours for those who want to see Canyonlands but also do rafting in one day. This full-day tour combines the thrill of off-roading with rafting. Please note that rafting here is easy and includes class 1 & 2 rapids only. If you want a more exhilarating rafting experience, you may want to check out one of the more adventurous trips (see the rafting tours section above or see our tip below).
5. Canyonlands NP – The Needles District
The Needles District is located in the southeast corner of Canyonlands. It is named after the Cedar Mesa Sandstone spires that are almost everywhere you look!
Off-roading here – on some of the most challenging tracks in southeastern Utah – is no mean feat. But with an expert driver and guide, you can sit back and enjoy the scenery without having to worry about the ‘roads’.
Needles District is a full 2-hour drive from Moab, but it’s worth going the extra distance to be able to see the majestic desert landscape of the area. This is not a place that you would easily visit on your own. So a tour is one of the absolute best ways to explore this part of the Canyonlands.
Suggested tour
Canyonlands National Park Needles District by 4×4. This is a full-day tour (10 hrs) during which you’ll see the highlights of Chesler Park and leave the crowds behind. It includes visits to Elephant Hill, Devil’s Lane, and Devil’s Kitchen.
You also have an option to hike 3 miles along the Joint Trail. The hike might be a bit challenging, but you get to see Chesler Park Meadows, one of the most scenic spots in Canyonlands!
Furthermore, you’ll learn lots about the area’s geology, history, and wildlife throughout the day. You may be lucky to spot bighorn sheep, lizards, and mule deer between the cactus. A buffet-style lunch is provided, along with iced water and lemonade.
6. Canyonlands & Arches Day Tour
Being able to see 2 premier parks in one day is a great option if you have a limited amount of time in Moab but don’t want to miss a thing! In that case, taking a tour is probably the best way to see the highlights of both parks.
Below, you can find our selection of the best tours that combine the best of the two parks.
And if you have a car and rather explore on your own, you can find a detailed itinerary that covers the musts of both – Arches and Canyonlans National Parks – in one day. Check it out!
READ ALSO: How to See the Best of Arches and Canyonlands in One Day
Suggested Arches & Canyonlands combo-tours
Full-Day Canyonlands and Arches 4×4 Driving Tour. This is one of the best value tours that cover both parks in one day. You get to see all the main highlights of the Island in the Sky part of Canyonlands as well as some amazing off-road locations in Arches National Park. Please note that this is a more off-the-beaten-path tour that visits locations you wouldn’t easily see yourself.
Day of Photography. Canyonlands and Arches are among the most photogenic National Parks in the world! This 9 to 11-hour tour is your chance to capture the most amazing photos you’ve ever taken! You’ll visit several locations with world-class views at sunrise in Canyonlands. In addition, you also visit several great spots in Arches at sunset. Experienced guides will suggest the best photography locations and help you with everything from achieving the perfect composition to the basics of photography (if needed).
7. Air Tours in Moab
Given the vast landscapes of Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, it is almost impossible to see everything you want to in a limited amount of time. What’s more, some of the best sights are not accessible by road and can’t be reached on foot. An air tour is a perfect way to take in all the magnificent scenery in its entirety.
Air tours are great for travelers who have never visited the area before or for those who might find it physically difficult to hike the terrain or sit in a 4WD vehicle for hours.
Nothing can compare with soaring over sweeping canyons, enjoying breathtaking birds-eye views that can only be fully appreciated from above!
Suggested air tours
Arches National Park Helicopter Tour. This is a short tour that brings you to some remote parts of Arches National Park that most visitors never see. You’ll see majestic red rocks and stunning natural arches. Because the flight is quite short, it’s also one of the most affordable air tours in Moab.
Canyonlands National Park Helicopter Tour. This is one of the best air tours in Moab! You get to see some of the best scenery around Moab, fly over the vast canyons of Canyonlands, and see some places that are virtually inaccessible otherwise.
Canyonlands National Park Air Tour. After a short briefing, you will board a small, high-wing plane, which is the perfect way to view the vast landscape of the Canyonlands NP from above. All seats are window seats, so you have uninterrupted views.
Canyonlands & Arches National Park Air Tour. This is a longer tour than the one above (1h20 vs 1 hour). It takes you over both National Parks. Live commentary via a headset is included as you pass over attractions such as Upheaval Dome, Green River, Island in the Sky, White Rim, and many more.
8. Boat Tours
Moab boat tours are the perfect way to escape the crowds and see the canyons from an entirely different perspective. In addition to the rafting tours mentioned above, there are several other great options in Moab.
As the red rock canyon walls tower above you, you can experience the sound of the rushing Colorado River and enjoy the scenery and vegetation along its banks. If you are lucky, you may also get up close to the local wildlife in its native habitat.
A boat tour also provides some cool relief on a hot day, whether it’s from a welcome spray of water as the boat turns, or from the cooler morning and evening temperatures on the river. Nighttime tours open up yet another realm of sightseeing opportunities, from colorful sunsets to sparkling stars in the inky skies.
Good to know: All of these tours are suitable for the entire family, although children need to be at least 4 years of age.
Suggested boat tours in Moab
Moab Dinner Cruise with Sound and Light Show. This is the most popular boat tour in Moab! It’s an evening tour and is a great way to relax after a busy day of sightseeing. It’s ideal for the whole family, but also for couples looking for a romantic evening in Moab.
Moab Jet Boat Tour to Dead Horse Point State Park. This boat tour takes around 3 hours and includes water and snacks. Choose one of the shaded seats on this covered boat and then enjoy the incredible sights, including a fossilized sea bed, Thelma and Louise Point, and Indian petroglyphs. It’s amazing to see the 2,200 feet of canyon walls from the water!
Sunset Boat Tour on the Colorado River. This is a combination of the two tours mentioned above. It includes a cowboy-style Dutch oven dinner but uses a jet boat for the Colorado River experience while it’s still light. This gives you a unique opportunity to enjoy the most beautiful colors of the surrounding scenery at sunset. You also explore the river’s arches, red rock cliffs, and petroglyphs.
Colorado River Speedboat Tour. This 1-hr tour is great for those who want to experience the beautiful scenery of the Colorado River in a short time. The speedboat in itself is also a really fun experience.
9. Canyoneering
There are lots of great ways to explore Moab’s canyons, but one of the most exciting is canyoneering! Getting away from the crowds in a small – or private – group and rappeling down the canyon walls is an unforgettable experience.
Joining a canyoneering tour means that everyone is able to take part – experienced or otherwise. All the equipment is also provided. Strict attention to safety will calm the nerves of even the most anxious member of your group, while the personal input from your guide will ensure that you feel comfortable throughout the experience.
This is a fun activity where you can learn new skills and see parts of the canyon that you can’t get to any other way!
Best canyoneering tours in Moab
Half-Day Day Canyoneering. This 4-hour, exclusively private canyoneering tour doesn’t require any previous experience. It is tailored to your skills by the knowledgeable guide, who is familiar with all the routes and can pick the right ones based on your skill level. Your equipment is provided and all you need to bring is your enthusiasm! If you always wanted to try canyoneering, this is a great opportunity!
Morning Glory Arch Canyoneering. This 4-hour tour is suitable for most ages and skill levels. You follow your guide along a slot canyon’s 3-mile route in a small group. Rappel 90 feet into a sandstone chamber then take a short walk to a second 120-foot free-hanging rappel, from where you can see the Morning Glory Arch. This is a great adventurous Moab tour for families with kids!
TIP: If you are looking for a more adventurous and exhilarating experience, you may want to check out this half-day rappelling tour.
Goblin Valley State Park Canyoneering Adventure. This is a fun, 4-hour adventure for adults or families with kids ages 7 and up. After a training session, you rappel down a narrow fissure into the massive Chamber of the Basilisk, which is often compared to a Gothic church. You then have some time to wander around and climb within the canyon, enjoying lots of views from different perspectives.
Canyoneering and SUP Combo. This is a great Moab tour for those looking for an adventure-packed day. The experience involves a few rappels and a stand-up paddleboard down the Colorado River.
10. Mountain Biking
Moab is one of Utah’s most popular biking destinations. So why not combine sightseeing with your love of biking and get away from it all with a unique mountain bike tour? This is a good activity for the whole family – depending on skill level – and a great way to keep fit as you take in your surroundings.
Your bike and helmet will be provided on these tours. But it’s a good idea to take along a pair of riding gloves too, to avoid blisters!
Best biking tours in Moab
Introductory Mountain Biking Adventure in Moab Courthouse. This biking tour is designed for those with little to no experience, but you do need a moderate fitness level in order to enjoy it. It explores the Moab Courthouse Loop and makes a good introduction to the riding techniques needed for off-road terrain.
Half-Day Guided Mountain Biking Tour in Moab on Dead Horse. This is a great biking tour for those looking for a bit more challenging ride in the most beautiful scenery. The 10-mile single-track route – exploring Dead Horse State Park and overlooking the Colorado River and Canyonlands – can be quite challenging and strong physical fitness is required.
Mountain Biking & Packrafting Combo. This fun, full-day adventure starts as you descend by mountain bike over 1000 ft down an old mining road, to the banks of the Green River. There, you inflate your packraft, strap on your bike, and enjoy a well-earned rest as you float down a beautiful section of the Labyrinth Canyon. Then it’s back on your bike for another 3 miles ride through beautiful scenery.
11. Petroglyph Tours
Moab’s petroglyphs – an early communication method of carved panels used by Native Americans – give a wonderful insight into the past.
You’ll learn a wealth of information about the area’s history and archaeology during these tours, and also get to see some beautiful scenery. You’ll probably also get to see the Moki Ball, which is an ancient type of marble. It will appeal to young and old alike.
Suggested petroglyph tours near Moab
Private Scenic Petroglyph Tours In Moab, Utah. Set your own pace during this private 2-hour tour, which your flexible guide will tailor to suit the needs of your group. Taking an off-road route to view the petroglyphs, you can either ride with your guide or drive the vehicle yourself.
Moab Scenic Off-Road Petroglyph Adventure. Although the route follows a fun dirt trail, the focus of this tour is on the area’s natural beauty rather than the off-road experience. You will stop for fantastic photo opportunities, including views of the canyon walls, red rock spires, arches, and petroglyphs.
READ ALSO: Moab Area Travel Guide
More travel inspiration for Moab, Utah & Arizona:
- Zion:
- Grand Canyon:
- More of Arizona:
If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!
