Stepping into Arches National Park is like stepping onto another planet. The area is surrounded by the famed red rock towers of Moab. The backdrop is often blue skies contrasted by the seasonally snow-capped La Sal Mountains – truly picture-perfect. Thanks to thousands of years of sandstone erosion over 2,000 natural stone arches and formations are located inside the park. Wondering which sights are a must-see? Here’s a quick list to get you started.
Balanced Rock
One of the first formations you’ll see from the road is Balanced Rock, which seems to defy gravity with a precariously placed 3,000-ton boulder. In this active geological timezone, there’s no better time than the present to stop and marvel at this sight. One day the boulder will topple over! Park in a small lot along the side of the road to take an easy .3-mile walk to see the formation from up close.
Delicate Arch
Delicate arch is by far the most iconic formation in the park. The steep 3-mile round trip hike can be strenuous at times and is almost entirely slickrock – but it’s absolutely worth the view. The first words you’ll say after seeing the formation is ‘Wow.’ Due to its popularity, the best time to go is early in the morning for sunrise or late in the afternoon at dusk – just bring a headlamp and plenty of water!
Devil's Garden
At the end of Arches National Park is Devil’s Garden, which holds home to a labyrinth of hiking trails for all ages and ability levels. One of the most spectacular sights is Landscape Arch, the longest arch in North America clocking in at 306 feet. The formation is accessible from an easy 1.9 miles roundtrip hike with almost no elevation gain.
With over 330,000 acres of land, Canyonlands National Park offers a lifetime of adventures for first-time visitors and seasoned veterans alike. There are four districts of Canyonlands naturally divided by the Colorado and Green River: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the rivers themselves. Wondering where to go and what to explore? We’re here to help you out.
Island in the Sky District
Less than an hour away from the town of Moab is the Island in the Sky District, one of the most popular and accessible sections of Canyonlands. An easy 15 minute hike can lead you to spectacular views of Mesa Arch and surrounding red towers on the valley floor. Want another photogenic spot? With multiple lookouts along a short trail Upheaval Dome Overlook is a geographic mystery from the remains of an impact crater. The unusual blue minerals stand out against the red rock.
Needles District
South of Moab is The Needles District, named after the multi-colored sandstone spires that seem to grow out of the ground itself. While just as beautiful as Island in the Sky, the area is more remote so you're less likely to run into crowds of people. Before entering the park be sure to stop at Newspaper Rock, which features the largest known collection of petroglyphs. Once in the park, there are over 60 miles of interconnecting trails as well as 50 miles of backcountry off-roading for jeeps, ATVs or 4-wheelers. A must-do is Druid Arch, accessible through a moderate 9.5 mile hike.
Maze District
The Maze District is not for the inexperienced or faint of heart. A high-clearance or 4-wheel vehicle is necessary to explore this area, the most remote district in Canyonlands. Advanced backcountry skills are required to safely navigate here. Test yourself first with the The Maze Overlook Trail, an
8-mile trek that follows along the Green River before venturing out into the unknown.
Green River & Colorado River
Last but far from least, the Green River and the Colorado River make up the fourth district of Canyonlands.
Paddle Moab bringing SUP to the desert southwest!
Paddle Moab bringing SUP to the desert southwest!
Paddle Moab bringing SUP to the desert southwest!