Over the years, I've learned that the best way to clear my head was to immerse myself in nature, finding rejuvenation by happening upon something so mesmerizing to the point of losing track of time. Be it staring at the rolling hills of a pasture, ocean waves, or watching the colors change over a mountain sunrise, all therapeutic and full of promise. My parents ingrained this appreciation throughout our youth by exposing my sister and I to lots of outdoor activities and traveling to many National Parks, which appropriately contributed to a sense of wanderlust. So much so that every year, for as long as I can remember, I've aimed to take a trip somewhere new to me, and feel the rush of discovery.
I'd never really thought about visiting Utah though, sorry Behive State. 😔 I knew virtually nothing about it other than some movie references. Then I saw a piece on the Sunday Morning Show about Moab and southern Utah's National Parks. I couldn't get over the colors and diverse terrain. My husband had mentioned wanting to see Moab in the past so we thought, let's check it out!
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Now how to get there. Since Salt Lake City seemed to be the easiest airport to access, we decided to fly in there and do a road trip to see more of the state. I narrowed our options down to Park City as a stopover en route to Moab because over the years, I remembered hearing about the Sundance Film Festival taking place there and always thought it sounded like a neat location to visit. So then I looked up Robert Redford's Sundance Resort (because how magical would that be?) once I realized its proximity to our route but alas it was booked up and priced well outside of what I was willing to spend per night. Maybe one day!
2 Nights in Park City
Park City is located about 45 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport so I figured it to be an easy drive upon our arrival where we could spend the first couple days. Known mostly as a ski town, we thought it would be neat to see the area in the summer and do some hiking, hopefully with less crowds too. On the drive in, we noticed lots of signs and references to the Winter Olympics that took place in 2002. Leaving a lasting legacy, the area continues to offer many practice facilities and venues still in use today as a winter sports hub for athletes.
We opted to stay at Marriott's Summit Watch where we could easily walk to many restaurants and shops downtown. Little did I know, the main street has quite an incline from one end to the other but it made our food and beverage intake feel guilt free because we certainly earned it from our efforts. There are many beautiful ski resorts to choose from but we just wanted to be in town where we wouldn't have to drive much.
After an evening exploring the shops and restaurants, we arose early to hike Park City Mountain. The normally snow covered ski slopes were restored with lush grass for the summer creating a playground for hikers and cyclists. As we began our ascent, we were joined by like minded early birds on bicycles heading UP the hill too! Blown away by their ability and strength, we yielded the path to multiple folks on this one way bike trail. It was so cool to see the summertime flora and fauna knowing that in a few short months, the skiers would be enjoying the same view blanketed in snow.
On to Moab
Part of the point of doing this Utah road trip was to see more of the state. Turns out, this was quite possibly one of my favorite drives in the USA! Apparently you can also take the journey by rail which sounds relaxing and beautiful. What blew me away was the ever changing landscape along this winding and exhilarating four hour drive.
Once outside the University city of Provo, Highway 6 follows the Spanish Fork River with a few tiny towns sprinkled along the way. We noticed the majority of the highway runs parallel with the river and railroad. Obviously the river did most of the grading work making it a natural area for the railroad to be built and based on that engineering many moons later came the highway. We'd be following alongside a train and suddenly it would disappear into a mountain tunnel to catch back up with us on the other side in a couple miles. Apparently, this area of the highway is known as Carbon County due to Utah's history in the coal industry dating back to the 1870's.
Upon arriving in Moab, I was actually excited that we would get to do that drive again on our way back to Salt Lake City when it was time to head home. Usually I would dread a drive that long but not this one. The vastly changing landscape kept my attention and the winding road was like a gentle roller coaster. The time flew by. (Not to mention, you'll also have the opportunity to go 80 miles per hour on Interstate 70 for a bit 😎)
Moab's Attractive Attributes
The town of Moab offers a unique and captivating experience due to several key attractions and activities. These factors make Moab an ideal destination for those seeking adventure, natural beauty, and a touch of small-town charm.
Proximity to National Parks: Moab is the gateway to two of Utah's most famous national parks, Arches and Canyonlands. Arches National Park is renowned for its stunning natural stone arches, while Canyonlands National Park offers vast canyons, mesas, and river landscapes.
Outdoor Recreation: A haven for outdoor enthusiasts, activities include hiking, mountain biking, off-roading, rock climbing, and river rafting on the Colorado River.
Scenic Beauty: Moab's landscape features dramatic red rock formations, unique geological structures, and breathtaking views, making it a favorite destination for photographers and nature lovers.
Stargazing: The clear, dark skies around Moab provide excellent opportunities for stargazing, with minimal light pollution and spectacular views of the night sky.
Cultural and Historical Sites: The area is rich in Native American history, with numerous petroglyphs and ancient dwellings to explore. Additionally, Moab has a vibrant arts scene with galleries, festivals, and local crafts.
Small- Town Charm: Moab itself offers a charming, laid-back atmosphere with a variety of restaurants, shops, and local events, making it a pleasant base for exploring the region.
Adventure Tours: Numerous guided tours are available, including 4x4 excursions, scenic flights, and guided hikes, offering unique perspectives and insights into the region’s natural wonders.
Moab Accommodations
Moab offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. These options provide a range of experiences, from luxurious and comfortable to rustic and adventurous, ensuring there's something for every type of traveler.
Here are some of the main types:
Hotels and Motels:
- Hampton Inn Moab: Less than a mile from downtown Moab dining and shopping, we stayed at this Hampton Inn because it's our preferred, consistent brand choice. We were able to access everything we needed from this convenient location.
- Hyatt Place Moab: This Hyatt hotel was fully booked when we were looking but was also on my list. It is a newer hotel with modern facilities, dining options, and great views.
- Moab Springs Ranch: Seemingly known for its comfortable bungalows and townhouses, as well as beautiful grounds with a private spring-fed pond.
Boutique Inns:
- Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton: A boutique hotel with modern amenities and a stylish design. We enjoyed dinner and drinks at their upscale rustic restaurant, Josie Wyatt's Grill.
- Red Cliffs Lodge: Located along the Colorado River, offering a picturesque setting and a range of activities.
Vacation Rentals:
- Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo have numerous listings ranging from cozy cabins to luxurious homes, providing more space and privacy.
Bed and Breakfasts:
- Sunflower Hill Inn: A charming B&B with a historic feel and beautiful gardens.
- Castle Valley Inn: Located just outside of Moab, offering a peaceful, rural setting.
Campgrounds and RV Parks:
- Moab Valley RV Resort & Campground: Provides full RV hookups, tent sites, and cabins.
- Arches National Park Campgrounds: Offers a more rustic experience within the park.
- Dead Horse Point State Park Campground: Known for its incredible views and quieter atmosphere, you can stay in a yurt or one of many tent camp sites.
Hostels:
- The Lazy Lizard Hostel: A budget-friendly option with dormitory-style rooms, private rooms, and cabins.
Glamping:
- Under Canvas Moab: Luxury tent camping with comfortable furnishings and stunning views near Arches National Park.
- Moab Luxury Campground: Offers upscale "glamping" tents with amenities like private bathrooms and air conditioning.
HIKES IN ARCHES NATIONAL PARK
Boasting 2,000 natural stone arches, hundreds of soaring pinnacles, massive rock fins, and giant balanced rocks, Arches National Park provides a feast for the eyes you will never forget. Simply driving around the park is beautiful with plenty of views easily accessible, you don’t have to get out of your vehicle to experience the majesty. But if you are able, take a hike and immerse yourself for an even greater encounter with nature.
Delicate Arch
I've never seen so many varying reviews of a hike. In my research, some hikers said it was difficult and others said easy/quick but all of them agreed it was worth it. I found that last part to be abundantly true. The entirety of this journey is interesting, stunning, and wide-ranging in such a short amount of time (assume probably 2 hours out and back.) The first 20 minutes are an easy level stroll and then you arrive at a pretty daunting rock face.
What people do not tell you, is how steep the trail ascends over a gigantic rock formation, however we saw people of all ages and abilities tackling the climb. I believe this hike to be a bucket list event for many folks so obviously they were determined and that gave us strength too. I almost put my hands down to crawl in a few places. It's a solid half mile up during this part of the trail which reminded me of walking on the track at the Daytona Speedway. I don't think I would recommend attempting this in the rain or snow because it could be dangerous and slick.
After conquering the giant rock, the trail weaves though some really neat vegetation and more colorful red rocks that kept making me think, I wonder if this is what it would be like to walk around Mars. There are stunning views all along the way and as you get closer to the Arch, the trail narrows to a rather shocking degree so beware if you're not a fan of heights.
Then all of a sudden, there it is, the iconic Delicate Arch, somehow still standing and boggling the mind with its beauty.
We leaned on a rock drinking our water for a while, simply taking a moment to savor the wonder we had found. There aren't enough words, or photos for that matter, to accurately describe and do such a place justice. I hope you can see it with your own eyes someday.
On the way back, with seemingly renewed energy, we took in more views and learned about petroglyphs (rock carvings). Round trip, it's about 3.2 miles depending on how much you veer off for photo ops.
Landscape Arch Trail
Feeling strong and since it was still early in the day, we ventured on to the Landscape Arch Trailhead, about a 15 minute drive deeper into the park. Again, I could just drive around this park all day, it's that mesmerizing.
Landscape Arch is a part of Devil's Garden Trail, which is around 8 miles round trip including Double O Arch, Dark Angel, and the primitive trail. However, we opted for just the Landscape Arch portion because we were nearing the heat of the day and 2 miles round trip seemed like the perfect amount before treating ourselves to a late lunch.
One thing to note about a lot of these trails is there aren't many, if any, signs along the way. Instead you "follow the cairns," or a pile of rocks stacked to mark the path. Luckily they are plentiful and when in doubt, usually you can find one within eyeshot to show you the way. Just pay attention to your surroundings and you should always familiarize yourself with the map. Another thought is to remember cell reception is rarely good inside National Parks so have your map downloaded before you go just in case GPS is slow to find your location.
The trail to Landscape Arch is fun and well maintained with more great views. When you first get a glimpse of the arch it's hard to comprehend the massive expanse being the longest arch in North America at 300 feet and only 6 feet in diameter at its narrowest.
After sweating the day away and feeling fulfilled with our accomplishment, we headed back to Moab for a shower and sustinance. The rest of the evening, we meandered around town and turned in early to be ready for the next day's activities.
Dead Horse Point State Park
After checking out of our hotel, we headed 30 miles out in the still darkness to a hidden gem I had read about. The National Parks tend to get all the attention but a couple times I had seen mentions of Dead Horse Point State Park and it sounded like this was something not to be missed if one had time. I had an idea that maybe we should try to see this area as the sun rose. The drive took us steadily up a curvy road that eventually flattened out to a vast mesa with strong winds we could feel in the car as we made our way across. The mesa then connects to a peninsula of rock by a slender piece of land ending at Dead Horse Point. There are a few tragic legends floating around about the history of this epic spot but I'll leave those for you to find because it makes me sad to repeat.
When we got out at the Visitors Center, I noticed the wind had eerily calmed down and as I stepped toward the viewpoint, I couldn't believe my eyes. In the slowly brightening morning light, this view rivaled the Grand Canyon with striking hues of indescribable colors. The Colorado River snaked its way though ravines 2,000 feet below and tears filled my eyes as the infinite beauty felt overwhelming. We couldn't have timed our arrival better and stood motionless just taking it all in.
Once we finally tore ourselves away from this viewpoint, we decided to hike around and explore. The path was marked with easy to follow, painted arrows and cairns. We felt like kids climbing over simple formations along the trail, being mindful though because the steep ledge was closeby and there's no fence or rail. Each direction was stunning and I enjoyed absolutely every minute. We even walked through the campground where you can rent a large yurt or tent camp under what must be a magical sky at night.
Eventually, it was time to say goodbye to this phenomenally beautiful place and we reluctantly got back on the road to head towards Salt Lake City for our last night. My spirits were lifted when I remembered we got to travel the scenic roadways again and settled in to be the DJ while we savored the journey.
Salt Lake City
That afternoon, we strolled around downtown Salt Lake City taking in the sights and sounds of urban life, a marked contrast of how we'd spent the previous few days in nature. There is much to be enjoyed here as many conferences and events constantly take place. The airport is only 15 minutes from downtown and we stayed the night at the Hilton City Center right where we could easily walk around Temple Square, the Convention Center, Olympic Park and any restaurant you can imagine. The next day we had to head home and I had a new appreciation for the unknown. So glad we took this opportunity for adventure and I will certainly be back to see more of you, Utah.
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