National Parks

Moab: Gateway to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks

Base yourself in Moab to explore the soaring sandstone arches of Arches National Park and the vast canyon wilderness of Canyonlands — two of Utah's most breathtaking national parks in one trip.

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Location:

Moab, UT

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When to Visit:

Spring (March–May) and fall (September–October) for ideal temperatures; summer is possible with very early morning starts but midday heat regularly exceeds 100°F; winter for solitude and dramatic snow-dusted canyon scenery

Moab, UT Travel Recommendations

Moab, UT Travel Tips

  • A timed entry reservation is required for Arches National Park from April through October — book your entry window at recreation.gov as soon as your dates are set, as slots sell out weeks in advance during peak season.
  • Hike to Delicate Arch at sunrise or for sunset — the 3-mile round trip trail delivers one of the most iconic views in the National Park System and the arch glows deep red-orange in low-angle light.
  • Canyonlands is divided into three districts (Island in the Sky, The Needles, and The Maze) — Island in the Sky is the most accessible and offers the most dramatic overlooks, including Grand View Point, with minimal hiking required.
  • Book lodging in Moab 3–6 months in advance for spring and fall visits — the town has limited rooms and fills up fast; downtown Moab puts you within minutes of both park entrances.
  • The America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) covers entry to both Arches and Canyonlands and pays for itself immediately — it's the best value in outdoor recreation if you're visiting more than one or two federal lands per year.

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