Shafer Trail to Tower Arch: A Full‑Day 4x4 Through Arches & Canyonlands

MOAB JEEP FIELD GUIDE

Shafer Trail to Tower Arch: A Full‑Day 4x4 Through Arches & Canyonlands

A full-day guided outing from Moab that combines paved driving with unpaved 4x4 sections to reach Shafer Trail, Tower Arch and a string of lesser-known arches and canyon overlooks.

Shafer Trail to Tower Arch: A Full‑Day 4x4 Through Arches & Canyonlands.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Moab
Operator
Canyonlands by Night and Day
Category
Jeep
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

This full-day Jeep expedition out of Moab threads paved highways and rough 4x4 roads into a single loop of dramatic canyon country. The route hits classic overlooks and a handful of arches—Tower Arch, Musselman Arch and Eye of the Whale among them—while delivering the off-road sections that make this a genuinely adventurous way to see Arches and Canyonlands.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE ROUTE

Shafer Trail and Canyon Vistas

The itinerary includes the renowned Shafer Trail with expansive canyon views—one of the signature driving highlights of the day.

THE ARCHES

Tower Arch, Musselman Arch and the Eye of the Whale

The tour visits several named arches—Tower Arch, Musselman Arch and Eye of the Whale—offering opportunities to step out and inspect these distinct rock formations.

THE DRIVE

Mixed Pavement and True 4x4 Trail Driving

Expect a combination of paved sections and unpaved 4x4 roads—deliberately chosen to blend scenic cruising with the rough‑road character of a backcountry Jeep tour.

What the day feels like

How the Day Unfolds

From a Moab departure, the full‑day outing alternates paved stretches with off‑road driving, moving between canyon overlooks and named formations such as Tower Arch, Musselman Arch, Marching Men and Eye of the Whale. The mix of surfaces creates a varied day of sightseeing and short stops to view arches and canyon panoramas.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this tour works for—and who should look elsewhere.

1
Small GroupsWell suited to small groups: pricing and capacity are structured per vehicle with up to six passengers.
2
CouplesPricing options include a package rate for two people, making it a straightforward choice for couples who want a full‑day excursion.
3
4x4 EnthusiastsIdeal for riders seeking genuine off‑road sections: the tour deliberately includes unpaved 4x4 roads rather than only paved sightseeing drives.
4
Large PartiesLarge groups should note the per‑vehicle capacity limit—vehicles take up to six people—so multiple vehicles will be required for bigger parties.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Season

This is a full‑day guided tour departing from Moab; expect a daylong outing rather than a half‑day trip.

What to Bring

Participants should plan for a full day in the field; a park pass is required as noted in the operator’s pricing structure.

Logistics

The meeting point and departure location for the tour is Moab, Utah.

Pricing

Rates are published as $1,095 plus tax and a park pass for two people, or $125 per person with vehicle occupancy up to six.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

Where does the tour depart from?

The tour meets and departs from Moab, Utah.

How long is the tour?

This is a full‑day tour.

What sights does the tour visit?

Sightseeing on the tour includes Shafer Trail, Musselman Arch, Marching Men, Tower Arch, Eye of the Whale Arch and multiple canyon viewpoints.

What kinds of roads will we drive?

The itinerary mixes paved sections with unpaved 4x4 road sections; the tour includes genuine off‑road driving.

What does the trip cost?

Pricing is listed as $1,095 plus tax and a park pass for two people, or $125 per person (pricing applies up to six people per vehicle).

How many people fit in each vehicle?

Vehicles take up to six people; per‑person pricing is available up to that capacity.

Who operates the tour?

The tour is operated by Canyonlands by Night and Day.