This week we’re heading to Moab, a small desert town in Utah surrounded by some of the most dramatic landscapes in the American Southwest.

The red rock arches, deep desert canyons, towering cliffs, and winding rivers will take your breath away. It sits in the middle of it all, making it the perfect base for exploring three incredible parks.

There is a rich Native American culture there and a lot of history to learn. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to get outside, explore, and be inspired by the views around you.

Moab was named in 1880, but it wasn’t until the 1950’s when the population grew drastically as a result of a uranium discovery. Today, they are many tourists who visit and lots of vacation homes in the area. It’s a such a vast space though that the tourism isn’t overwhelming.

Moab is the perfect destination for crossing off some iconic U.S. National Parks from your list. We recommend having Moab as your home base for 3-4 days so you have time to explore all this area has to offer.

Arches National Park

Just minutes from Moab is Arches National Park, home to more than 2,000 natural stone arches.

The most famous is Delicate Arch, the symbol of Utah. The three mile round trip hike leads to an incredible arch standing alone against the desert sky.

Double Arch is the tallest (112 ft/34 m) and second longest arch in the park. It’s an easy path to hike with an elevation gain of only 10 meters and takes about 15-30 minutes to complete.

Another quick stop is Balanced Rock, a massive boulder that looks like it’s balancing on a narrow pedestal.

You can also explore The Windows, where several giant arches sit close together and frame the wide desert landscape.

If you want to see one of the longest natural arches in the world, hike to Landscape Arch in the Devils Garden area.

A short drive from Moab brings you to Canyonlands National Park, a park known for its massive desert canyons carved by the Colorado River and the Green River.

One of the most popular areas is Island in the Sky. Here you can stand at overlooks and see thousands of feet down into the canyon below.

Mesa Arch at sunrise is one of the most famous views in the park.

The scale of this landscape is hard to describe until you see it in person.

Another incredible stop near Moab is Dead Horse Point State Park.

From the main overlook, you can look down nearly 2,000 feet to the Colorado River winding through the canyon.

The view is dramatic and wide open. It’s one of the most photographed landscapes in the American Southwest.

Refer a friend using your referral link at the bottom of this email so they can see it too. In addition, you’ll get a copy of our “Wonders of the World” eBook if it’s your first referral.

The easiest way to reach Moab is by flying into Salt Lake City and driving about four hours through the scenic landscapes of Utah. Many travelers also fly into Grand Junction, Colorado, which is about a two hour drive from Moab.

If you prefer to fly closer, the Canyonlands Field Airport sits just outside Moab and has limited regional flights. Once you arrive, Moab is the perfect base for exploring nearby parks like Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park.

Renting a car, from a company such as Hertz, gives you the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own.

Hoodoo Moab - minutes away from Arches National Park

Entrada at Moab 442 - entire home to yourself, free bike rentals included

Purple Sage Flats -entire condo in Moab

ULUM Moab - experience “glamping” in a luxury style tent

After a day exploring the desert, Moab has plenty of great places to eat.

Moab Brewery is one of the most popular spots in town for burgers, barbecue, and craft beer.

For Italian comfort food, Pasta Jay's has been a longtime favorite with travelers.

If you’re looking for something casual, the Moab Food Truck Park offers a fun mix of food trucks and outdoor seating.

And if you want a classic road trip stop, the Moab Diner is known for its milkshakes and ice cream after a day of hiking.

The desert sun can be intense, even in cooler months. Make sure to bring:

Moab reminds us how powerful nature can be.

Wind, water, and time shaped these arches and canyons over thousands of years.

Standing beneath a giant arch, looking out across Canyonlands, or watching the Colorado River curve through the desert makes you realize just how big and beautiful our world really is.

Here are a few of our Get Your Guide links to help you when in Moab. It’s no extra cost to you and helps us keep this email free for everyone. Get Your Guide is currently having a Spring Sale offering 30% on bookings.😀

See you next week,

Trisha & Bob