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Delicate Arch, Arches National Park
Canyonlands National Park with a gathering storm from the Grand View Overlook
A visitor photographs Mesa Arch at Canyonlands National Park.
Arches NP
An arch framed by another arch in the foreground at Arches National Park in Utah.
Mesa Arch backlit by the sun in Canyonlands National Park.

Self-Drive: Moab 6-Day Adventure 

Looking for the ultimate Utah road trip? This curated 6-day Salt Lake City to Moab self-drive itinerary seamlessly blends independent exploration with bucket-list desert adventures. Starting with a scenic drive from Salt Lake City, your journey takes you deep into the heart of red rock country to explore the towering monoliths of Arches National Park and the expansive vistas of Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky. Along the way, you’ll trade standard hotels for a luxury Moab glamping safari tent under the stars, experience a guided dark sky stargazing tour, and catch a breathtaking sunset at Dead Horse Point State Park.

Designed for adventure seekers who want a flawless balance of freedom and premium experiences, this trip features a thrilling half-day Colorado River rafting excursion through the Fisher Towers and an exclusive, private 4x4 guided safari tour of Arches’ most iconic landmarks. Whether you’re hiking to Mesa Arch, navigating splashy canyon rapids, or browsing downtown Moab's local galleries and microbreweries, this self-drive tour delivers the quintessential Southwest experience with all the logistics handled.

  • Trip Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights

  • National Parks Covered: Arches National Park & Canyonlands National Park

  • Included Activities: Half-day Colorado River rafting, private guided 4x4 Arches safari, and an exclusive high-powered telescope Dark Sky stargazing tour.

  • Accommodation Highlight: Luxury safari tent glamping in Moab, Utah.

  • Bonus Scenic Stops: The Book Cliffs, San Rafael Swell, and sunset at Dead Horse Point State Park.

Book Now • $5,633

ITINERARY:

Day 1: Arrive in Salt Lake City & Explore Downtown

Kick Off Your Utah Road Trip

  • Drive Time / Distance: Airport transfer to downtown SLC.

  • Today's Highlights: Rental car pickup, Salt Lake City Capitol, Temple Square, downtown dining.

Welcome to Utah! Your self-drive adventure begins when you touch down at the Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). After picking up your rental vehicle, make the quick drive to your downtown hotel to check in and freshen up.

Spend the remainder of your afternoon and evening experiencing the unique culture of Utah's capital. Take a scenic walk up to the historic Utah State Capitol building for a panoramic view of the valley, or stroll through the iconic grounds of Temple Square. Wrap up your first night by exploring downtown Salt Lake City’s vibrant culinary scene and enjoying a relaxing evening before heading south tomorrow.

 

Salt Lake City Itinerary

Moab ArchMoab Glamping

Day 2: Scenic Drive to Moab, Luxury Glamping & Dark Sky Stargazing

Journey to Red Rock Country & Telescope Tour

  • Drive Time / Distance: 4 hours from SLC to Moab via US-6 East and I-15 South.

  • Today's Highlights: Wasatch Mountains, San Rafael Swell, Book Cliffs, Moab glamping check-in, exclusive high-powered telescope tour.

Fuel up with breakfast before starting your spectacular 4-hour scenic drive from Salt Lake City to Moab. Your route climbs high into the rugged Wasatch Mountains over Soldier Summit, before dropping down into the northern edge of the surreal San Rafael Swell—one of the most remote, uninhabited expanses in the American Southwest. Keep your camera ready as you pass the dramatic, golden-hued Book Cliffs guarding the approach to red rock country.

Arrive in the world-famous adventure hub of Moab, Utah. Check into your premium Moab glamping property, featuring beautifully appointed Safari Tents (options include king beds or 3 twin beds with shared bath facilities), a relaxing outdoor garden, and full wheelchair-accessible amenities. Spend your late afternoon browsing downtown Moab's local artisan shops, microbreweries, and galleries.

  • Night Activity: Exclusive Moab Dark Sky Viewing (8:00 PM – 2.5 Hours) Around sunset, meet your expert astronomy guide in town and follow them in your own vehicle to a permitted, light-pollution-free dark sky site right outside Arches and Canyonlands. Look through a high-powered telescope to view star clusters, nebulae, planets, and faraway galaxies while learning about Western Native American constellations. (Note: Remember to dress in layers as desert temperatures drop rapidly at night!)

Day 3: Whitewater Rafting the Colorado River & Off-the-Beaten-Path Hikes

Splashy Rapids & Local Desert Exploration

  • Activity Duration: Half-day river rafting (approx. 3–4 hours).

  • Today's Highlights: Rafting Fisher Towers, Colorado River swimming, Moab Main Street shopping.

  • Morning Activity: Half-Day Colorado River Rafting Trip Start your morning early with an exhilarating guided rafting tour down the legendary Colorado River. Launching from a site just upstream, you'll float down the famous Fisher Towers section. This family-friendly stretch features soaring red sandstone monoliths, massive rock spires, and native wildlife. Navigate moderate, splashy rapids in an oar raft, or request a paddle boat or single/double inflatable kayak for extra excitement. Take a quick swim break in the river and learn about the deep canyon history from your professional guide.

In the afternoon, enjoy open free time. Use this opportunity to escape the crowds on some incredible off-the-beaten-path hikes outside the national parks, or head back to Moab Main Street to grab a bite to eat and explore the local Southwest artwork.

 

 

 

White Water Rafting

 

 

Delicate ArchMoab Activities

Day 4: Arches National Park In-Depth & Private 4x4 Sunset Safari

The Ultimate Day Among Sandstone Arches

  • Activity Duration: Full-day park exploring + 4-hour evening 4x4 tour.

  • Today's Highlights: Park Avenue, Balanced Rock, Double Arch, Landscape Arch, private backcountry 4x4 tour.

Spend today exploring the highest density of natural sandstone arches in the world at Arches National Park. Map out your self-drive stops to hit iconic formations including Park Avenue, the Courthouse Towers, and Balanced Rock.

  • Top Day Hikes to Include:

    • Landscape Arch: An easy 2-mile round-trip trek to view the longest natural stone arch on earth.

    • The Windows Section: Walk right up into the massive North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch loop.

    • Double Arch: A short, flat walk to the spectacular, interlocking dual arches.

    • Delicate Arch: A bucket-list 3-mile round-trip hike that climbs 480 feet up an open slickrock slope. It is a moderately strenuous trek, but rewarding you with up-close views of Utah's most iconic geological landmark. (Tip: Start early in the morning to beat the desert heat and the crowds!)

  • Evening Activity: Private Guided 4x4 Safari Tour of Arches (4 Hours) Rest your legs and meet your private guide on Moab Main Street. Board a specialized high-clearance safari vehicle (a custom Sprinter van or bus equipped with extra-large picture windows for premium viewing) for an unforgettable backcountry tour. Your professional guide will handle the off-road navigation past Panorama Point, the La Sal Mountains, and the Petrified Dunes. Enjoy short guided walks to the Windows Section and culminate your evening at the legendary Delicate Arch Overlook, watching the setting sun paint the desert stone in brilliant shades of crimson and gold. (Snacks, water, and park entry fees are fully included).

Day 5: Canyonlands National Park (Island in the Sky) & Dead Horse Point Sunset

High-Altitude Overlooks & Deep Labyrinths

  • Drive Time: 45 minutes from Moab to Canyonlands.

  • Today's Highlights: Mesa Arch hike, Grand View Point, Dead Horse Point State Park sunset.

Head across the plateau to the breathtaking Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park. Sitting atop a sheer mesa sheer thousands of feet above the surrounding desert, this area offers unparalleled views down into a vast, endless labyrinth of carved canyons.

Walk the short, scenic trail to Mesa Arch, perched precariously on the cliff edge. It is famously recognized as one of the most photographed vistas in the Western United States. Continue driving along the scenic loop to gaze over Grand View Point and Green River Overlook.

In the late afternoon, make your way to neighboring Dead Horse Point State Park. Stand 2,000 feet above a massive gooseneck pinch in the Colorado River to witness a world-class desert sunset. Head back into Moab for one final celebratory dinner at a local microbrewery.

 

 

 

Canyonlands

Day 6: Return to Salt Lake City & Departure

Homeward Journey

  • Drive Time / Distance: 4 hours back to Salt Lake City.

  • Today's Highlights: Scenic return drive, flight checkout.

Check out of your accommodations and begin the scenic 4-hour return drive northward back to Northern Utah. Arrive at the Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), return your rental vehicle, and head to your gate to board your flight home, bringing your unforgettable 6-day Moab self-drive adventure to a close.

Moab Adventure

Pricing: $5,633.00 for Double Occupancy

Inclusions:

  • 5 Day Standard SUV Rental
  • 5 Nights Lodging
  • Colorado River Rafting Half-Day Tour
  • Half Day Safari Arches 4x4 Private Guided Tour
  • Dark Sky Moab Telescope Experience
  • Fully Detailed Recommendations Package with detailed itinerary, maps, hiking, weather, restaurant & more.

Optional Activities That You Can Arrange

  • Moab: ATV Tours, Canyoneering, Chuck Wagon Tour, Jeep Tours, Jet Boat Tours, Hot Air Balloon, Horseback Riding, Hummer Tours, Mountain Biking, Paddle Boarding, Private Guide, Scenic Flight, Rock Climbing, White Water Rating, and More.

Departure Dates:

Fill out our Contact Form below and use Preferred Travel Date to indicate your desired departure date.

 

Ready to Lock In Your Trip?

Please share your details below so we can finalize your Moab itinerary. Once submitted, our team will review your information and connect with you within 24 business hours to complete your booking.

SWAT Trip Protection Plan (TPP)

Travel with Confidence. Cancel with Flexibility.

The SWAT Trip Protection Plan (TPP) gives you the freedom to cancel your tour for any reason up to the day before departure and receive a full refund of your SWAT-collected tour payments. It’s a simple, transparent cancellation waiver designed to provide flexibility for our guests and clarity in our booking process.

What TPP is-and Isn't

  • Not Insurance. It is SWAT's own cancellation waiver.
  • Coverage: Full refund of Swat-collected tour price and SWAT-sold add-ons (e.g., optional activities, additional nights of lodging, etc).

Who & What's Eligible

  • Who:  Any named traveler on a SWAT booking (direct or qualifing agency/partner sale).
  • When: Must be added at initial checkout (cannot be added later).
  • Exclusions:
    • ​Cruise or third-party products (e.g., AMA Waterways) outside SWAT's control.
    • Air or rail tickets not booked by SWAT
    • Government fees (e.g., park passes).
    • Wholesale agreements that prohibit supplier waivers.

How to Purchase

  • At checkout, you'll see an unchecked box offering TPP at 10% of your SWAT cart total.
  • Check the box to add TPP; leave it unchecked to decline.
  • Once you leave the checkout page, you cannot add or remove TPP.

Cancelling Under TPP

  • Deadline: You may cancel through 11:59 pm local time in your tour's start city on the day before your first activity.
  • Process:
    • ​Call or email the contact on your confirmation notice.
    • We'll log your request timestamp (with time zone) and ask for a brief written confirmation via email to info@southwestadventuretours.com.
  • Refunds: We refund 100% of all SWAT-collected tour and SWAT add-on amounts. The 10% TPP fee is retained.

After the Deadline

  • If you cancel on or after your tour start date, or are a no-show, SWAT cancellation terms apply (no refund of tour amounts).

Rescheduling

  • You may reschedule your protected booking once within 12 months of your original departure date at no additional TPP fee.
  • If your new tour price is higher you pay only the difference in TPP fee; if lower, there will be no refund of the original fee.

Timing of Refund

  • Once we receive your written cancellation request, Accounting initiates your refund within 5-7 business days.
  • Actual bank posting time depends on your bank's processing schedule.

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