Location: Denver
Day 1 - 1 May 2019
Moab
Content: We started our road trip to Canyonlands National Park from Denver. The total distance is 350 miles and took 6.5 hours, with a gas stop along the way. We took I-70 from Denver into Utah, then Scenic Byway 128 through Cisco joining up with Highway 191 just north of Moab.
Location: Moab
Day 1 - 1 May 2019
Hyatt Place Moab
Content: Beautiful new property with spacious rooms and rustic modern decor. Heated pool and huge hot tub with large fireplace makes for a relaxing way to end the day
Canyonlands National Park
Content: It took us 45 minutes to drive here from Moab (33 miles). It costs $30 per vehicle to enter the park and this is good for seven days.
Location: Canyonlands National Park
Day 1 - 1 May 2019
Visitor Center Viewpoint
Content: Canyonlands wastes no time trying to impress first-time visitors. One of the best views in Island in the Sky is located just across the street from the Visitor Center.
Shafer Canyon
Content: Just past the Visitor Center is a turn-off for the Shafer Canyon Overlook. We parked here and walked down to the wide plateau that offers views of the Shafer Trail, a dirt road that is only accessible if you have a 4×4.
Grand View Point
Content: Grand View Point is located at the very end of Grand View Point Road. Park in the large car park and then it is just a short walk on a paved trail to the viewpoint. This is a very popular viewpoint so it might be difficult to find an empty parking space.
Buck Canyon
Content: This overlook is located on Grand View Point Road. Park in the car park and it is a very short walk to the overlook. From the edge of the mesa, we got panoramic views out to the canyons formed by the Colorado River.
Green River
Content: The turn-off for Green River Overlook is located on Upheaval Dome Road, just past the junction with Grand View Point Road. There is a large car park here (and restrooms). It’s a short walk on a paved trail to the viewpoint.
Moab Diner
Content: Perfect spot after a long hiking. We just got eggs, toast and hash browns so wasn’t expecting anything out of the ordinary, but it was so good. We added their special green chili sauce, which to our surprise was not green and more like a gravy, but it was delicious. Would definitely come back!
Location: Canyonlands National Park
Day 2 - 2 May 2019
Mesa Arch
Content: To visit Mesa Arch, we hiked 0.5 miles round trip. The entire visit takes 30 minutes, a little longer if you get here early to photograph the sunrise. From the Visitor Center, it’s a 10-minute drive to get here.
White Rim
Content: White Rim Overlook is a 1.8-mile round trip hike that took about an hour of ours time. It’s totally flat and offers similar views as the hike from Grand View Point. However, this trail is much less crowded and it was one of our favorite unexpected surprises in Canyonlands.
Upheaval Dome
Content: Upheaval Dome is a large crater that was most likely formed by a meteorite, although there are other theories about its creation. It’s an easy to moderate hike on well-marked trails. There are two overlooks and the second one was our favorite. The entire hike is 1.8 miles round trip and it takes 1 to 1.5 hours to hike the whole thing.
Whale Rock
Content: Whale Rock is a quick hike where we hiked up a huge slab of slickrock for panoramic views over this side of the park. It is 1 mile round trip and takes 30 minutes to one hour. Kids found this to be fun. The parking lot is only about a half mile away from Upheaval Dome.
Aztec Butte
Content: This is similar to Whale Rock in that you get to hike up onto slickrock but you also get to see ancient granaries. It’s 2 miles round trip and takes just over an hour. The parking lot is located on Upheaval Dome Road near the turn-off for the Green River Overlook.
Dead Horse Point State Park
Content: Dead Horse Point State Park is often overlooked by many people when they visit Moab. Since it’s a “state park” it doesn’t get the same recognition as the National Parks. But don’t let that fool you. This little state park is amazing!
El Charro Loco
Content: The food was incredible! Their re fried beans are fantastic and have really delicious seasoning. Amazing prices for the portions. Some of the most courteous service we had ever experienced! Wonderful and friendly atmosphere
Location: Canyonlands National Park
Day 3 - 3 May 2019
Sweet Cravings Bakery + Bistro
Content: We checked out of the hotel and went for breakfast. This place is so sweet! So many options on the menu, even for vegetarians! Breakfast, lunch, pies, coffee, tea were all delicious! And the employees were so nice and friendly with good recommendations for what to choose.
The Needles
Content: The Needles is less visited than Island in the Sky because of its location. It sits right next to Island in the Sky, but access is from US-191. From the Island in the Sky Visitor Center, it is a 2-hour drive (106 miles).
Location: Moab
Day 3 - 3 May 2019
Denver
Content: We went back home after an amazing Canyonlands National Park road trip. Its a must visit park.