3 Days in Moab, Utah Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park

Looking for a weekend getaway that really feels like something new? Look no further than Moab, Utah. After a few hour drive from Salt Lake City, I made an inconspicuous turn on the highway as I neared Moab. The highway was suddenly lined by the most vibrant orange rock which contrasted beautifully with the bright blue sky. It was stunning!

Staying in Moab, Utah for the weekend offers easy access to both Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. Among other beautiful trails and a State Park. See below for the perfect 3 Days in Moab, Utah and what to do in Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park.

Day 1: Travel & Dead Horse State Park

I flew into Salt Lake City to visit a friend for a few days before heading off to Moab for the solo portion of my trip. I left her house in the early morning to start the 3 and a half (ish) hour drive to the desert. Before going to my hotel, I stopped at Dead Horse Point State Park. After paying the $20 entrance fee, I drove out to the visitor center and lookout. Here you can see the river carved out the rocks to make Dead Horse Point. Legend has it that cowboys would corral wild horses to the point and then pick out the best to tame and train while leaving the rest trapped on the cliff. Why they couldn’t set the rest free, I don’t know!

Dead Horse Point Lookout

I continued walking and saw bright blue ponds in the distance used for solar evaporation. I checked out the visitor center with a museum in the lower level. This also offered some much needed AC! I hopped back in my car for the short drive into Moab to check in for the night. I picked my hotel because of the rooms with a chic mid-century modern design. But mostly because the pool offered a beautiful view of the orange Moab rocks while refreshing in the cool water! It didn’t disappoint!

Day 2: Arches National Park

I woke up very early to get to Arches National Park before a timed entry ticket was needed and before it got too hot!

Must know: If you are visiting Arches National Park from April 1 through October 31, you will need a timed entry ticket to get in from 7AM to 4PM. Along with the normal park entry fee or park pass for all US National Parks. This is to keep the park less busy for those that are visiting.

I arrived at the park around 5:00 AM as the sun was just about to rise and even as a self proclaimed night owl. I would do this over again! It was so worth it to get to the park early before there were lots of visitors and before the scorching afternoon heat of the desert in July.

My first stop in Arches National Park was the trailhead for the Delicate Arch - one of the most famous arches in the park. The trailhead parking lot fills up fast so I was glad to be there early. What a beautiful sunrise hike it was! The 3.2 mile hike is moderate and a must do! At some spots it wasn't clear where the trail was, but I followed the rock piles set as guides along with the out hikers as this is a popular trail.

Delicate Arch in Arches National Park

After this hike, I drove around the rest of the park stopping periodically to see the breathtaking rock formations. I did short hikes to see other arches but the Delicate Arch was my main hike of the day. All in all, I had over 7 miles tracked on my Apple Watch after my other “short hikes” to see arches that interested me as I went along. A reminder: reapply sunscreen and keep lots of water and snacks on hand as it is warm, even in the morning.

Arches National Park

After a truly amazing morning in the park, I headed back to the hotel for a swim in that pool overlooking the beautiful rocks! Here I met another solo traveler and she joined me for a sunset boat ride on the Colorado River! I did the Sound and Light Show with Dinner through the Canyonlands By Night & Day. I just loved it!

Colorado River boat ride in Moab, Utah

Day 3: Canyonlands National Park

My last day started with another early morning to make the most of the cooler hours. My first stop here was Mesa Arch Trail to catch the sunrise from below this arch. The .7 mile walk has minimal incline and maximum rewards.

Sunrise at Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park

I did two more hikes. Murphy Point Trail is a 3.4 mile flat hike where I was the only hiker for nearly the whole trail. This was hands down the most peaceful hikes of my life. To be surrounded by views of miles and miles of canyons and rocks in all directions listening to the occasional breeze in the grasses or a wild rabbit rustling in the brush. Grand View Point Trail is a 1.8 mile hike that borders the cliff of the canyon for a portion and boasts more amazing views of Canyonlands. After a full morning of hiking, I rushed back to the hotel to check out and make the drive to SLC to catch my flight home. There is something special and spiritual about the unique landscape in this region of Utah. It rejuvenates the soul.