The Perfect Day in Moab, Utah

Moab, Utah is home to two of our nation’s greatest national parks, Arches and Canyonlands. While these parks cannot be seen in their entirety in a day, it is very possible to see their highlights.

I know this is going to sound like a lot of hikes in one day, but with a little motivation it is very possible.

How we spent a day in Moab

• Balanced rock: 0.3 miles- allow 20 minutes
• Double Arch: 0.5 miles- allow 30 minutes
• Delicate Arch: 3 miles- 2.5 hours
• Landscape Arch: 2 miles- 1.5 hours
• Lunch (We went to El Charro Loco for great tacos!)
• Mesa Arch: 0.5 miles- 30 minutes
• Grand Viewpoint: 2 mile- 1.5 hours

This itinerary affords you the opportunity to see some of the main highlights in all of Utah, not just Moab. Delicate Arch is quite possibly the most recognizable landmark in all of Utah as you will find it plastered on almost everyone’s license plate in the state.

Arches National Park

The day starts with two quick and easy stops at Balanced Rock and Double Arch.

Balanced Rock is an attraction you can either see from the road or walk to get a closer look. You can also see Double Arch from the road, but to enjoy it’s full beauty you’re going to want to walk in between them.

Delicate Arch

Now you are in route to the main attraction, Delicate Arch! This is a moderate hike with a gradual climb for most of the way. Fairly quickly you’ll get to a point where the trail ends and you’ll be need to follow the cairns. Getting lost shouldn’t be a big issue though, this trail is a fairly heavily trafficked hike even in the winter! Along the way you’ll be treated to views of the beautiful La Salle Mountains, Twisted Doughnut, and certainly Delicate Arch.

Following that, head out to Devil’s Garden Trailhead at the very end of the park. If you’re running short on time or just exhausted from Delicate Arch a good place to stop would be Landscape Arch. Otherwise, head on down the primitive trail and you’ll be treated to a few more great views and a thrilling trail!

Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands is a massive place that you can’t even come close to seeing in a day. In fact, these two hikes only give you a taste of what the park is like.

Make your first stop here at Mesa Arch as it is the main attraction of the park. The hike to the arch is short and really easy, but the vastness of the canyon below you is amazing. The first glimpse through the arch will certainly send chills down your spine, making this a prime spot to sit and take in every moment possible.

Finally, if you still have time for another hike, head over to Grand Viewpoint to watch the sunset! Another fairly simple hike to be rewarded with a spectacular view to conclude your Prime Adventure.