4 Days: Utah Arches & Canyonlands from Moab
Based in Moab, this compact road trip hits Utah's most iconic desert landscapes without the crowds. Two national parks, slot canyons, and remote 4WD tracks deliver raw geology and silence. Budget-friendly lodging and simple meals let you spend on the adventure itself.
What to expect
- Hike to Delicate Arch at sunset; watch the stone glow orange against darkening sky
- Drive the Scenic Loop through Arches for Devil's Garden and The Windows formations
- Explore The Needles section of Canyonlands with sweeping vistas of eroded buttes
- Squeeze through Slot Canyon (Peek-a-boo or Spooky Gulch) with walls touching your shoulders
- 4WD past ancient petroglyphs on remote Kane Creek Road or Shafer Trail
Day by day
Arrive in Moab; get entry pass at Arches NP visitor center (north of town on US-191).
Drive the Scenic Drive to The Windows and Double Arch; hike 1 mile for close-ups of 100-foot stone frames.
Camp at Devils Garden Campground (book ahead) or stay at Moab Valley Inn; dinner at Moab Brewing Company.
Hike Delicate Arch trail (3 miles, 2 hours) early to beat crowds; the freestanding 64-foot arch is unmissable.
Drive to Peek-a-boo Gulch (15 miles east toward Castle Valley); squeeze through slot canyon walls 2 feet apart.
Return to Moab; dinner at Sunset Grill for views of the Colorado River gorge and local lamb.
Drive to Canyonlands National Park (30 miles south); enter The Needles district and hike Chesler Park (6 miles loop).
Stop at Confluence Overlook (5 miles) to see the Green and Colorado rivers meet far below.
Return to Moab; stay at a budget motel; grab pizza from Zax or burgers from Jailhouse Burger.
Drive Kane Creek Road (rough dirt, 4WD recommended) west of Moab to ancient rock art and canyon wall petroglyphs.
Stop at Corona Arch trailhead (1.5 miles); hike to a 140-foot natural arch in a side canyon.
Depart Moab; drive north on US-191 toward Colorado or west toward Goblin Valley State Park.
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