Arches It’s that feeling you have at the rim of a canyon, the wind sighing across the desert emptiness, when you feel like nothing. Like a grain of sand on the beach. Moab, Utah does that to you every single day.
Tucked away into the center of a red rock wonderland, it is the ideal jumping off point for accessing two of the most iconic national parks of the American Southwest.
So you’re asking yourself how to visit and explore Arches and Canyonlands from Moab? You’ve landed on the right page. Forget everything you’ve read, here’s the inside scoop on hikes, scenery, access, and the obscure nooks and crannies you won’t want to miss.
Why Moab is the Ultimate Basecamp
But Moab isn’t just a little town next to a park, it’s the heart of canyon country itself. Positioned right between Arches and Canyonlands, it’s the perfectly situated hub for all of your canyon exploring . When you choose to stay in Moab, you can start your day with a hearty breakfast before driving just a few miles to the park entrance. This allows you to spend your mornings following the sun up over Arches and your afternoons chasing it down at Canyonlands, returning for dinner and an easy sleep each night without having to pack your bags.
Moab has a unique culture focused entirely on adventure.
The streets brim with excited mountain bikers, hikers, and off roaders all sharing a common sense of enthusiasm. From renting out jeeps to booking guided trips or planning your own trek using a park map, Moab allows visitors to experience the spirit of canyon country to the fullest .
Getting to Moab
Most travelers fly into the Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) and drive the beautiful 4 hour journey south . It’s an event in itself to make this drive, as the landscape transforms to the rock formations you came to explore.
There’s also the Canyonlands Field Airport (CNY) just outside of Moab . Getting a rental car is a good idea to get you from point A to point B.
Understanding the Parks Arches vs. Canyonlands
Before we get into the nuts and bolts, let’s chat a bit about what, exactly, we are talking about. These are two park neighbors who bring very different things to the party:
* Arches National Park: It’s nature’s sculpture park, really. A land of balanced rocks, slender forms, and striking red geology, over 2,000 natural arches are preserved here. It’s the subtle stuff, really: the arch in its most classic form ( Delicate Arch), the world’s longest span of arch ( Landscape Arch ), and those delicate rock formations poised on tiny perches.
* Canyonlands National Park: It’s about the scale. The massive expanse of the canyons carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers; it’s a labyrinth divided into four sections Island in the Sky, The Needles, the Maze, and the rivers themselves. It’s so vast you feel like you’ve been dropped on another planet, but one with zero inhabitants besides you (and possibly some ravens).
But there’s good news. Arches and Canyonlands are practically neighbors, just about a 30 minute drive from one another, which means you can definitely see a great bit of both during a trip.
Your Action Plan How to Explore Arches and Canyonlands National Parks from Moab
The key to a successful Moab trip is planning. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to tackle these two giants.
One Epic Day The Arches & Canyonlands Combo Itinerary
If you’re short on time, you can hit the highlights of both parks in one action packed day . Here’s how:
Morning Arches National Park
The Arches trick is the heat and the crowds. Beat both by getting to the park entrance by 6:30 AM at the very latest! Trust us, it’s a non-negotiable, non- negotiable if you don’t want a crowd of people in your Delicate Arch photo.
It will also be amazing seeing the red rocks glowing with the morning light!
Hike delicate arch this 3 mile out and back trip is the iconic arcehes trip you think it is. Climbing through a field of slick rock you get 480 feet up on your ascent. Standing beneath the iconic arch you will think it was worth every step! Stop at the windows section head over to the windows section just after the hike on this one mile loop taking you past north and south windows, as well as turret arch.
A fun, quick hike. Double arch located just a short drive down the road, this one mile loop is to a huge double arch.
The hike itself is a short, easy one with a big pay off. Scenic drive heading out of the park towards canyons you have another 18 mile drive to the exit. Along the way there is a stop at balanced rock which is a fun one mile loop and a good spot for a quick picture.
Afternoon Canyonlands National Park (Island in the Sky)
Head west from Moab until you get to the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands. The trip to this part of the park should take about 40 minutes from Moab. This portion of the park will deliver the most in your face and awe inspiring views of the canyon floor.
Mesa Arch: Must do, short hike that takes you to a viewpoint within an arch overlooking the canyons, complete with views of the La Sal Mountains.
Grand View Point: The end of the park road and the best way to see the sheer immensity of the canyon country. The 360 view here is epic! Green River Overlook: On the way back, swing out and catch another angle of the canyon and Green River.
Taking the Scenic Route The 4×4 Adventure
To truly delve beyond views and to experience the parks from their interiors, 4×4 excursions are recommended. Those ventures will venture off paved surfaces and below the rims. Shafer Trail is the acclaimed road that switchbacks downward through the cliffs from the Island in the Skymesa into the canyons below.
White Rim Road portion Many tours tour some of the White Rim Road, an established passageway running the core of the Canyonlands with views of the Colorado River the Benefits, because of guided travel no need to concern oneself over directions, auto harm or becoming stopped, experienced natural guides would detail the geology and ancient past of the country and disclose hidden arches or petroglyphs that you’d overlook if on your personal.
A Slower Pace Multi Day Itineraries
5 to 7 Day Itinerary Spread it out and have an immersive Moab experience over 3 to 5 days that will give you enough time to delve deeper and explore the areas thoroughly. DAY 1: ARCHES NATIONAL PARK Arches requires at least a full day dedicated to it. Spend the day hiking The Devil’s Garden trail which is a challenging 7.6 mile loop trail through the largest concentration of arches in Arches National Park including the one the park is most famous for, The Landscape Arch.
In addition, the park has many shorter trails that lead to various arches, such as North and South Window, which should be completed as well to enjoy as many arches as possible throughout the day.
A good stopping point is to watch the sunset from the viewpoint at the Delicate Arch trail (6.8 miles) which offers an incredible panoramic view of the unique formation. Alternatively, head to the Windows and Balanced Rock at The Windows Group which allows for views of several arches without as much effort.
DAY 2: CANYONLANDS ISLAND IN THE SKY Instead of stopping briefly at an overlook and driving on, dedicate an entire day to exploring Island in the Sky District in Canyonlands National Park. Explore the many short and easy overlooks and hike some of the longer trails like White Rim Overlook trail which goes to the canyon edge for expansive views of the Green River as well as Shafer and Grand View Points.
If you have time, consider joining a ranger program which offers valuable insight into the area’s geological history and ecology.
For those with high clearance, four wheel drive vehicles, consider driving some sections of the White Rim Road.
DAY 3: CANYONLANDS THE NEEDLES drive 1.5 hours south from Moab to the Needles District of Canyonlands. It features an entirely different topography and is characterized by thousands of multi-colored sandstone spires (needles).
Hiking through the narrow, winding paths among these rock formations is the highlight and the Chesler Park and Joint Trail loops are some of the more famous hikes.
DAY 4: ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES Base yourself in Moab for a day devoted to an adventure that the region is renowned for, whether it is a trip rafting the mighty Colorado River, biking one of Moab’s many world class mountain bike trails (including the infamous Slickrock Bike Trail) or taking a scenic flight over the parks for a unique perspective.
DAY 5: DAY TRIPS The area around Moab is rich with other potential day trips.
Go for a scenic drive on the La Sal Loop Road which rises above the high desert and can lead you into higher elevations where you might find snow on the mountain peaks even in the summer months.
You can also explore the Dinosaur Track Site and Museum. The hike to the viewpoints in the Upper Colorado River near the Spanish Valley offers spectacular views that do not have the crowds. The area between Moab and Monticello also has a very special “go back in time” area for its natural beauty and unusual rock formations.
DAY 6: TAKE A DIP Take a break from your desert adventures and explore the rich, red rock environment from the water. A relaxing day swimming, kayaking, or paddle boarding at the 137 acre Sand Island City Park at the confluence of the Colorado River and Spanish Valley has wonderful recreational opportunities.
The 30 mile section between the above-mentioned park to the take out at The Takeout, with its mix of Class 2 and Class 3 rapids with a few of each, offers wonderful rafting.
DAY 7: HIKE IN CAVE AND OVERHANG visit the most famous Utah “roadside attraction” which can only be reached by hike at Arches, namely, The Delicate Arch.
The 3.2 miles (round-trip) and elevation gain of 436ft makes for a wonderful short day and the views of this freestanding, gracefully curved arch with a backdrop of La Sal Mountains are out of this world. It’s definitely worth the effort. There is often a significant number of visitors at the site, especially during the months of summer.
Remember to bring along a camera so you won’t forget to photograph the marvelous rock formation and the surroundings. If you are an early bird or enjoy night walks, a sunset stroll to the site is just amazing and a very rewarding experience and one of the most beautiful views. There is always the possibility of meeting lots of folks, however, since the time before sunset and the hike itself could be quite dark and very cold during this time of year.
This also presents an opportunity for more photographs.
There are still a great variety of options with your days free so you can plan it out for your own leisure time and your own interests. It is the perfect day for all of you out there as an active tourist who enjoys taking photographs of any spectacular scenery. The information above can serve as a framework for you to build your itinerary upon, but should feel free to adjust according to the pace and interests. Enjoy the stunning natural beauty and geological wonders of the Moab area!
Planning Your Trip key Logistics
The desert is beautiful but unforgiving. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe and have a good time.
Timed Entry for Arches
This is SO Important: Arches National Park has a timed-entry reservation system from April to July, and from August to October . So you’ll need to get a reservation for an entry slot from 7 am 4 pm in advance. Reservations are available for the public three months in advance; however, some tickets are made available the night before between 7 to 7:30pm.
You’ll be allowed to enter the park between 4 pm and 7 am without a reservation.
This is exactly why everyone wants to go in the morning!
The Best Time to Visit
- Spring (April to May) & Fall (September to October): The best time to visit highs often hover in the 60s and 70s ideal for a strenuous hike! as summer crowds wane, and temperatures cool off and the air becomes crispy crisp for any hike! Summer (June to August): The temperatures climb over 100 F and are unforgiving, so for summer travel, limit the hard hiking until dawn and dusk. Always pack a full gallon of water per person for each day. Winter: A quiet and lonely solitude temperatures can plummet into the sub freezing levels and the roads to the parks may become snowed shut but the peace you will have at that lonely place cannot be beaten.
What to Pack
- The Essentials Water(1 gallon per person, at the least), sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and good hiking boots . Layers Temperate changes dramatically, and can range from pleasantly cool in the morning, to absolutely baking hot in the afternoon. Dress in layers so that you can adapt to the changing conditions .
- The Camera You’re not going to want to miss any of these views.
- Headlamp If you plan on being here for sunset, this will come in handy to light the way for your hike back .
The Verdict
Moab, the heart of the American Southwest, beckons. The awe inspiring formations of Arches and the grandeur of Canyonlands will put you in touch with our ancient planet like nowhere else. Unlock the wonder of these national treasures from the comfort and convenience of Moab: you’ll get an up close experience from the moment you wake before the sun until you return under the stars to the magic of canyon country.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I do Arches and Canyonlands in one day?
Yes, absolutely. It’s a full day, but you can see the main highlights of both parks by starting very early at Arches and spending the afternoon at Island in the Sky in Canyonlands .
Which is better, Arches or Canyonlands?
That depends on what you’re looking for. Arches is about the iconic, close up views of delicate stone arches. Canyonlands is about the vast, awe inspiring, panoramic views of the canyon landscape. Most visitors agree you should see both .
Do I need a reservation for Arches National Park?
Yes, from April 1 to July 6 and August 28 to October 31, a timed entry ticket is required between 7 AM and 4 PM. You can enter without a reservation before 7 AM or after 4 PM .
Do I need a 4×4 to visit these parks?
No. The main scenic drives in both parks are paved and accessible by standard vehicles. A 4×4 is only necessary if you want to drive on the backcountry roads, like the Shafer Trail or White Rim Road .
Which part of Canyonlands is closest to Moab?
The Island in the Sky district is the most accessible and closest to Moab, located about 40 minutes from town .
Can I get a guided tour from Moab?
Yes, there are many tour operators in Moab offering a variety of tours, including full day and half day excursions to both parks. These can be in 4×4 vehicles or even by air .
Is Moab a good place to stay?
Yes, Moab is the primary and best base for exploring both parks. There are numerous hotels, restaurants, and outfitters, making it a convenient and vibrant hub .
What is the most iconic hike in Arches?
The hike to Delicate Arch is the most famous and iconic. It’s a 3 mile round trip hike that gets you right beneath the arch .
Are there restaurants inside Arches National Park?
No, there are no restaurants inside the park . You should bring your own food and water. Moab has many great options for before and after your park visits.
How many days do I need for this trip?
While you can do a day trip, 3 to 5 days is ideal. This gives you enough time to see the highlights of both parks, do some serious hiking, and maybe even add in an adventure activity like rafting or mountain biking.