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-   -   Arches NP, Canyonlands NP and Moab UT (https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/arches-np-canyonlands-np-and-moab-ut-953787/)

sandy49 Oct 16th, 2012 07:04 AM

Arches NP, Canyonlands NP and Moab UT
 
We recently returned from a brief, but great trip to Moab UT, and just wanted to report on some of the highlights. We were there the first week in October. The weather was sunny, warm and dry--perfect for vacationing.

We stayed at the Desert Inn B & B. It is a few miles south of town--a great place to stay. The owners are warm & friendly and have nice attention to detail in rooms, breakfasts and amenities. They were helpful in planning each day to make the most of our time.

We visited Arches NP, Canyonlands NP and Dead Horse Point State Park.

We also took at jet boat ride on the Colorado River with Canyonlands by Day & Night. It was a fun way to see some beautiful scenery. The guide was very pleasant....both knowledgeable about the area and also added some humor. He pointed out a number of places where well known movies or commercials have been filmed.

Arches NP is beautiful. My favorite spots were the Delicate Arch trail, the Windows area and Devils Garden area. Many of the nice spots are viewpoints, which means you can see them a short distance from a parking lot. For those that want, there is usually a hike in the area too.

We hiked to Delicate Arch. It is not an easy hike but is well worth it. Do it before it gets too hot, take plenty of water and take your time. It is amazing to reach the top. We also hiked in the Devils Garden and Windows area--both pretty easy.

We also enjoyed Canyonlands NP; we went to Islands in the Sky. Across from the visitors center, the viewpoint reminded me of the Grand Canyon. Mesa Arch and Grand View are also spectacular. As in the other park, many of the views are accessible with a short walk.

We were told to visit Dead Horse Point State Park at sunset if possible, and I am so glad we did. It is another place with wonderful views. It was great at sunset with the sun shining on the red rocks.

We also drove up Rt 128. It is a beautiful, scenic drive that follows the Colorado River. We drove as far as Fisher Towers. We wanted to see the place where the Citibank commercial was filmed--awesome!.

When we left Utah, we drove towards Flagstaff AZ. The drive thru the Monument Valley area is great to see.

We only ate a few meals out in Moab. We enjoyed Moab Brewery; it was busy but the service and food were good. There was good ice-cream at Moab Diner. They were also very busy and the menu looked good.

emalloy Oct 16th, 2012 08:33 AM

Makes me want to plan a trip right now!! Thanks for posting.

spirobulldog Oct 16th, 2012 10:46 AM

Nothing like rounding the corner and seeing Delicate Arch and then standing under it.

sharondi Oct 16th, 2012 01:11 PM

Thank you for reporting on your trip. It is such an incredibly beautiful area. Can't wait to get back there!

UtahMentor Oct 17th, 2012 09:02 AM

Glad you discovered the Jet Boat Tour. It is really nice to get out from behind a car windshield and onto the world famous Colorado River, right?

Myer Oct 18th, 2012 02:51 AM

Thanks. I've been and could easily go back.

I went to Delicate Arch for sunset and it was beautiful.

Dayle Oct 20th, 2012 07:35 AM

Thanks for reporting back Sandy! Glad you had a good time. Come back for more - most people do :-)


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