Canyonlands Needles District 4x4/Hiking Tour from Moab, UT

NAVTEC Expeditions321 N Main StreetMoab, UT 84532
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Starting at
$312.00
Total Price: $346.04 (USD)
INSTANT CONFIRMATION

Overview

Explore Chesler Park in the Canyonlands National Park Needles District with a full-day 4x4 and hiking adventure from Moab, Utah. Travel in a comfortable 4X4 vehicle as your expert guide navigates the challenging 4WD trails, sharing the history and geology of the park along the way. Optional three-mile hike on the Joint Trail reveals stunning vistas.

up to 10 hrs 1 or more people

Good To Know

  • The tour departs from NAVTEC Expeditions' headquarters in Moab and lasts approximately 10 hours. Hotel pick-up is available with advance request.
  • Includes lunch, ice water (refills), lemonade, and licensed and experienced guide service.
  • Park entrance fees ($15/person unless you have an annual Parks Pass) are not included. A link to purchase a park pass will be provided in your confirmation.
  • Bring a refillable water bottle, sun protection, and sturdy foot wear. A day pack will be handy if you have one.
  • The tour operates year-round, but the best time to visit is from March to November, when the weather is mild and the flowers are blooming.
  • Suitable for all ages and fitness levels. The optional hike is about 3 miles (4.8 km) round-trip and has a steep uphill pitch.
  • This small-group tour is limited to 10 people per vehicle, so you can enjoy a personalized and intimate experience with your guide and fellow travelers.

Description

Set out from the NAVTEC Expeditions headquarters for a full-day journey deep into the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. Travel in rugged, comfortable 4x4 vehicles along one of Utah’s most demanding backcountry routes—Elephant Hill—renowned for its technical challenges and breathtaking scenery.

The route winds past dramatic landmarks like Devil’s Kitchen, Devil’s Lane, and SOB Hill, offering sweeping desert views and opportunities to spot native wildlife including mule deer, bighorn sheep, and lizards. The trail is rich with desert vegetation, rock art, and the iconic red rock formations that define the region.

After a scenic drive and lunch in the heart of the Needles, an optional 3-mile round-trip hike on the Joint Trail leads to the striking grasslands of Chesler Park. The hike is moderately strenuous, with a steady incline, and is best suited for active participants. Those who prefer can relax near the vehicle and enjoy the quiet remoteness of this awe-inspiring landscape.

This tour combines technical 4x4 adventure with hiking and natural beauty, offering one of the most memorable and challenging backcountry experiences in the American Southwest.

For your convenience, hotel pick-up from most centrally located Moab hotels and campgrounds is available upon request. Alternatively, you are welcome to meet at the NAVTEC Expedition office on Main Street 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
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Canyonlands Needles District 4x4/Hiking Tour is located at NAVTEC Expeditions321 N Main StreetMoab, UT 84532
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Frequently Asked Questions about Canyonlands Needles District 4x4/Hiking Tour

Where does the Canyonlands Needles District 4x4/Hiking Tour depart from?

This full-day tour departs at 8:00 am from the NAVTEC Expedition office, located at 321 N. Main Street in Moab, Utah. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure for check-in.

Is transportation provided?

Yes, the tour includes pick-up from most Moab motels and campgrounds with advance request. To arrange for pick-up, please make your request when booking or call the number on your e-ticket prior to your tour date.

How long is the Canyonlands Needles District 4x4/Hiking Tour?

The Canyonlands Needles District 4x4/Hiking Tour lasts approximately 10 hours.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes, but note that children under 8 years old must be in a booster seat or car seat. Please bring your own booster/car seat as they are not provided.

What is Canyonlands National Park?

Canyonlands National Park is a vast wilderness of canyons, mesas, arches, and rivers in southeastern Utah. It covers over 337,000 acres (136,000 hectares) and is divided into four districts: Island in the Sky, The Maze, The Needles, and The Rivers.

What is the Needles District?

The Needles District is the southeastern section of Canyonlands National Park, named after the colorful and striped sandstone spires that dominate the landscape. It is known for its remote and rugged terrain, rich cultural history, and diverse flora and fauna.

What is Chesler Park?

Chesler Park is a large grassy area surrounded by sandstone needles in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. It offers spectacular views of the rock formations and the La Sal Mountains in the distance. It is also a popular camping spot for backpackers.

What is Elephant Hill?

Elephant Hill is one of the most challenging 4X4 trails in Utah, located in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. It features steep climbs, sharp turns, narrow passages, and rocky obstacles. It requires skill and experience to drive on this trail.

What is Devil's Lane?

Devil's Lane is a narrow corridor between two walls of sandstone needles in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. It is part of the 4X4 trail that leads to Chesler Park. It offers a unique perspective of the rock formations and the sky above.

What is Devil's Kitchen?

Devil's Kitchen is a large alcove with a natural arch in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. It is part of the 4X4 trail that leads to Chesler Park. It provides shade and shelter from the sun and the wind.

What is the Joint Trail?

The Joint Trail is a hiking trail that connects Chesler Park with Druid Arch in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. It features narrow slots that are only a few feet wide, as well as open meadows with panoramic views. It is one of the most scenic trails in the park.

What wildlife can I see in the Needles District?

The Needles District is home to a variety of wildlife, such as mule deer, bighorn sheep, coyotes, foxes, bobcats, rabbits, squirrels, lizards, snakes, birds, and insects. You should respect their habitat and keep your distance from them.