Only have 2-4 days and you want to see all that the Big 3 national parks in Moab, Utah have to option? Check out this itinerary to go hiking at the National Parks in Moab! You get to visit Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park & Dead Horse State Park! Hiking from Sunrise to Sunset and having the best time of your life.
Salt Lake City is the best airport to fly into. Especially if you’re not already planning a road trip driving out west!
I say this every time I post about the National Parks but if you don’t have the Annual Pass you should get it! Just 3 visits to the parks and it literally pays for itself at the $80 price tag.
Day 1
Start your second day Hiking at National Parks in Moab at Arches National park and check out these hikes.. we did them all in one day and loved them:
If you want a tiny hike as you drive in there is a handicap accessible trail up to the big rock.
After that I’d drive over to Garden of Eden, enjoy the view on the way in then start with The Windows & Turret Arch Hike. Its pretty short and a great way to dip your toe into Arches National Park. There are 3 arches on this hike, The North Window, South Window and Turret Arch. We loved The North Viewspot Arch the most.
After you get back to your car move it down to the overflow parking lot on the bottom half of the loop you drove onto and head down to Double Arch for a quick 0.6 mile hike. This one is one of my favorites and there were people who even climbed up underneath it.
Sand Dune Arch is 3rd on the list for today. Its a tiny hike at only 0.3 miles and its meant to be great for kids but we loved it because of the challenging angle for photos.
Landscape Arch is last on the list for today. You could go all the way if you’re in the mood but it depends how long you spend at each arch.
Once the sun has set and you’re done go grab dinner at a local restaurant – I highly recommend El Charro Loco. It was the best food for fuel after a full day of hiking. Some great and super filling Mexican food. If you need caffeine and a snack/breakfast for the next day grab it at the local grocery store then hit your hotel or AirBnb for a night of sleep because you’re getting up early the next day!
Day 2
Okay – here me out, maybe you aren’t a sunrise person or an early riser. I know I’m not most days. You HAVE to do it though today! Its not very often you’re out hiking at the National Parks in Moab! Take a shower then night before if you have to and get your butt out of bed early. Grab that red bull you bought yesterday, pile into the car and drive an hour to to the Islands in the Sky trails at Canyonlands National Park, through the gate up to the parking lot at Mesa Arch. Take a 15 minute 1/2 mile hike to the arch and enjoy one of the most insanely fabulous sunrises of your life!
Hike to Mesa Arch and enjoy an amazing sunrise. Make sure to take a bunch of photos and if its winter time make sure you dress warmly! We did this when it was 28 degrees outside.
After Mesa Arch head to Grand Viewpoint. Its a gorgeous trail and only 2 miles.
You can’t leave Canyonlands without going to White Rim Overlook. Its roughly 1.5 hours and 1.7 miles roundtrip and absolutely stunning!
After these 3 trails hop in your car and drive over to Dead Horse State Park, my full guide is here. Check out the trails, enjoy the park and find a great place to enjoy Sunset.
Once the sun is down you’re an hour from town and another delicious meal in Moab!
Day 3
You have a few choices to wrap up your last day of hiking at the national parks in Moab today, here’s a few options!
Sleep in and grab some Starbucks inside the grocery store and go back to the parks. Arches has a few wonderful hikes including the hike to Delicate Arch Trail which is 3.4 miles or Devils Garden Loops Trail which has SEVEN arches on it at 7.8 miles.
Delicate is iconic and has been featured in publishing’s everywhere. Its lovely during the day time but an iconic sunset spot. It would be a perfect place to finish three solid days of hiking!
If you’re looking for more information or planning a few extra hikes then the NPS website is definitely the place to check. I also love looking through other peoples Instagram posts tagged in the National Park. It helps a lot when I want to visit and finding cool locations to see!
I hope this itinerary helps plan a fantastic trip of hiking at the national parks in Moab! Enjoy hiking at some of my favorite parks in the country! Also please send me a message on Instagram if you have any questions! My Direct Messages are always open when it comes to fan girling about the National Parks, especially the ones in Utah!
In case you enjoy watching Vlogs I even vlogged a few days of my trip out there. You can watch it on my Youtube channel: Rachellikestraveling or down below!
Canyon Lands National Park Website: https://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/hiking.htm
Arches National Park Website:
https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/hiking.htm
