We arrived in Moab late in the afternoon of Day 2 of the road trip after a very busy morning at Bryce Canyon and driving through Utah’s most scenic roads. Moab is the most convenient location to stay when visiting Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. The town is an ideal spot for anyone who loves adventure, as it’s located right in the middle of the two parks. We spent 3 nights at the ACT Campground located about 2.5 miles from the center of Moab.

Arches National Park

Our first day in Moab we spent exploring Arches National Park. The visitor center is located at the entrance to the park before climbing the cliff face up to the park. This was a good starting point to get an idea of what we could explore at the park. We decided to tackle the hike to Delicate Arch – probably the most iconic arch in the park – before the heat got too brutal. Even though we were visiting in October, there was not much shade along the route, so even highs in the 80s could feel extreme. The 3 mile trail we hiked to Delicate Arch is labeled as difficult, but it was so worth it. We carried both kids on our backs up the steep climb, but once we got up to the arch we were able to sit down and enjoy lunch with the view of the arch.

The view of the arch with the snow-capped mountains in the distance is so incredible it’s hard to put in to words. It’s one of those places that you look at and can’t believe you’re there! We were able to walk up to the arch, touch it, and have our picture taken under the arch. There was a decent amount of people there at the same time we were, but most people were considerate and took turns taking pictures for one another. We enjoyed a picnic lunch while taking in the incredible view before beginning the hike back down. If you don’t want to hike all the way to Delicate Arch, you can view the arch from two separate viewpoints.

After the morning hike to Delicate Arch, we did another 1.5 mile hike to Landscape Arch.  This hike is relatively flat and level, so the kids were able to do some of the hiking on their own. We took two side trails to Pine Tree Arch and Tunnel Arch, but the view of Landscape Arch – which is longer than a football field in length – is what you came to see! At first the arch blends in to the background, but once you realize what you’re looking at, you can’t look away!

In the afternoon, we also enjoyed exploring the Windows and Double Arch areas. These trails start in the same area, and this stop will give you the most bang for your buck in terms of arches seen. You can also hike right up to and under each of these arches relatively easily. Both Emelia and Philip did some walking and crawling around this area and under the arches!

Arches is probably the most iconic Utah national park, as Delicate Arch has graced the state license plate for many years. It definitely lived up to its reputation! The arches were incredible to see and the fact that so many are concentrated in a relatively small area is very unique. Also, many of the arches are easily accessible so people of varying abilities can enjoy most of the sites. But, if you want to miss the crowds, there are more difficult trails to attempt as well.

Canyonlands National Park

On our second day in Moab, we visited Canyonlands National Park. This park spreads over southeastern Utah, but much of it is not passable. The park is split into three sections – Islands in the Sky, The Needles, and The Maze. We visited Islands in the Sky, the section of the park closest to Moab. The park is so vast that many of the overlooks give you views that seem to go on forever. The first place we visited is arguably the most well-known spot in Canyonlands National Park – Mesa Arch.

Mesa Arch a very popular sunrise spot for photographers, but is beautiful anytime of day! It lies on the edge of the canyon with a view of the canyon distance under the arch. Because the hike to the arch is a simple half a mile round trip hike, it can become crowded. We then continued driving to Upheaval Dome where we did the 1 mile hike to the first overlook. The view was into a large canyon with vast views into the distance. We enjoyed lunch while taking in the beautiful views!

On the way back toward Moab, we stopped at the Green River Overlook and finally Grand View Point Overlook. Both overlooks have different views of the canyon carved by the winding Colorado River. The canyon area is the section of the park known as the Maze and it is so intricate and colorful. Each layer of rock is a different color and the pattern carved by the river is so unique. We enjoyed the beautiful canyon views that changed at every turn!

Moab Brewery and ATV Tours

For our last night in Moab, we enjoyed dinner at the Moab Brewery. The food was delicious after two long days hiking, and the local beers were a treat. The kids even enjoyed the fun décor!

Before we left Moab, Todd and my brother Jack decided to try an ATV tour. Off-roading near Moab is really popular, so there is an abundance of trails to explore! The guys got to ride for several hours followed by a hike to see dinosaur tracks! We then packed up and began the drive up to I-70 to Colorado.