Area Attractions

Arches National Park

Arches National Park contains the world's largest concentration of natural stone arches. Over two thousand arches, along with other unusual rock formations, grace this spectacular 73,000-acre park. An 18 mile paved scenic drive leads to all the major viewpoints in the park. Arches features a variety of hikes, from short walks suitable for all ages in the Windows Section of the park, to longer hikes which include Delicate Arch, Tower Arch, Landscape Arch, and Devil's Garden area trails. Ranger-guided hikes in the Fiery Furnace are a true family adventure!  Peak visitor season runs from mid-March through October. Winter is a particularly quiet and beautiful time to experience the park.  The park contains a 52 site campground in the Devil's Garden section. Arches National Park is open year round.

Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park is the largest national park in Utah, and its diversity staggers the imagination. The park is divided into three sections by the Green and Colorado Rivers. These sections, the Island in the Sky, the Needles, and the Maze, are named for their most prominent geologic characteristics. Spectacular views down into river canyons, or up to red rock pinnacles, cliffs and spires are truly awe inspiring. Views from the Island in the Sky encompass thousands of square miles of canyon country! Visitors may explore the park by driving a passenger car on paved roads to the Needles and Island in the Sky Districts, or by traveling the network of four-wheel drive roads found throughout the park. Visitor centers are located in each of the three districts, and they are open year round, except in the Maze, where Hans Flat Ranger Station closes during the winter months. Developed campgrounds are available in the Island in the Sky and Needles districts. Backcountry camping is available throughout the park.

 

Dead Horse Point State Park

Perhaps Utah's most spectacular state park, Dead Horse Point, towers 2,000 feet above the Colorado River providing a breathtaking panorama of Canyonlands sculptured pinnacles and buttes. Access is via a 23 mile drive up U-313, which begins north of Moab. This state park has a visitor center with interpretive exhibits, modern rest rooms, 21 unit campground, and a large overlook shelter.

 

River Recreation

Southeastern Utah is blessed with an abundance of river recreation opportunities. Visitors may select river environments that range from the wilderness settings of Cataract and Desolation-Gray canyons to the more easily accessible sections of the Colorado, Green and San Juan rivers. While the area is known for its whitewater float trips, there are also several scenic flat-water segments suitable for canoes, jet boats, and small powerboats.

 

Moab

Located on the banks of the Colorado River, nestled in a fertile green valley between soaring red sandstone cliffs, the town of Moab is truly an emerald in the desert. Moab's close proximity to several national and state parks has made it a popular destination, and a wonderful location to begin any adventure in southeastern Utah. The majestic LaSal Mountains tower over the southern end of town attaining heights of nearly 13,000 feet. Containing a large assortment of motels, hotels, campgrounds, Bed & Breakfasts, Guest Houses and Condos, Moab is the perfect choice as a base camp for your southeastern Utah adventure. Numerous outfitters and tour operators in Moab will help you plan the perfect adventure - from river rafting to backcountry 4 wheel drive tours. A large assortment of restaurants - from fast food to world-class gourmet, make Moab a great place to relax after your adventure.

Photos courtesy of Robert F. Riberia