Moab, Utah is a perfect location to visit Arches and Canyonlands NP

Unexpected Utah

After hiking through Zion and Bryce National Parks two years ago, we determined that it was time to revisit Arches National Park along with Canyonlands and Capitol Reef. Steve and Sue were up for the road trip. Driving into Grand Junction from Denver for the night, we felt that a detour to Colorado National Monument, just south of town, was in order.

Beginning the drive from the East Grand Junction entrance, we hopped out of the car at every overlook. Our favorite was the Echo Canyon where we laughed as we hollered across the canyon. The reply echoed back perfectly clear each time.

Walk the half mile of Otto’s Trail, Coke Ovens Trail, and Window Rock before taking photos of Balanced Rock near the West Fruita Entrance of the road trip.

 

 

We stayed in a cottage at Moab Trails Inn in Moab, Utah to visit Arches and Canyonlands. Here are our picks for great food experiences in Moab:

Blu Pig – the burnt barbecue ends with creamy mac and cheese was a surprise taste sensation.

Fiesta Americana – the chile relleno was yummy and the chips were homemade.

Arches National Park

Rick and I brought the girls here our first summer in Colorado and this park was just as spectacular this time around. A perfectly warm and blue sky day greeted us for our day in the red rocks of Arches.

Balanced Rock – arriving in the morning, make sure to walk around the rock trail to take your photos from the north side of the rock for the best shot.

 

 

Double Arch – this was our favorite – the two arches connecting to the same mountain were just massive and formidable.

 

 

Turret Arch and Windows – on the other side of the parking lot, these were two more amazing formations

 

 

Delicate Arch – this hike allows you to clamber over slickrock and steps and the massive arch is striking. The smooth stone surrounding the arch is in a crazy oval which feels like a toilet bowl – you walk with a sideways lean so you don’t fall in!
3 mile RT

 

 

Fiery Furnace – perfect spot for a sunset view with a bottle of wine, this red stone appears to glow at dusk

Devils Garden – the end of the road. You can walk through this area to see EIGHT arches, but you can retrace your steps at any time. Landscape Arch at 1.6 miles RT is a great point to stop if you don’t want to walk the full circle at 4.2 miles RT

Canyonlands National Park

 

 

Island in the Sky section of the Park is the easiest accessible area from Moab and is filled with short trails and stunning overlooks. It is the Grand Canyon of Utah. The Needles section of the NP arrives from the east. The two areas do not have a road to connect them. If you wish to do both, drive out and back down to the Needles.

Shafer Canyon Viewpoint – the first stop on your drive, this massive stone jutting into the canyon gives you the breadth of the canyon

 

 

Buck Canyon Overlook – the expanse of the canyon is jaw dropping

 

 

Mesa Arch – this is beautiful at sunrise, but we did not make that early trip. It is much smaller than the arches in Arches NP, but the easy dirt and gravel path make it a lovely view at any time of the day.
0.5 miles RT

 

Grand Viewpoint Hike – walking along the top of the mesa affords great views across the canyon. And you can just go as far as you would like for a photo opportunity. Easy access from the parking lot.
2 miles RT

 

White Rim Overlook Hike – similar to Grand Viewpoint, this walk affords better panoramic views of the Colorado River canyons, but you hike to see these vistas.
1.8 miles RT

Upheaval Dome – Hiking up and down small hills, you walk up the last large smooth rock to the vista of the crater below.
1.8 miles RT

 

Leaving Moab, we drove in to Torrey, Utah to Capitol Reef Resort, the home of tiny cabins and teepees for our day in the Capitol Reef National Park.

 

Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef blew us away! The rock formations of cream colored swiss cheese and orange round stone reminded me of Creamsicles! And the two hikes we did took you to two spectacular vistas.

The drive through the park is only 8 miles one way and has incredibly scenic views of the rugged, massive rock formations. Take a picnic break at the tables by the barn under the trees right after you leave the visitor center. The views are a delight.

 

 

Hickman Bridge Hike – this rock and roots hike takes you to a large, imposing arch. 1.8 miles RT

 

Petroglyphs – right off Highway 24, you view figures carved on the rock wall face

Fluted Wall – a great photo spot with the blue sky

 

Cassidy Arch – this was our favorite hike in the park and was named for Butch Cassidy, a bank robber, who had hideouts up here in the hills. We kept stopping to take amazing pics of the orange and cream colored rugged stones. Starting as a switchback, we felt like mountain goats as we clambered over the massive rock at the end of the hike. There were small stones placed on the rock face to guide your steps up to the top. Suddenly, the Arch is before you as you become the king of the hill. Turn at Grand Wash Road and park in the lot.
3.6 mile RT