Overview
Trip Snapshot
| MEETING PLACE: | O.A.R.S. Warehouse, 2540 S Hwy 191 Moab, UT |
| MEETING TIME: | 8:00 AM or 1:00 PM |
| RETURN TIME: | 12:00 PM or 5:00 PM |
| ENTRANCE: | Potash Road |
| EXIT: | Park Road of Island in the Sky District |
| AGE LIMIT: | Minimum age is 5 |
| VEHICLE TYPE: | Chevrolet Suburban or Ford Expedition 4×4 |
Exploring the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park is an adventure few get to experience, and you will have the opportunity to see it from a point of view seldom seen by others. Canyonlands is the largest National Park in Utah and our guides will help show you how much of its beauty is tucked away beyond the main roads. You’ll witness breathtaking views while learning about the ancient history of people who inhabited the area over 1000 years ago. Get out and take pictures of the Colorado River where 5-trillion gallons of water run through the heart of a desert each year. Survey the mazes of side washes and canyons formed after thousands of years of erosion. Witness the natural marvels hidden from the roads, when you experience Canyonlands National Park 4×4 tour.
VEHICLE TYPE
We run our guided interpretive backcountry tours exclusively in 4×4 Chevrolet Suburban or Ford Expedition SUVs—large enough to fit up to 7 people comfortably but also sized so that it can easily maneuver through the narrow trails. All of our SUVs have air conditioning for your riding pleasure.
Sample Itinerary
We pride ourselves in running a relaxed and flexible schedule. Every trip is different depending upon the group, other trips and sometimes the weather. The following is a sample of what your trip might be like:
We’ll meet at either 8:00 AM or 1:00 PM at the O.A.R.S. Warehouse. Once everyone’s in the vehicle, we’ll take a drive towards the Potash Road in Canyonlands National Park. We will ride alongside the Colorado River eventually stopping to view the Wall Street Petroglyph Panel. Our guides will give a thorough interpretative presentation on the history of the Petroglyphs.
Next we will head to the famous Fossil Point. This landmark not only brings in stunning views but is saturated in pop culture for its role in the classic movie Thelma and Louise.
From there we will jump back in the vehicle and wind our way up the Shafer Switchback Trail until we reach the Shafer Overlook. This will present spectacular views and exciting thrills as we wind up the ridge.
Our last stop along the trail will be the famous Island in the Sky District of the park. Here we can gaze upon the vast red rock desert sprawling out in all directions. We encourage everyone to get out and take pictures to ensure that all of the astonishing views before you will forever be in your memories.
After viewing the Island in the Sky District of the Park we will leave Canyonlands National Park and head back to the O.A.R.S. Warehouse.
What’s Included?
- Skilled, professional guide service
- Delicious snacks
- High-quality vehicles
What’s Not Included?
- Pre- and post-trip accommodations and meals
- Canyonlands National Park Entrance Fee
- Insurance of any kind, including travel insurance
- Items of personal nature
- Gratuities
Travel Arrangements
Meeting Place & Time
Your trip will begin at the O.A.R.S. Warehouse in Moab at 8:00 AM or 1:00 PM depending on the trip you have chosen. The O.A.R.S. Warehouse is located at 2540 S Hwy 191.
Pre- and Post-Trip Accommodations (not included in your trip cost)
We recommend that you make reservations well in advance in order to guarantee lodging.
Motels
- Gonzo Inn 800-791-4044
- Big Horn Lodge 800-625-6171
- Sorrel River Ranch 877-359-2715
- Red Cliffs Adventure Lodge 866-812-2002
Camping Options
- Slickrock Campground 800-448-8873
- KOA 800-562-0372
- Arches Nat’l Park 435-719-2299
- Moab Chamber of Commerce 435-259-7814
Weather
You may want to check one week prior to your trip for an up-to-date weather forecast. We recommend you check the following web site: www.wunderground.com for weather in Moab, Utah.
Average Air Temperatures
| High °F | Low °F | |
| April | 73 | 42 |
| May | 83 | 50 |
| June | 93 | 56 |
| July | 101 | 66 |
| August | 96 | 64 |
| September | 87 | 52 |
| October | 74 | 40 |
Getting Ready
Clothing & Equipment
Footwear
The best choice in footwear would be a comfortable pair of tennis shoes. This will not be walking intensive trip but there will be short interpretive hikes making it imperative to wear a pair of shoes suitable for such hikes. Find professional-grade options made by Chaco® at www.chacos.com, the official footwear sponsor of O.A.R.S. guides
Clothing
We recommend starting with a lightweight synthetic shirt, and a comfortable pair of shorts. If additional clothing is needed to protect skin from the sun, plan accordingly.
Sun Protection
Protecting yourself from the sun should be taken very seriously. A hat, sunscreen, lip balm and sunglasses are a must. In many cases, a long-sleeve shirt is the best method for preventing sunburn on your upper body. Light-weight long pants may also be appropriate to protect your legs.
What to Bring
☐ Sunscreen & lip protection: SPF 30 or higher
☐ Water bottle
☐ Shade hat/visor
☐ Sunglasses (preferably polarized)
Find all the gear you need for your trip online in the OARStore and receive FREE SHIPPING in the U.S. + 15% of your purchase helps provide disadvantaged youth with outdoor adventure experiences.
Reminder
ALWAYS BE PREPARED FOR CHANGING WEATHER! Especially during the months of April, May and early June, Utah can experience extreme changes in weather.
Special Considerations
Please let us know if you have any medical issues or dietary needs that we’ll need to consider in planning your trip.
Cameras
We encourage you to bring a camera so you and can capture memories for a lifetime but we suggest bringing a camera that you can easily carry on the short hikes.
Trip Forms
Each participant will be required to sign an acknowledgement of risk form prior to the trip.
Payments
Final payment is due at time of booking.
Gratuities
If you feel your guides have provided a very special trip for you, you may leave a gratuity with the trip leader to be shared among the crew. This tip is entirely at your discretion, though we recommend a general tipping guideline of anything between 5% and 10% of trip cost. If you plan to tip, remember to bring a personal check or cash—ATMs are hard to find in the backcountry!
SOMETHING VOLUNTARY
In reviewing your statement, you’ll note a $1/person/day donation to Utah Rivers Council, a non-profit conservation organization dedicated to Utah’s rivers and clean water sources. One-hundred percent of these funds go directly to Utah’s rivers and your contribution is tax-deductible. This donation is voluntary and may be removed from your invoice if you choose not to participate. Please notify our office if you would prefer to delete the donation from your balance.
If you enjoyed your trip, consider donating to the O.A.R.S. Foundation. This organization is a not-for-profit 501 (c) 3 organization with the express goal of providing opportunities for young people to experience the magic of the outdoors. Visit www.oarsfoundation.org to learn more about how a tax-deductible donation can change young lives for the better.
Helpful Links
Shop for the latest in top-quality gear for your trip
www.oars.com/OARStore
O.A.R.S. practices Leave No Trace outdoor ethics
http://www.lnt.org/
Terms & Conditions
Reservations
Full payment is required at the time of booking.
Cancellations and Refunds
If you find it necessary to cancel your trip, please notify us as soon as possible.
| DATE OF CANCELLATION | CANCELLATION FEE |
| 30 or more days prior to your trip | $15/person |
| 29 to 7 days prior | No Refund. Payment can be transferred to another trip (within the same year) for $30/person transfer fee |
| 6 days or less prior | 50% of the trip cost can be credited to another trip (within the same year) |
| Late arrivals or “no shows” | No refund or credit |
Medical
Under most circumstances, if you are of an adventurous spirit and in reasonably good health, you should have no problem enjoying this O.A.R.S. Canyonlands trip. People with medical conditions, including pregnancy, should have a physician’s approval before taking an adventure travel trip.
Insurance
We strongly recommend that you protect yourself, your belongings and your vacation through the purchase of a travel insurance plan. They cover your non-refundable payments in most cases, should you have to cancel your trip due to illness or injury—yours or that of an extended family member—even at the last minute. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, pre-existing medical conditions may be covered. No one wants an expensive helicopter to become necessary, but if you need to be evacuated or if an immediate family member dies and the local management agency is requested to notify you by helicopter, the helicopter expenses will be your responsibility. Evacuations can be prolonged, difficult and expensive. Personal belongings and cameras are carried entirely at the owner’s risk, and O.A.R.S. accepts no responsibility for lost, damaged, delayed or stolen property. You can protect yourself through Travel Insurance Services or with alternative insurance. Call Travel Insurance Services at 800-937-1387 or visit their website at www.travelinsure.com/cobrand/OARS.
Acknowledgement of Risk
Everyone is required to sign a standard Acknowledgement of Risk form before the trip, acknowledging awareness that there are inherent risks associated with the trip. Due to the nature of the activities, a condition of your participation is that you will sign this form and return it to our office before the trip begins. Anyone who refuses to sign the form will not be allowed to participate, and consistent with O.A.R.S. Canyonlands cancellation policy, there will be no refund of the trip fees at that time.