Three Day Itinerary for Nature Lovers in Moab, Utah

• Day 1: Arches National Park
• Start your day early by visiting the Delicate Arch, the iconic arch that is the symbol of Utah. The trail is a moderately difficult 3-mile round trip hike that takes about 2-3 hours.
• Grab lunch at the Red Rock Bakery and Net Cafe for some delicious sandwiches and pastries.
• Afternoon hike at the Devils Garden Trailhead, which offers several trails that can take from 1 to 4 hours, with many options for easy and moderate hiking. You'll see amazing rock formations and more arches, including the Double O Arch.
• End your day by watching the sunset at Delicate Arch Viewpoint, which is a short walk from the parking lot.
• Day 2: Canyonlands National Park
• Start your day at the Island in the Sky Visitor Center and take in the panoramic view from the Grand View Point Overlook.
• Do an easy and scenic hike at the Mesa Arch Trailhead, which takes about 30 minutes.
• Have lunch at the Canyonlands Natural History Association bookstore and café, which serves locally sourced food.
• Take the afternoon to explore the Shafer Trail and see some amazing rock formations and viewpoints.
• End your day by experiencing stargazing at the Needles Overlook, you can enjoy the celestial display with a cozy blanket and a bottle of red under the boundless sky
• Day 3: Colorado River
• Start your day by enjoying the most amazing views of the Colorado River by taking a half-day rafting trip, which runs from 9 AM and takes about 4 hours. The rafting tours offer opportunities for beginners as well as experienced rafters.
• After rafting, stop by the Museum of Moab and learn about the history of the area.
• End your day with a relaxing and visually stunning hike at the Fisher Towers Trailhead Trail, which is located about 30 miles northeast of Moab. The hike is a moderate 4.5-mile loop, which offers amazing views of the towers and the Colorado River.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Day 1
  • Delicate Arch - 3 hours - Free
  • Red Rock Bakery and Net Cafe - 1 hour - $10
  • Devils Garden Trailhead - 2-4 hours - Free
  • Delicate Arch Viewpoint - 1 hour - Free
• Day 2
  • Island in the Sky Visitor Center - 1 hour - Free
  • Mesa Arch Trailhead - 30 minutes - Free
  • Canyonlands Natural History Association - 1 hour - $15
  • Shafer Trail - 2 hours - Free
  • Needles Overlook - 2 hours - Free
• Day 3
  • Half-day rafting trip - 4 hours - $100
  • Museum of Moab - 2 hours - $8
  • Fisher Towers Trailhead Trail - 3 hours - Free
Total Estimated Cost: $133

Transportation

To fully experience the natural beauty of Moab, we recommend renting a car or an off-road vehicle. It will allow you to explore the national parks and trails at your own pace, and visit the more remote viewpoints and trails. Taxis and shuttles are available, but they can be expensive and limit your itinerary options.

Links to Key Attractions, Restaurants, and Points of Interest

• Arches National Park
• Canyonlands National Park
• Half-day rafting trip
• Fisher Towers Trailhead Trail
• Red Rock Bakery and Net Cafe
• Canyonlands Natural History Association
• Museum of Moab

Tips

If you have more time, consider extending your trip to Monument Valley or Zion National Park. If you have less time, consider removing a day and focusing on two national parks instead of three.