Moab Nature Adventure Itinerary

• Day 1: Arches National Park
  6 minutes (3 miles) from Moab

  Get ready to embark on a scenic drive through Arches National Park, home to over 2,000 natural stone arches, towering pinnacles, and breathtaking vistas. Hiking trails allow for up-close exploration of these geological wonders.

• Day 2: Canyonlands National Park
  37 minutes (30 miles) from Moab

  Canyonlands National Park offers a vast landscape featuring colorful canyons, mesas, and buttes carved out by the Colorado River. Scenic drives and hikes showcase unique rock formations, like Mesa Arch and the Needles, contrasting the green canyons below.

• Day 3: Colorado River Rafting
  30 minutes (25 miles) from Moab

  Experience the thrill and beauty of the Colorado River on a guided rafting trip. Enjoy stunning canyon views, exciting rapids, and peaceful stretches of water as you float through the incredible landscape. Trips range in difficulty from beginner to advanced.

• Day 4: Dead Horse Point State Park
  38 minutes (32 miles) from Moab

  Dead Horse Point State Park offers panoramic views of the Colorado River and Canyonlands National Park. Stunning overlooks provide a great place for picnics, stargazing, and hiking. The park is also home to unique geologic formations and remnants of ancient civilizations.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Arches National Park (4-6 hours, $30 entrance fee per car)
• Canyonlands National Park (6-8 hours, $30 entrance fee per car)
• Colorado River Rafting (4-5 hours, starting from $75 per person)
• Dead Horse Point State Park (2-4 hours, $20 entrance fee per car)
• Total Estimated Costs: $155+

Transportation

It's recommended to rent a car to get around Moab and to all the nearby national parks and attractions. Prices vary depending on the rental company and time of visit. There is also an option to take guided tours to the national parks but with limited time allowed to explore. Estimated travel cost: $100-$300 (depending on rental service and gas prices).

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the nearby natural wonders like the Goblin Valley State Park or the Natural Bridges National Monument. You can also visit Moab's downtown area for a taste of local cuisine, art galleries, and outdoor gear shops. If you have less time, consider skipping one of the national parks and choosing a more leisurely activity, like hiking or rock climbing.

Airports

Canyonlands Field Airport (CNY) is the closest airport serving Moab, located just 16 miles northwest of the city center. Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is the nearest major airport, located about 230 miles away. Several car rental options are available at both airports, making it easy to get to Moab.