Moab

Arrive and drive to Moab(3 hours)

Fly into Grand Junction (GJT, 110 mi, 1.5h) or Salt Lake City (SLC, 235 mi, 4h). Canyonlands Field (CNY) has limited flights. Rent a car — essential. Stock up at City Market grocery on Main Street before heading to the parks

Check into Moab lodging(1 hour)

Budget: Lazy Lizard Hostel ($20-35); mid-range: Red Cliffs Lodge ($200-300); camp: BLM land along Hwy 128 (free-$20). Book weeks ahead for spring/fall weekends — Moab is small and fills up fast

Lunch at Moab Diner(1 hour)

Classic roadside diner. Burgers $12, milkshakes $6, green chile stew $10. An institution since 1954

Evening at Colorado River overlook(1 hour)

Drive the Potash Road (Hwy 279) along the Colorado River for towering red walls, petroglyphs, and dinosaur tracks. Free. The Potash Ponds turn bright blue at sunset. Watch for bighorn sheep on the cliffs

Enter Arches National Park(30 minutes)

5 miles north of Moab. $30/vehicle, valid 7 days. Timed entry reservation required April-October ($2 at recreation.gov — sells out monthly). Or enter before 7AM or after 4PM without reservation

Windows Section(1.5 hours)

Easy loop trail (1 mile) past Double Arch, North and South Window, and Turret Arch. The morning light through the arches is spectacular. Parking fills by 10AM

Landscape Arch viewpoint(1 hour)

The longest arch in North America (306 ft). Easy 1.6-mile walk in the Devils Garden area. The arch is paper-thin — a slab fell off in 1991 and it will eventually collapse. See it while you can

Lunch packed(30 minutes)

No food services in Arches. Pack lunch and water from Moab. Shade is nonexistent

Delicate Arch at sunset(3 hours)

Utah's most iconic landmark — a freestanding 52-foot arch framing the La Sal Mountains. 3-mile round trip hike (1.5-2 hours, moderate, 480 ft gain over slickrock). Start 2 hours before sunset for the best light. The hike back is in darkness — bring a headlamp. Carry 2+ liters water

Drive to Island in the Sky(45 minutes)

32 miles from Moab via Hwy 313. $30/vehicle (or America the Beautiful Pass). The mesa top is a different world — 6,000 feet above sea level, cool mornings even in summer

Mesa Arch at sunrise(1 hour)

The most photographed sunrise in Utah — a stone arch framing Canyonlands' canyon at dawn. Short 0.5-mile loop. Arrive 30 minutes before sunrise. The arch glows red-orange from reflected light below. Popular — expect company at the viewpoint

Grand View Point(1 hour)

2-mile round trip easy trail to the most expansive viewpoint in the park. Look over a landscape carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers — as grand as the Grand Canyon but accessible and uncrowded. Allow time to absorb the scale

Green River Overlook(30 minutes)

Drive-up viewpoint over the Green River snaking through red canyon walls. The river bend is 1,000 feet below. Free with entry. One of the park's most dramatic views

Shafer Canyon Overlook(30 minutes)

Peer down the vertigo-inducing Shafer Trail switchbacks — a 4WD road descending 1,300 feet down the cliff face. The White Rim Road below is a legendary 100-mile off-road loop

Late morning in Moab(2 hours)

Sleep in. Browse Main Street gear shops. Moab Gear Trader for used outdoor equipment at good prices

Lunch at Quesadilla Mobilla(45 minutes)

Food truck on Main Street. Creative quesadillas ($10-14) — try the brisket or the Thai peanut. Moab's best cheap eat

Dead Horse Point State Park(2.5 hours)

$20/vehicle. 2,000 feet above the Colorado River's gooseneck bend — the view from the final scene of Thelma and Louise. The 1.5-mile rim trail is easy and the overlook is arguably Utah's most dramatic single view. Best at sunset

Sunset at Dead Horse Point(1 hour)

Watch the canyon fill with shadow while the river glows. Bring a jacket — the rim is windy at sunset. One of those views you remember for life

Morning Colorado River rafting(4 hours)

Half-day calm float through red canyon walls ($60/person) or full-day Fisher Towers scenic section ($100-120). Companies: Sheri Griffith, OARS, Adrift Adventures. Book 1-2 weeks ahead in peak season. All equipment provided. A completely different perspective on the landscape

Lunch at Desert Bistro(1.5 hours)

Moab's most acclaimed restaurant. Locally sourced dishes — duck breast ($32), trout ($28), creative vegetarian options. Dinner is better but lunch is available seasonally. Reservations recommended

Afternoon at Corona Arch(2 hours)

3-mile round trip hike (moderate) to a massive arch just outside Moab on the Potash Road. Less crowded than Arches NP and equally impressive. The final approach uses a cable and a short ladder section. Free (BLM land)

Evening in Moab(1 hour)

Drinks at Woody's Tavern on Main Street. Local brews, pool tables, and a genuine small-town bar vibe

Mountain biking half-day(4 hours)

Beginners: Bar M loop (8 miles, easy, red rock scenery). Intermediate: Klondike Bluffs (16 miles, moderate, dinosaur track fossils). Advanced: Slickrock Trail (10.5 miles, the world's most famous MTB trail — undulating Navajo sandstone, extraordinary traction but serious exposure). Bike rentals: Chile Pepper Bike Shop or Poison Spider ($60-80/day). Guided tours from $100

Lunch at Jailhouse Cafe(1 hour)

Breakfast-lunch spot in a former jail. Famous for their eggs Benedict ($14) and hash ($12). Outdoor patio. Cash and cards

Afternoon rest and recovery(2 hours)

Soak tired legs. City Market has Epsom salts

Fisher Towers sunset drive(1.5 hours)

Drive Highway 128 along the Colorado River to the Fisher Towers viewpoint. The red sandstone pinnacles glow at sunset. Short 0.5-mile walk to the viewpoint. Free

Sunrise at Arches if possible(1 hour)

Enter before 7AM (no timed reservation needed). Balanced Rock in dawn light is beautiful. Quick 0.3-mile loop

Breakfast at Love Muffin Cafe(1 hour)

Moab's best breakfast. Creative omelets ($14), gluten-free baked goods, strong coffee. Arrive early — popular and small

Last Main Street stroll(45 minutes)

Pick up souvenirs, red rock photography prints, or Arches-branded gear

Drive to airport(2 hours)

Grand Junction (1.5h), Salt Lake City (4h), or continue south to Monument Valley (150 mi) or Capitol Reef NP (150 mi) for the ultimate Utah road trip

Drive to Moab(3 hours)

From GJT (110 mi), SLC (235 mi), or CNY. Rent car. Stock up at City Market

Check in(1 hour)

Hostel: Lazy Lizard ($20-35). Lodge: Red Cliffs ($200-300). BLM camping ($0-20)

Moab Diner lunch(1 hour)

Burgers $12, shakes $6. Since 1954

Potash Road sunset drive(1 hour)

Colorado River walls, petroglyphs, dinosaur tracks. Bighorn sheep. Free

Enter Arches NP(30 minutes)

$30/vehicle. Timed entry Apr-Oct ($2 recreation.gov). Or before 7AM/after 4PM

Windows Section(1.5 hours)

Double Arch, Windows. Easy 1-mi loop. Morning light best

Landscape Arch(1 hour)

306 ft — longest in NA. 1.6-mi walk. Paper-thin — see it while you can

Delicate Arch sunset(3 hours)

52-ft freestanding arch. 3-mi round trip, 480 ft gain. Headlamp for return. 2+ liters water

Mesa Arch sunrise(1 hour)

Arch glows red-orange at dawn. 0.5-mi loop. Arrive 30 min early

Grand View Point(1 hour)

2-mi trail. Most expansive viewpoint

Green River Overlook(30 minutes)

River 1,000 ft below in red canyon

Shafer Canyon and Upheaval Dome(2 hours)

Upheaval Dome — mysterious crater, possibly meteor impact. 1-mi trail to overlook

Late morning(2 hours)

Main Street gear shops. Moab Gear Trader

Quesadilla Mobilla lunch(45 minutes)

Food truck. Brisket quesadilla $10-14

Dead Horse Point(2.5 hours)

$20. 2,000 ft above Colorado River gooseneck. 1.5-mi rim trail

Sunset at Dead Horse(1 hour)

Canyon fills with shadow while river glows

Half-day rafting(4 hours)

Calm float $60 or Fisher Towers section $100-120. OARS, Sheri Griffith. Book 1-2 weeks ahead

Lunch at Desert Bistro(1.5 hours)

Moab's best. Duck $32, trout $28. Reserve

Corona Arch hike(2 hours)

3-mi round trip. Massive arch. Cable section. Free BLM land

Woody's Tavern evening(1 hour)

Local brews, pool tables

Half-day biking(4 hours)

Beginners: Bar M (8 mi). Intermediate: Klondike (16 mi, dino fossils). Advanced: Slickrock (10.5 mi). Rentals $60-80/day

Jailhouse Cafe lunch(1 hour)

Former jail. Eggs Benedict $14. Patio

Fisher Towers sunset(1.5 hours)

Hwy 128. Red pinnacles glow. 0.5-mi walk. Free

Devils Garden trail full loop(5 hours)

7.2 miles total with all spur trails. Past Landscape Arch, Navajo Arch, Partition Arch, Double O Arch, and the primitive trail return. The primitive section crosses slickrock fins — navigation skills needed. Moderate-strenuous. Start by 7AM. Carry 3+ liters water

Park Avenue trail(1 hour)

1-mile one-way walk through a canyon of towering sandstone walls resembling skyscrapers. The Courthouse Towers viewpoint at the end is impressive. Easy. Often overlooked

Dinner at Thai Bella(1.5 hours)

Surprisingly excellent Thai food on Main Street. Pad Thai $14, curries $13-16. A welcome change from burgers

Drive to Needles District(1.5 hours)

75 miles south of Moab via Hwy 191. $30/vehicle. Fewer visitors than Island in the Sky. Completely different landscape — red and white banded spires

Chesler Park Loop(5 hours)

11-mile loop through the heart of the Needles. Through-slots in narrow sandstone joints, open meadows surrounded by colorful spires, and vast desert panoramas. Moderate-strenuous. One of the best hikes in Utah. Carry 3+ liters

Wooden Shoe Arch overlook(30 minutes)

Easy drive-up viewpoint. The arch resembles a Dutch clog. Good sunset spot

Lunch at Love Muffin(1 hour)

Best breakfast in Moab. Omelets $14

Afternoon pool or spa(3 hours)

Several Moab hotels offer day passes. Or soak at the seasonal Moab Community Pool

Evening stroll along Colorado River(1 hour)

The Lions Park trail follows the river through town. Flat, easy, beautiful at dusk

Drive La Sal Mountain Loop Road(3 hours)

A 60-mile scenic loop from Moab climbing from 4,000 to 10,000+ feet. From red desert to aspen and spruce forest. The temperature drops 30 degrees. Pull over for views of Arches NP and Castle Valley from above

Hike to Oowah Lake(2 hours)

3-mile round trip to an alpine lake in an aspen grove. Easy-moderate. The contrast with the desert below is surreal. Wildflowers in July

Dinner at Sunset Grill(1.5 hours)

In a hilltop mansion above Moab with panoramic red rock views. Steaks $30-40, salmon $28. The sunset from the patio is extraordinary. Reservations recommended

Drive to Horseshoe Canyon(2 hours)

120 miles west of Moab. The last 30 miles are unpaved — high-clearance vehicle recommended. This is one of the most remote accessible sections of Canyonlands

Hike to the Great Gallery(5 hours)

6.5 miles round trip, 800 ft descent into the canyon. The Great Gallery is a 200-foot panel of life-sized Barrier Canyon-style pictographs dating back 2,000-8,000 years. The Holy Ghost panel is haunting and extraordinary. One of the most important rock art sites in the world. Free with Canyonlands entry. Ranger-led tours on weekends in spring/fall

Option A: Cataract Canyon whitewater(8 hours)

Full-day trip through Class III-IV rapids in Canyonlands ($180-220/person). A dramatic confluence of the Colorado and Green Rivers. Companies: OARS, Western River. Book well ahead. Adrenaline guaranteed

Option B: White Rim Road 4WD(8 hours)

Guided 4WD tour on the 100-mile White Rim Road in Island in the Sky ($200-300/person). Vertigo-inducing cliff-edge driving with the most dramatic canyon views imaginable. Or rent a Jeep and self-drive (high-clearance 4WD required, permit needed)

Moab Giants Dinosaur Park(1.5 hours)

Outdoor paleontology museum with life-size dinosaur models along a trail. $22. Surprisingly good — Moab's rocks contain extensive dinosaur tracks. Good for a different perspective on the landscape

Final sunset drive(1.5 hours)

Hwy 128 along the Colorado River or back to Dead Horse Point for one last golden-hour view

Arches sunrise if possible(1 hour)

Before 7AM, no reservation needed. Balanced Rock in dawn light

Drive to airport or next park(3 hours)

GJT (1.5h), SLC (4h), or continue to Capitol Reef (150 mi), Monument Valley (150 mi), or Bryce Canyon (270 mi)

Drive to Moab(3 hours)

From GJT (110mi), SLC (235mi). Rent car. City Market for groceries

Check in(1 hour)

Lazy Lizard ($20-35), Red Cliffs ($200-300), BLM camping ($0-20)

Moab Diner lunch(1 hour)

Burgers $12, shakes $6

Potash Road drive(1 hour)

Colorado River, petroglyphs, dino tracks. Free

Enter Arches(30 minutes)

$30. Timed entry Apr-Oct $2. Or before 7AM/after 4PM

Windows(1.5 hours)

Double Arch, Windows. Easy 1-mi

Landscape Arch(1 hour)

306 ft. 1.6-mi. Paper-thin

Delicate Arch sunset(3 hours)

3 mi, 480 ft gain. Headlamp. 2+ liters

Mesa Arch sunrise(1 hour)

Red-orange glow. 0.5 mi. 30 min early

Grand View Point(1 hour)

2-mi. Most expansive view

Upheaval Dome(1.5 hours)

Possible meteor crater. 1-mi trail

Quesadilla Mobilla(45 minutes)

Food truck. $10-14

Dead Horse Point(2.5 hours)

$20. 2,000 ft above Colorado gooseneck. 1.5-mi rim trail

Half-day rafting(4 hours)

Float $60 or Fisher Towers $100-120. Book ahead

Desert Bistro lunch(1.5 hours)

Duck $32, trout $28

Corona Arch(2 hours)

3 mi. Cable section. Free BLM

Half-day biking(4 hours)

Bar M (easy), Klondike (moderate), Slickrock (advanced). Rentals $60-80

Fisher Towers sunset(1.5 hours)

Hwy 128 red pinnacles. Free

Devils Garden full loop(5 hours)

7.2 mi. Landscape, Navajo, Partition, Double O arches. Primitive section on slickrock. 3+ liters. Start 7AM

Park Avenue(1 hour)

1-mi canyon walk. Courthouse Towers

Thai Bella dinner(1.5 hours)

Pad Thai $14, curries $13-16

Drive to Needles(1.5 hours)

75 mi south. $30

Chesler Park Loop(5 hours)

11-mi through slots and spires. Best Utah hike. 3+ liters

Love Muffin brunch(1 hour)

Omelets $14

Colorado River evening stroll(1 hour)

Lions Park trail. Flat, easy, beautiful at dusk

La Sal Loop Road(3 hours)

60-mi loop. 4,000 to 10,000 ft. Temperature drops 30 degrees

Oowah Lake hike(2 hours)

3 mi to alpine lake. Easy-moderate. Wildflowers July

Sunset Grill dinner(1.5 hours)

Hilltop mansion. Steaks $30-40. Panoramic views. Reserve

Drive to Horseshoe Canyon(2 hours)

120 mi west. Last 30 mi unpaved. High-clearance recommended

Great Gallery hike(5 hours)

6.5 mi, 800 ft descent. 200-ft panel of life-sized pictographs, 2,000-8,000 years old. Holy Ghost panel. Free

Cataract Canyon trip(8 hours)

$180-220. Colorado-Green confluence. Class III-IV. OARS, Western River. Book ahead

Moab Giants Dinosaur Park(1.5 hours)

Life-size models, dino tracks. $22

Lunch at Eddie McStiff's(1 hour)

Brewpub on Main St. Burgers $14, craft beers $6

Drive to Capitol Reef(2.5 hours)

150 mi via I-70 and Hwy 24. $20/vehicle. Utah's most underrated national park

Scenic Drive and Capitol Gorge(3 hours)

8-mi paved scenic drive through colorful cliffs. Capitol Gorge trail (2 mi) has pioneer inscriptions and natural water tanks. The Waterpocket Fold is a 100-mile wrinkle in the earth's crust

Gifford Homestead(30 minutes)

Historic farmstead selling fresh-baked fruit pies ($4) and organic produce. The pie is legendary — do not skip this

Lunch at Capitol Reef Cafe(1 hour)

Near the park in Torrey. Local trout, organic salads ($12-18)

White Rim 4WD tour(8 hours)

Guided tour $200-300 or self-drive (4WD permit required at recreation.gov). 100-mile road on a sandstone shelf 1,000 ft above the Colorado and Green Rivers. Vertigo-inducing cliff edges. The most dramatic off-road drive in America

Drive to Monument Valley(2.5 hours)

150 mi south via Hwy 191 and 163. Enter Navajo Nation (Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, $20/vehicle)

Scenic Valley Drive(2.5 hours)

17-mile unpaved loop past the Mittens, Merrick Butte, and John Ford's Point. Slow and bumpy but any car can manage. Navajo guides offer deeper tours ($60-100) to restricted areas like Ear of the Wind and Sun's Eye

Forrest Gump Point(30 minutes)

Mile marker 13 on Hwy 163 — where Tom Hanks ended his cross-country run. The straight road with buttes on the horizon is iconic. Free. Be careful of traffic while photographing

Lunch at The View Hotel restaurant(1 hour)

The only hotel inside the park. The restaurant has floor-to-ceiling views of the Mittens. Navajo tacos ($14), mutton stew ($12). Worth it for the view alone

Drive to Goblin Valley(2 hours)

110 mi northwest. $20/vehicle. The valley of thousands of hoodoos (goblins) was used as a Mars stand-in in the film 'Galaxy Quest'

Explore Goblin Valley(2.5 hours)

Unlike most parks, you can walk freely among the formations. Climb on them, weave through them, lose yourself in a landscape that looks like another planet. Kids love it. Bring water — no shade

Little Wild Horse Canyon(3 hours)

8-mile loop slot canyon nearby (BLM land, free). Narrow passages between smooth sandstone walls. Easy-moderate. No technical skills needed. Flash flood awareness essential — check weather. One of Utah's best free slot canyon hikes

Guided canyoneering(6 hours)

Rappel into sandstone slot canyons with certified guides ($150-250/person). Morning Glory Natural Bridge, Negro Bill Canyon, or multi-rappel routes in the Fisher Towers area. No experience needed — guides teach technique. One of the most thrilling activities in Moab. Companies: Moab Cliffs & Canyons, Desert Highlights

Farewell dinner at Sunset Grill(1.5 hours)

Return to the hilltop for a final red rock sunset

Any remaining bucket-list item(3 hours)

Return to Arches, bike a new trail, or float the river one more time

Last sunset drive on Hwy 128(1.5 hours)

The Colorado River road in golden light. Red walls glowing. Pull over and take it in

Arches sunrise(1 hour)

Before 7AM — no reservation. Balanced Rock in dawn light

Drive to airport or next destination(3 hours)

GJT (1.5h), SLC (4h), or continue the Mighty Five tour to Bryce, Zion, or Capitol Reef