Arches and Moab are breathtakingly beautiful spots in Utah. Travelers come from far and wide to admire the red rocks, sandstone arches, and desert landscape. Some visit Moab for the excellent camping, while others are more fascinated with downtown Moab and all its shopping, dining options, and nightlife. While some visitors prefer the tame scenic drives, the thrill-seekers prefer to explore Arches and Moab via off-roading.
There are many things to know before off-roading, including how to operate a vehicle and basic trail rules to follow. Off-roading refers to the outdoor activity of driving a motor vehicle on natural terrain and unpaved surfaces. Off-roading in the literal sense, AKA venturing off designated pathways in Arches and Moab, is illegal. Below is a list of where thrill-seekers can go off-roading in Arches and Moab, as well as how to do so.
11 Gemini Bridges Trail
One easy off-roading trail in Moab is the Gemini Bridges Trail. This trail stretches just over 13 miles, offering spectacular views of the twin arch, also known as Gemini Bridges. The trail follows along the rim of Little Canyon.
This path is also popular among mountain bikers, so be sure to share the road with these fellow thrill-seekers. As this is an easy trail, travelers driving SUVs can complete this off-road adventure as well.
- Address: Located on the west side of US 191, 1.3 miles before the Highway 313 turnoff
- Duration: 2 hours
- Level: Easy
- Trail Highlight: Gemini Bridges, the majestic twin arch
- Round trip from Moab: 48 miles
- 4-Wheel Drive Road: 14 miles
10 Chicken Corners
A moderately difficult Moab OHV (off-highway vehicle) trail is Chicken Corners. While most travelers rate this rocky trail as only moderately difficult, it stretches for 41.6 miles and takes up to 20 hours to complete!
Some travelers claim to have completed Chicken Corners in less than four hours, while others insist the trail takes closer to an entire day to complete.
Either way, the stellar views of the Colorado River and Hurrah Pass make this trail worth visiting. The best time to visit Moab and complete this off-road trail is in the spring-late fall.
- Address: Begin at a parking lot located at 38.5330447, -109.6006301
- Duration: 4-20 hours
- Level: Moderate
- Trail Highlights: Colorado River Canyon and Kane Springs Canyon
- Round trip from Moab: 54 miles
- 4-Wheel Drive Road: 43 miles
9 Fins And Things Trail
While only 9.4 miles in length, Fins and Things Trail is rated difficult and not beginner-friendly. Off-roading trails can be tricky to navigate, especially when they are meant for more advanced drivers.
Detailed directions can be found online to help off-roaders stay on the correct path and avoid getting lost.
Fins and Things is a one-way trail, and the maximum speed limit is 15 mph.
The trail offers views of the rolling sand hills, as well as scattered trees and red rock formations.
- Address: Trail starts 1.9 miles up from Sand Flats Entrance Station, on the right
- Level: Difficult
- Trail Highlight: Roller-coaster Terrains
- Round trip from Moab: 20 miles
- 4-Wheel Drive Road: 9.4 miles
- Minimum Time: 3 hours
- Note: This trail is reserved for the expert level. Off-highway vehicles are permitted on Sand Flats Road, but a fee is required to enter this area.
8 Eye Of The Whale Trail
A popular Arches off-roading trail is Eye of the Whale Trail. Ranked as moderately challenging, Eye of the Whale is a lovely trail used by off-roaders and hikers alike.
Visitors enjoy driving over the rocky and sandy terrain, as well as viewing the unique Eye of the Whale red rock arch formation.
- Address: Off-roading begins at 38.70172, -109.56687
- Distance: 5.1 miles
- Duration: ~2 hours
- Important: Must drive a Jeep, truck, or high clearance vehicle (no ATVs allowed)
There is a fee to enter Arches National Park, so visitors should be prepared to spend $30 per vehicle if they are not traveling with a tour group or guide.
7 Willow Springs OHV Road Trail
Another Arches National Park off-roading trail to explore is the Willow Springs OHV Road Trail. Willow Springs Road is often referred to as a back entrance into Arches National Park.
The land along this trail is BLM land, meaning off-roaders looking to add some additional adventure to their journey can park on the side of the trail and set up camp for the evening. It is a good idea to research how to car camp prior to one’s trip.
- Address: Willow Springs Road- east side of Highway 191 (north of Arches National Park)
- Distance: ~8 miles
- Duration: ~3 hours
6 Tower Arch, Marching Men, And Balancing Rock Route
One final Arches off-roading trail worth exploring is the Tower Arch, Marching Men, and Balancing Rock Route. Just like Eye of the Whale Trail, there is a fee to enter the park. This trail features stellar views of Tower Arch, a sandstone arch and popular tourist attraction.
Visitors also enjoy driving along the rock and gravel terrain, as well as spotting the wild prairie dogs that dart about. While this trail is very enjoyable, previous visitors warn the Herdina Park Road portion of the trail can be quite tricky to navigate.
- Address: Located on Salt Valley Road (off Main Park Road)
- Distance: 23 miles
- Duration: ~8.5 hours
5 Use Your Own Vehicle
We've covered off-roading trails thrill-seekers need to try. Now, let's talk about how thrill-seekers can off-road in Arches and Moab. One way to off-road is to simply use one’s own vehicle on the trails. A perk of using one’s own vehicle is no rental fees or damage deposits.
Not all vehicles are created equal. A vintage punch bug, for instance, will not fare well on an off-roading trail. Good car features to look for include high ground clearance, four-wheel drive, and all-terrain tires.
The best off-road vehicles include the Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler, and Land Rover Defender.
4 Rent A Jeep
Another way visitors can enjoy off-roading in Arches and Moab is to rent a Jeep. Moab Adventure Center, for instance, offers Jeep rentals to off-roaders of all skill levels.
The company even advises customers on which trails are best for beginners and which trails are perfect for the seasoned off-roader.
Moab Adventure Center also provides customers with trail maps and GPS monitors.
- Address: 225 South Main Street Moab, Utah 84532
- Cost: $290/day
- Requirements: Drivers must be 25+, and full-coverage car insurance required
3 Rent A UTV
Another option is to rent a UTV (Utility Terrain Vehicle). These vehicles differ from Jeeps in that UTVs are smaller, do not come with air conditioning, helmets are required, and their whole purpose is driving on off-road terrain.
Canyonlands by Night & Day offers a wide variety of UTV rentals. Guests can rent a UTV for half a day or rent the vehicle for several days on end.
While the Jeep rental requires drivers to be at least 25 years old, visitors only need to be 21 to rent a UTV and 16 with a valid driver’s license to operate the UTV.
- Address: 1861 N Hwy 191 Moab, UT 84532
- Cost: Starting at $299 for half-day (5 hours)
- Requirements: 21+ to rent, 16+ with valid driver’s license to drive
2 Go With A Guide
Even some thrill-seekers prefer to be the person in the passenger’s seat. There are plenty of guided off-roading tours available in Arches and Moab.
Mild to Wild’s Moab Jeep Tours is a great choice for visitors who want to learn about Moab’s history while off-roading.
Passengers get to view Moab’s lovely canyons, red rock formations, and cliffs, as well as learn about the area’s unique geological history. Another cool feature of this tour is that the Jeeps are open-air vehicles.
- Address: 745 Kane Creek Blvd, Moab, UT 84532
- Cost: Half-day tours: adult- $139, child (4-13)- $99
- Requirements: Ages 4+
1 Bonus Run: Scenic Byways
It’s easy to see why Arches National Park receives so many visitors annually. In 2018, there were about 1.6 million visitors. The park is normally packed during summer. Many come here to enjoy the spectacular sunrise, and some even come here to see the unpolluted night sky.
Moab equally attracts many tourists and adventure seekers who enjoy mountain biking on the extensive network of trails, such as the Slickrock Trail, while off-roaders come to attend the annual Moab Jeep Safari.
Though it is really impossible not to indulge in fun-packed outdoor activities when visiting the park, it is important to remember to preserve the natural setting. The park has some important geological features, such as natural bridges, spires, and, of course, arches, which are of scientific interest. This is why it becomes crucial to always consider the preservation of the environment when indulging in outdoor activities. For instance, it is prohibited to use off-highway vehicles such as ATVs (all-terrain vehicles) or UTVs (utility terrain vehicles) in the park.
Thankfully, there are some of the best scenic byways that visitors can enjoy. Visitors can drive the 36-mile (round-trip) road through Arches National Park, where there are several stops. To cover the entire road, visitors will need at least four to five hours.
These selected byways are unique for their archeological, cultural, historical, and recreational features. Some scenic byways include:
- Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway U-128: This is a 44-mile route also known as the River Road. Driving the highway, one will be able to see sublime red-rock walls and formations.
- Potash Road (Lower Colorado River Scenic Byway U-279): The 17-mile road, also known as Wall Street, follows a towering sandstone cliff. One can expect to see lush canyons, ancient rock art, and arches.
- Dead Horse Point Scenic Byway U-313: This scenic byway is known for its beautiful sunset experiences. The byway is 22 miles long.
Note:
- It is important to note that a timed entry reservation is required to enter the park. Annual or senior pass holders will only need to pay the $2 reservation fee.
- A high-clearance, 4-wheel-drive vehicle is required for this adventure. It is important to note that OHVs, ATVs, and UTVs are not permitted in Arches National Park.
- Best Time To Visit: The park is open 24 hours a day. To avoid crowds, consider visiting in the late afternoon and evening hours. February is normally less crowded, and accommodations are cheaper compared to the peak seasons.