Arches Sunrise to Sunset Explorer

A private guided morning through the geologic wonders of Arches National Park. An evening sunset float on the Colorado River. This is Moab from its very best angle, start to finish.

Arches National Park holds the highest concentration of natural rock arches in the world, and the Colorado River carves one of the most iconic canyons in the American Southwest. This package gives you both, back to back, in a single unforgettable day. A knowledgeable guide picks you up in an air-conditioned van for a fully customizable morning tour of Arches National Park, and when the afternoon heat peaks, you trade the canyon rim for the river below on a scenic sunset float down the Fisher Towers stretch of the Colorado.

This is a private experience. Package base price is $1,200, which covers the private scenic van tour. See the reservations page for full pricing details.

Trip Highlights

What to Expect

This is a two-part day built around Moab’s two most spectacular settings: the canyon rim and the canyon floor. Here is what the experience looks like from start to finish.

A private, air-conditioned van picks you up in the morning with a knowledgeable guide who knows Arches inside and out
Explore Arches National Park at your own pace, with the freedom to choose short scenic walks or longer hikes to iconic formations
Visit Delicate Arch, Devils Garden, Double Arch, and more of the park’s most celebrated spots, plus hidden viewpoints most visitors never find
Return to Moab midday as the afternoon heat builds, with time to grab lunch or relax before heading to the river
Board a raft for an evening float down the Fisher Towers stretch of the Colorado River, known as the backyard of Arches
Paddle through Class I–II rapids on the sunset float, taking in canyon walls bathed in golden light as the sun drops behind the mesas
Watch for desert bighorn sheep, great blue herons, and other wildlife along the river banks
All river safety gear is provided; no prior rafting experience required

Private tour included. Unlike shared group tours, the morning Arches experience is reserved exclusively for your party. Your guide can tailor the pace, stops, and hiking level to what works best for your group.

Trip Itinerary

Morning Pickup

Your guide meets your group in an air-conditioned van. Before you even arrive at the park, your guide will set the scene, sharing the geology, history, and ecology that make Arches one of the most extraordinary places on the planet.

Morning at Arches National Park

Explore the park with a flexible itinerary tailored to your group. Stop at sweeping overlooks, walk to world-famous arches, and discover petroglyphs and hidden corners that reward those who come with a local guide. See the Sights section below for popular stops.

Midday

Return to Moab. This is your window to grab lunch, rest, or explore town before the afternoon transitions into the river portion of the day. Your confirmation email will include recommendations for food nearby.

Evening: Launch onto the Colorado

Board your raft at the put-in for the Fisher Towers stretch of the Colorado River. As the heat of the day eases off, the canyon walls catch the last of the afternoon light, turning a deep copper and amber.

Sunset on the River

Float through calm water and occasional Class I–II rapids as the sun sets over the canyon. This stretch earns its reputation as one of the most scenic river floats in Utah. Watch for wildlife, listen to your guide, and let the canyon close out your day in style.

Return to Base

Take out, rinse off, and head back into town. Exact return times will be confirmed with your booking. Your complete confirmation will include all logistics and meeting location details.

Flexible by design. The morning tour is customizable. If your group wants to spend more time at one location or skip a hike in favor of a scenic overlook, your private guide can adjust on the fly. Let them know your preferences when you arrive.

Who Will Love This Trip?

National Park Enthusiasts

If Arches is on your bucket list, this is the way to do it. A private guide unlocks context and access that a self-guided visit simply cannot match.

Families

With flexible hike options ranging from easy walks to longer trails, this trip adapts to the pace and ability of your group, including young kids and older adults.

Photographers

Morning light at Arches and golden-hour canyon glow on the river. This itinerary was practically designed around two of the most photogenic windows of the day.

Summer Visitors

Beat the midday heat by exploring Arches early, then transitioning to the cooler river canyon in the evening. Smart scheduling is built right into this package.

Groups and Special Occasions

The private tour format makes this an excellent choice for family reunions, bachelor and bachelorette groups, or milestone celebrations.

First-Time Moab Visitors

If this is your first time in Moab, this package is one of the best possible introductions. It covers both of the region’s defining landscapes in a single unforgettable day.

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