The Big Picture

Of the thousands who come to see famed Canyonlands National Park, only a privileged few ever see this spectacular wilderness up close. Tag-A-Long Expeditions exclusively holds a National Park Service permit to take you where others don’t go. If you think that whitewater rafting and camping is too rigorous, but you still want to see the real canyonlands, this is your expedition!

This classic day trip, suitable for people of all ages, delivers big adventure, a few thrills, and the best sightseeing available anywhere in canyon country. Exclusive only to Tag-A-Long Expeditions of Moab, Utah, this trip takes travelers in comfort to sights hidden from those who don’t go a little off the beaten path. No wonder it’s one of our most popular expeditions!

One half of your day we skim along on calm water of the Colorado River, deep in the heart of canyonlands. The other half you board comfortable, air-conditioned 4X4 rigs where you climb 2000 feet out of the canyon to the "Island in the Sky," the highest mesa in Canyonlands National Park. The awesome vistas from the top will take your breath away!


The Details

Your mini-expedition begins at the Tag-A-Long office at 7:15 in the morning, for a 7:30 a.m. departure. A short, scenic drive on the Colorado River corridor takes us to the boat launch. Along the way, we stop to view a large collection of 1000-year old Indian petroglyphs in the sun burnt patina on the canyon wall. At the launch site, you settle aboard the Colorado Explorer, our large, sturdy jet boat. Your river guide soon takes you deep into the wilderness of Canyonlands National Park. We stop frequently to see geologic wonders, historical sites, prehistoric Indian ruins from the ancient Anasazi culture, and magnificent scenery. Bring your camera and plenty of film! If river level permits, we take a short hike to a hidden petrified forest. All along the way, red-rock canyon walls soar 1,500 feet on either side of the river. You won’t believe the beauty!

After a hearty lunch, you’ll board a comfortable, air-conditioned four-wheel drive vehicle that takes you UP, UP, UP, more than 2000 feet, to the top of the world! This stunning mesa top is known as the "Island in the Sky." Along the way, you’ll spot rock bridges, pinnacles, balanced rocks and drive along a section of the famous White Rim Trail. Keep your eyes peeled for the bighorn sheep that call this part of canyon country home.

The 4x4 portion of the trip includes an exciting climb up the Shafer Trail, a series of switchbacks to ascend the 1200 ft cliffs, an historic cattle and mining road. Throughout the day your guide will bring the region to life with legends and stories of cowboys, miners and renegades. By the time you roll back into the Tag-A-Long office at about 5 o’clock, you’ll have seen the real Canyonlands, hidden to all but a privileged few.

Please note: Our combination boat cruise and 4x4 may operate on a modified itinerary on particular dates and reversed any day.