The red dirt trails and whitewater blues are layered with stories. This is ours.
In 1896, John Williams became Moab’s doctor. Once a Colorado cowboy working at a pharmacy, he was inspired to pursue a medical profession. A curious and adventurous spirit led him further West to Utah, where he was the only physician for miles in any direction. He traveled days through desert country to reach families in need of care.
On long rides north toward Thompson, he cut through a canyon landscape so strange and sacred it stopped him every time. A place unlike anywhere on earth. A place that he felt, deep in his bones, that he needed to protect.
This land is what we now know as Arches National Park. Doc successfully campaigned for governmental protection of the area, which earned him the title of “the Father of Arches.”
Fatherhood suited Doc, and his son Mitch held a shared devotion to preserving and exploring Moab’s natural wonders. Together with his wife Mary, Mitch launched Tag-A-Long Adventures and began to share this beloved land through 4X4 expeditions and Colorado River raft trips.
Doc's grandson, John L. Williams, was raised by the curves of the canyon and the Colorado rapids. He was running tours and guiding the river by age 16. He attended the Moki Migration — a government-supported expedition in army surplus jeeps that brought Canyonlands National Park into existence.
When his parents Mitch and Mary Williams retired, John took the wheel. Navtec Expeditions was born, ready to lead the future of Moab guides. With so much passion for this work (it’s in his blood, after all) John brought new innovations to the landscape. He invented the Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat for better river navigation, and introduced the first one-day Cataract Canyon trip.
It’s a family history that is intertwined with Utah’s history. This story continues on through each of our expeditions, honoring a legacy deeply rooted in love and respect for the land. The story continues through you, if you decide to join us.
To put it simply, Navtec has been the flagship outfitter in Arches and Canyonlands National Parks for over 35 years. We're not a franchise. Not a tourist company. We're a family — and this has always been our home. There are a few more things that we feel set us apart.
We hire passionate people, and we are invested in our guides’ commitment to learning as much as they can about the trails they lead.
We offer unique and varied itineraries designed to suit your group and move at your pace. Meander, ask questions, follow the light. We’ll be there to guide.
We’ve even invented some of it. There’s a lot of outdoor gear out there, and we do the research so you don’t have to. We test, refine, and stand behind the equipment we use ourselves — so when it comes to gear, we know our stuff.
We’re locals around these parks, and have been for lifetimes. Over the years we’ve built a mutual trust and partnership that is carried through in our tours.
There is the Moab you can see from a phone screen or a car window. We show you the Moab Doc saw from his saddle.
Whether you're navigating the backcountry in a rugged Toyota FJ80 or cutting through Cataract Canyon on the water, every Navtec expedition is guided by someone who sees this land the way the Williams family always has — as something to be earned, respected, and deeply known.
Even our quickest tours make time for deeper connection with the elements. For longer stories about the life forms that settled here long ago. For more laughter around a warming fire against the cool desert air.
You bring your curiosity. We take care of the rest.
Navtec Expeditions is an authorized concessioner of Canyonlands and Arches National Parks. This isn’t just a title — it’s a privilege and a responsibility. We’re proud to share these remarkable places with our guests, and we take that responsibility seriously every day.
Every Navtec guide is hired for two things: expertise and heart.
They know the geology, the ecology, the history of Moab better than anyone in the world. That’s the expertise. But more than that, they know how to read a tour group. They know how to give each individual a personalized feel for the authentic and layered depths of the land. That’s where the heart comes in. And that’s what makes them the soul of Navtec.
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What an incredible experience! The full-day 4x4 tour through Canyonlands and Arches National Parks was nothing short of spectacular. The scenery was breathtaking from dramatic red rock formations to sweeping canyon views and exploring it all off-road made the adventure even more thrilling. If you’re visiting Moab, do yourself a favor and book this tour with Navtec. It’s the perfect combination of adventure, stunning nature, and top-notch guiding. I can’t recommend it highly enough!
Epic Adventure! This amazing 4x4 out back excursion was above and beyond what we hoped for. Most Moab visitors would never experience The Needles district of Canyonlands like this. As active hiking 65+ seniors, we throughly enjoyed the rugged off the road trip along with the great hike. The views are truly breathtaking. Cody was an excellent tour guide and experienced driver to boot! It was a bucket list adventure we’ll never forget! Thanks Navtec.
From iconic landscapes to hidden canyons, our wide range of expeditions offers something for every kind of adventurer. Find the one that speaks to you, and get ready for an experience that goes beyond what you expected.
