Arches, Canyonlands & Moab Adventures: Small Group 3-Day Tour

Discover Utah’s Natural Wonders and Historic Sites in Just 3 Days

This small-group tour from Salt Lake City offers an immersive journey through some of Utah’s most iconic parks and landscapes. Priced at $1,795 per person, the itinerary includes visits to Dead Horse Point State Park, Canyonlands National Park, Arches National Park, and Goblin Valley State Park, along with a charming stay in Moab. The tour, capped at eight participants, emphasizes a personal experience with knowledgeable guides leading the way.

Designed for travelers seeking a mix of natural beauty and cultural insights, the tour features all transportation, admission fees, select meals, and hotel accommodations. The flexible itinerary can be tailored to interests, making it suitable for those who want a comprehensive taste of Utah’s diverse scenery in just three days.

While the tour offers many highlights, it’s best suited for individuals with moderate physical fitness and an appreciation for outdoor adventure. Its focus on natural parks and scenic viewpoints makes it ideal for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Key Points

• Three-day small-group experience with a maximum of eight travelers
• Visits to Dead Horse Point State Park, Canyonlands, Arches, and Goblin Valley
• Price of $1,795 per person, with all transportation and entrance fees included
• Expert guides explain the history and geology of each site
• Flexible, customizable itinerary tailored to your interests
• Perfect for outdoor lovers and those wanting an in-depth Utah adventure

Starting Point: Salt Lake City and the Prehistoric Museum

The tour begins with a pickup from Salt Lake City, with options for the airport or a hotel of your choice. If you start from Salt Lake City, the first stop is the USU Eastern Prehistoric Museum, where over 700,000 artifacts showcase the region’s ancient past. This includes dinosaur bones and pictographs from the Fremont people dating back more than 2,000 years. The museum sets the tone for understanding Utah’s deep history, making it a compelling start to the journey.

This introductory stop lasts about an hour and is included in the tour fee. It provides a good overview for those interested in archaeology and local history, offering a solid foundation before heading into the parks.

Exploring Dead Horse Point State Park and Canyonlands

The first day emphasizes the spectacular views of Dead Horse Point State Park, just a few miles from Canyonlands National Park. Here, visitors are treated to a panoramic vista of the Colorado River flowing 2,000 feet below. The tour guide shares the story behind the park’s unusual name, adding a layer of local lore to the breathtaking scenery.

Next, the group visits Canyonlands National Park, specifically the Island in the Sky region. From this vantage point, you look into untouched canyons and rock formations that reveal the area’s ancient geological history. This part of the tour takes about three hours and is free of additional costs. The views and landscape are ideal for photography and appreciating the scale of natural erosion.

Moab: Gateway to Utah’s Red Rock Landscapes

Following the canyon tour, Moab welcomes visitors for about an hour of free exploration. Known as the gateway city to Utah’s parks, Moab combines outdoor activities with a quirky local scene. Its central location makes it a perfect base for the tour, and it offers opportunities for additional adventures, such as river rafting or helicopter rides, which are not included but highly recommended for those seeking extra adrenaline.

Moab’s charm also lies in its streetscapes, cafes, and shops, providing a relaxed atmosphere after a day of exploring rugged landscapes.

Day Two: The Densest Collection of Arches and a Chance for Adventure

The second day centers on Arches National Park, home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches—the most of any park worldwide. Many of these arches are accessible via short hikes, making it easy to get close to famous formations like Landscape Arch, Delicate Arch, and Double Arch. The tour dedicates five hours to this park, allowing ample time for sightseeing, photography, and enjoying the park’s unique geology.

Afterward, in Moab, the tour suggests optional self-guided activities such as river rafting, speed boating, or even a helicopter ride—experiences that are not included in the tour but highly valued. The town’s vibrant atmosphere invites guests to explore independently, adding a personalized touch to the adventure.

Day Three: Potash Road, Goblin Valley, and Salt Lake City

The final day begins with a scenic drive along Potash Road, which runs beside the Colorado River. The guide highlights ancient petroglyphs, dinosaur tracks, and access to some additional arches accessible on foot. The drive lasts about an hour and offers insight into the region’s prehistoric past.

Next, the tour visits Goblin Valley State Park, famous for thousands of hoodoo formations resembling goblins. Visitors can walk among these weathered stone columns without traditional paths, capturing photos and enjoying close encounters with nature. The guide may take a short hike to Goblin’s Lair, a tall cave within the park, if time allows. This stop takes around two hours and is included in the package.

Finally, if departing from Salt Lake City, the guide drops guests at the airport or hotel, with optional sightseeing at Temple Square and the Capitol Building if time permits. The entire day offers a mix of scenic driving, light hiking, and cultural highlights.

Practical Details: Transportation, Accommodation, and Inclusions

Throughout the tour, private transportation ensures comfort and flexibility. All entrance fees for parks and state parks are included, removing the hassle of additional costs. Breakfasts are provided on two mornings, and snacks and bottled water are available throughout the day.

Accommodation in Moab is included, with two people sharing a room. The tour is designed for a small group, so intimacy and personalized attention are key features. The tour operates year-round with daily departures, but booking early is strongly advised, as availability is limited and most bookings are made about 110 days in advance.

Physical Requirements and Accessibility

The tour recommends a moderate level of physical fitness. While most stops involve short walks or hikes, some may include uneven terrain or require scrambling over rocks. The itinerary is flexible, but participants should be comfortable with outdoor environments and light physical activity.

What Sets This Tour Apart

This 3-day Utah adventure stands out due to its small-group size, enhancing interaction with guides who are well-versed in local geology, history, and culture. The customizable itinerary allows for personal interests to shape the experience, whether that’s more photography, hiking, or cultural exploration.

The combination of natural parks, state parks, and historic sites ensures a well-rounded visit to Utah’s diverse landscapes. The inclusion of all transportation, admission fees, and accommodation simplifies planning, making this a convenient option for those seeking a comprehensive, guided experience.

Limitations and Considerations

While the tour covers a lot of ground, it is condensed into three days, which may feel rushed for some. The price of $1,795 reflects this all-inclusive package, but additional activities like helicopter rides or river adventures are not included. Travelers should also be aware of physical activity levels required for some stops.

The tour is non-refundable if canceled within 30 days, so careful planning is essential. For solo travelers, the group operates with a minimum of two people, so solo bookings should be confirmed in advance.

Final Thoughts on the Utah Small-Group Adventure

This small-group tour offers an intimate, guided exploration of Utah’s most iconic parks and landscapes. It balances natural beauty, geological wonders, and cultural insights within a carefully crafted itinerary. The expert guides enhance the experience with stories and explanations that bring each site to life.

Suitable for adventure seekers, history buffs, and photography lovers, the tour provides a solid overview of Utah’s diverse environment. Its focus on small groups and flexible plans makes it a reliable choice for those seeking a personal touch in their Utah adventure, despite the need for moderate physical activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes private transportation, all park entrance fees, select meals (breakfasts), hotel accommodation, and all activities and excursions listed in the itinerary.

Are there any optional activities not included?
Yes, activities like river rafting, speed boating, or helicopter rides in Moab are not included but suggested for added adventure.

What is the typical group size?
The tour operates with a maximum of eight travelers, ensuring a more personal experience with guides.

How physically demanding is the tour?
Participants should have a moderate physical fitness level. Some stops involve short walks or hikes on uneven terrain, but the itinerary can be adjusted according to comfort levels.

Can the itinerary be customized?
Yes, the itinerary is flexible and can be tailored to specific interests and preferences.

Is food included?
Breakfast for two mornings is included, as well as snacks and bottled water throughout the day. Dinner and alcoholic beverages are not included.

What are the pickup options?
Guests are picked up either at Salt Lake City airport or their hotel of choice, with specific instructions to arrive before 9:00 AM.

How far in advance should I book?
Given the popularity, booking about 110 days in advance is recommended. Early reservations help secure availability.

What is the cancellation policy?
The tour is non-refundable if canceled within 30 days of the start date. Cancellations earlier than 30 days may result in a partial refund or credit.

Who operates this tour?
The experience is provided by Nomad Unlimited Adventure, known for small-group, personalized tours of Utah.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children five years or younger may have restrictions on participating in some activities. It’s best to inquire directly if traveling with young children.

Can I join if I am traveling alone?
Yes, but a minimum of two people is required to schedule the tour. Solo travelers should contact the provider to confirm arrangements.

This 3-day tour offers a rich, well-organized way to see Utah’s stunning landscapes without the hassle of planning every detail, making it a strong choice for those who value expert guidance and a personal experience.