Exploring Utah's Famous Arches and Canyonlands National Park

Utah is home to some of the most stunning natural wonders and national parks in the United States, and Arches and Canyonlands National Parks are no exception. These two incredible parks, located just outside of Moab, offer a blend of dramatic landscapes, jaw-dropping rock formations, and unparalleled opportunities for adventure.

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a casual sightseer, or a photographer seeking the perfect shot, then you must add Arches and Canyonlands National Parks to your bucket list.

Where to stay

We based ourselves in Moab at the Aarchway Inn. This was a fantastic hotel that was really close to the Arches National Park entrance, offered a good variety for breakfast and was clean and comfortable.

Arches National Park

This part of Utah is sculpted by millennia of wind, water, and erosion, resulting in natural stone arches. From the moment you pass through the park’s entrance, you’re in for a visual feast. You will need to pay to enter this National Park - otherwise if you are visiting a few National Parks, I would recommend purchasing the annual pass.

We visited in December - whilst it was cold there was very little snow at all. We visited the sites below in one day. But in order to enter Arches National Park from April 1 through July 6 and August 28 through October 31, you must have a timed entry permit. Learn more here.

Remember to bring food and water - there is nowhere to buy food in the Park. Also remember to leave no trash and trace of your visit.

Many of the arches and rock formations can be seen from your car or with a very short walk. However, you can only see two of the top sights, Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch, from hiking trails.

Delicate Arch: Arguably the most famous formation in the park, Delicate Arch is the iconic image of Utah. Standing at approximately 50 feet tall, this freestanding arch towers over a vast desert landscape, and the hike to reach it is just as spectacular. It may not look like it, but Delicate Arch is massive. In the photo below you get an idea of how big it is compared to Marcus!

The hike to Delicate Arch is not easy and mostly uphill. The 3-mile trail takes you through narrow rock ledges, up a steep incline, and around a cliff edge before finally arriving at the base of the arch. We arrived early to avoid the crowds and glad that we did. On our way back down there were more people arriving and I am not sure I would have enjoyed the experience with too many people. The view is nothing short of magical.

Delicate Arch

For an overview of Delicate Arch visit our video on Instagram here.

The Windows Section: The Windows are a collection of massive arches located in a relatively short walking distance from the parking lot. The North and South Windows are particularly impressive, and you can even walk through them for an up-close view of the surrounding desert. The easy hike to these arches is perfect for those who want to experience the park’s beauty without committing to a strenuous trek.

Landscape Arch: This is one of the longest arches in the world, stretching 306 feet from one end to the other. The hike to Landscape Arch is a relatively easy 1.6-mile round trip, and it takes you through an enchanting landscape of rock fins and desert plants. When you reach the arch, you can’t help but marvel at how nature has shaped this delicate, nearly impossibly thin structure.

Double Arch: Double Arch is the tallest arch in the park. It is a short walk to get here and this is one of the few places where you can climb on the rocks under the arch. You might recognize it from the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

Sand Dune Arch is tucked away between fins of sandstone rock so it’s a much different experience than many other arches in this park. To get here it is a short, easy walk on sandy trails.

Landscape Arch

Sand Dune Arch: is tucked away between fins of sandstone rock so it’s a much different experience than many other arches in this park. To get here it is a short, easy walk on sandy trails.

Balanced Rock: Going for a short stroll around this famous rock formation is one of the most popular sights to see in Arches National Park. You drive right past it on the main road but it is worth pulling over for a quick visit. There is a short loop trail that circles around the base of Balanced Rock for closer views.

Balanced Rock

Canyonlands National Park

Just a short drive from Arches, Canyonlands National Park offers a completely different experience. While Arches is known for its delicate rock formations, Canyonlands is a place of rugged beauty, deep canyons, towering mesas, and sweeping vistas that stretch out for miles. Canyonlands National Park is both the largest and least visited national park in Utah. It is an underrated gem of a park with many different areas to explore.

The park is divided into four districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the riverside district. Each offers its own unique adventures, from easy hikes to multi-day backpacking trips. Our visit was from the Island in the Sky Visitor Centre entrance.

The Island in the Sky district is the most accessible area of Canyonlands, offering panoramic views from the park’s highest point. To get from Moab to Canyonlands it is a 35-minute drive.

The views from the Grand View Point Overlook are simply breathtaking, giving you a bird’s eye view of the labyrinth of canyons and rock spires below.  After your stop at the Island in the Sky visitor center, head straight to the Grand View Point Overlook. It’s a short drive from the entrance, and the views here are spectacular. This is a perfect spot to begin your adventure, with panoramic views of the Green and Colorado Rivers, the needles, and mesas. If you're up for it, a 2-mile round-trip hike takes you to the point for an even closer look.

Next you should visit Mesa Arch. This relatively easy 0.5-mile hike is incredibly popular, and for good reason—it’s one of the most photographed spots in the park, particularly at sunrise. The arch frames a beautiful view of the canyon below, and it's a great way to wrap up your time in this part of the park.

Mesa Arch

After lunch and for an unforgettable sunset, drive to Dead Horse Point State Park (about a 20-minute drive). While not technically part of Canyonlands, this state park offers some of the most iconic views of the Colorado River and is a perfect place to end your first day.

A visit to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks is a chance to experience some of the most stunning landscapes in the American Southwest. From the delicate arches of Arches National Park to the rugged canyons and mesas of Canyonlands, these parks offer a variety of adventures that will leave you in awe of nature’s power and beauty. Whether you’re hiking, taking photos, or simply soaking in the views, these parks are sure to leave a lasting impression. So, pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready to explore the majestic beauty of Arches and Canyonlands—you won’t regret it!