Moab, Utah has always been a fascinating desert location, where geology is on display everywhere. In the last 15 years, the region has exploded as an off-roading jeep destination. Technical drivers can experience natural arches, canyons and washes up close and personal.
Because the town is surrounded by two different national parks (Canyonlands and Arches) and hundreds of thousands of acres of federal land, there is no limit to the places drivers can explore.
And don’t worry! If you don’t have a jeep, there are several jeep rental companies that would be happy to provide you with a vehicle to enjoy the backcountry.
What is the Best Time of Year to Take a Moab Jeep Vacation?
If you are looking for less crowded jeep trails, more availability on rentals and empty campsites, plan your Moab jeep excursion for off-season.
In the high desert that means coming in the months of November, December, January or February.
Unlike the deserts of the Southwest, the region around Moab receives snow and lower temperatures than you might expect. Look into Moab jeep rentals during the winter months and you will have lots of wide-open spaces to explore.
How Much Does it Cost To Rent a Jeep In Moab?
During high season (March – October) you can expect to pay anywhere from $180 to $295 per day for a Jeep Wrangler, with increased pricing on Rubicons and Gladiators. And according to several jeep rental companies, the prices do not decrease during off-season.
If you would prefer to hire a guide, you will be paying an average of $300 to $725 per day, depending on the length of the tour and whether the guide rides with you or drives their own vehicle as a leader.
Easy Moab Jeep Trails
- Shafer Trail: take this scenic drop from Island in the Sky down to the White Rim Trail
- Fisher Towers: crawl along the Colorado River in Castle Valley to the spires of Fisher Towers
Extreme Moab Jeep Trails
- Hell’s Revenge: hang onto your seat as you traverse slick rock, ledges and steep climbs
- Poison Spider Mesa: technical climbers will enjoy this trail of switchbacks and rock ledges
Most Scenic Moab Jeep Trails
- Crystal Geyser Trail – visit Dubinky Well and enjoy the Rainbow Rock of Entrada Sandstone on this sandy drive
- Seven Mile Rim Trail – follow this trail through uranium mine country to Merrimac Butte and Uranium Arch
Guided vs Self-Guided Jeep Tours in Moab
Many Moab jeep rentals offer guided tours. This gives visitors the opportunity to see Red Rock Country and Canyonlands in a more personal way.
Most tour guides have grown up in the Moab area and are intimately familiar with side canyons, off-the-beaten-path trails, and little-known locations, making it possible to see the desert in a whole new way! You can usually choose to have the guide ride with you or lead in his or her own vehicle.
5 Best Moab Jeep Rental Services
- Canyonlands Jeep Adventures
- Outlaw Jeep Adventures
- Cliffhanger Jeep Rental
- Moab Adventure Center
- EXOverland
There are numerous ways to enjoy the topography around Moab, Utah. Traveling by jeep is the way to go if you are more interested in a visceral exploration of the region.
Use this guide to assist you in deciding when to visit, where to rent a jeep, and which trails to attack!
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