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Canyonlands Needles District Full-Day 4x4 Adventure from Moab, UT

NAVTEC Expeditions • 321 N Main Street • Moab, UT 84532

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A silver SUV navigates a narrow rocky gap between two large sandstone walls in a desert landscape.

Two people with backpacks walk through a rocky cave illuminated by sunlight, with small stacked stones lining the path.

A person stands with a dog on red sandstone terrain, surrounded by tall rock formations under a clear blue sky.

Tall, rugged rock formations rise from a desert landscape under a blue sky with scattered clouds, surrounded by sparse vegetation.

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Canyonlands Needles District 4x4/Hiking Tour + Hotel

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Canyonlands Needles District Full-Day 4x4 Adventure in Moab, Utah

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Overview

Set out from Moab on a full-day Canyonlands Needles District tour. Ride a 4x4 over Elephant Hill and past Devil's Kitchen. Pause for a picnic lunch, then take the optional Joint Trail hike to the pastures of Chesler Park, where sandstone spires surround one of the park's most stunning basins.

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

Hit the trail from NAVTEC Expeditions' Moab headquarters for a full-day 4x4 adventure deep into Canyonlands National Park's Needles District. This small-group tour combines off-road exploration with lunch and a rewarding hike for a complete Canyonlands experience.

Ride in a comfortable, high-clearance 4x4 designed for the rugged desert terrain. The route climbs over the legendary Elephant Hill, then continues past Devil's Kitchen, Devil's Lane, and SOB Hill—trails known for their technical difficulty and stunning views. Along the way, watch for desert wildlife like bighorn sheep and mule deer, iconic red rock formations, vibrant wildflowers, and ancient rock art tucked into the sandstone cliffs.

Midday, pause for a fresh picnic lunch before setting out on the optional hike to Chesler Park. The Joint Trail winds through narrow rock passages and opens onto one of the park's most breathtaking basins, surrounded by soaring spires of red and white sandstone. The hike covers about three miles roundtrip with some steep, uneven sections, making it moderately strenuous. Those who prefer a more relaxed pace can stay with the vehicles and still enjoy the quiet beauty of the Needles.

Throughout the day, a licensed local guide provides insight into the park's geology, ecology, and cultural history while handling the technical driving. Ice water and lemonade are available, and tours operate year-round, typically returning to Moab by early evening. Complimentary hotel pick-up from most Moab hotels and campgrounds is available upon request.

This is one of the few full-day Canyonlands Needles District tours from Moab that navigates Elephant Hill and reaches Chesler Park in a single day—an unforgettable way to experience the Needles District's remote beauty without the stress of planning or self-driving.

Promotional Images (9)

Rock formations in a desert landscape at sunset, with a clear sky and a visible moon overhead.

Two off-road vehicles drive along a rocky, narrow trail through a canyon with trees and shrubs on the surrounding cliffs.

A silver SUV with off-road gear is stuck on a large rock in a rocky desert terrain under a clear blue sky.

Sunlight streams through narrow rock formations inside a slot canyon, highlighting smooth, curved walls in shades of orange and brown.

Canyonlands Needles District Full-Day 4x4 Adventure is located at NAVTEC Expeditions • 321 N Main Street • Moab, UT 84532

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Frequently Asked Questions about Canyonlands Needles District Full-Day 4x4 Adventure

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.