Arches and Canyonlands National Parks Self-Driving Bundle Tour

Arches Visitor Center

Our adventure into the astounding Arches begins just before the park's entrance and visitor center. We're about to see stunning natural monuments, unlikely rock formations, and alien, ancient landscapes.

10 Minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Moab’s Fault is a six million-year-old crack in the earth’s crust. As we continue driving, we'll see this fault and learn about the geologic pressures that have formed the landscape of Arches.

10 Minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

The La Sal Mountains are the second-highest mountain range in Utah. Their highest peak, which you can see toward the center of the range, is almost 13,000 feet tall. We'll pause our drive through Arches to admire the mountains and learn about the Spanish settlers who pushed out the Ute and Paiute tribes.

10 Minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

As we continue driving through Arches, we'll pass the iconic Three Gossips formation.

10 Minutes • Admission Ticket Free

This brings us to another vista point, where we'll see the Organ, Courthouse, Sheep Rock, and more.

10 Minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

We'll also pass the Petrified Dunes and Great Wall. As we drive, we'll learn more about the Ute and Paiute mythologies of this harsh and alien landscape.

10 Minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

This brings us to another popular Arches spot: the Windows! These striking examples of erosion are a must-see while in Arches.

10 Minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Look down the trail and you’ll see one of the park’s most striking sights. That collection of arches and almost-arches is the Cove of Caves.

10 Minutes • Admission Ticket Free

We'll pass Panorama Point — keep this in mind if you plan to return at dark for stargazing. Since there’s very little light pollution obscuring the night sky here, you’ll see an astonishing number of stars once the sun sets. Depending on the time of year, you may even get to see the entire Milky Way! As we continue our drive, we'll learn about how to stargaze like the Paiute.

10 Minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Delicate Arch

Now we're at THE most famous spot in Arches: Delicate Arch. A quick hike brings us right up to this gorgeous - and improbable - formation.

10 Minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Salt Valley Road

This is one of the park’s quieter attractions. Like Cache Valley, Salt Valley was formed by the collapse of many sandstone domes. The broken pieces of rock littering the ground are leftovers from that collapse.

10 Minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Fiery Furnace

Our drive continues past the Fiery Furnace: a network of narrow canyons & passages amid towering red cliffs at Arches National Park.

10 Minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Sand Dune Arch

As we drive, exploring more arches, we'll learn more about the Paiute myths behind them, the Spanish and Mormon settlers who tried to survive in this land, and the people who were able to preserve this stunning landscape as a national park.

10 Minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Our drive through Arches ends at the Devil's Garden, where a final hiking trail leads to Landscape Arch and beyond. Our tour through the mythology and geology of this epic land is now over.

10 Minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Monitor and Merriamac Rock Formations

Look to the right. All you can see at the moment are tall rock walls. That’s because we’re near the floor of Sevenmile Canyon. As we continue to drive, we’ll emerge from the canyon and be able to see two very distinct features in the distance to the right -- the Merrimac and the Monitor.

10 Minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Coming up on your right is Big Mesa Viewpoint. Pause for a quick look at some stunning scenery. The enormous mesa looks like it was plonked down here by accident, and then forgotten.

10 Minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

In such a beautiful landscape, you can’t escape the lure of exploring off the beaten path. But watch out! If you do go off the path, you might be trampling on soil that’s alive. You might think I’m joking, but throughout Canyonlands, Arches, and Moab is something called a biological soil crust.

10 Minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Dead Horse Point State Park

Dead Horse Point — it’s a creepy name, isn’t it? According to local legend, wild mustangs used to be corralled here to be broken in the early 1800s. Once all the desirable horses had been broken and claimed by the cowboys, the undesirables were left to go free.

10 Minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Island in the Sky

Stop by the Visitor Center coming up ahead. It’s a great place to grab supplies, use the bathroom, and fill up your water bottles. As you’ve already seen, this park doesn’t have much infrastructure, and being dehydrated out here is no joke.

10 Minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Shafer Canyon Overlook

This overlook offers views from three sides. It may be a bit daunting if you're afraid of heights since there’s nothing between you and the Canyon. However, the incredible view is worth it.

10 Minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Lathrop Canyon

A lot of natural landmarks and trails in Canyonlands are named by or after cowboys and ranchers. In fact, Ned Chaffin’s father and one of his brothers had a spring named after them.

10 Minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Mesa Arch

"Ahead, pull over for Mesa Arch. This is a must-do at Canyonlands. Once you’ve parked, walk along the short trail to the arch. As you walk, notice the juniper and pinyon trees around you. These are popular in Canyonlands so keep an eye out for them elsewhere too."

10 Minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Green River Overlook

The Green River Overlook offers some of the most unique views of Canyonland’s Island in the Sky District. You’re able to see the Green River continuing its work on the canyon walls. The river is the largest stream in Utah at 730 miles. The name probably comes from the green soapstone that can be found along its banks.

10 Minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Aztec Butte Trail

What makes this trail special? Simple: the granaries left here by Native peoples. They’re visible from the base of the last hill if you just keep your eyes open. These granaries are hundreds of years old, so be careful when approaching.

10 Minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Upheaval Dome

Remember how the park’s rocks have been formed in layers? In most of the park, these layers haven’t been disrupted since their formation. What you see is what was deposited, all those hundreds of millions of years ago.

10 Minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Candlestick Tower Overlook

In the distance, do you see three giant candles sticking out of the landscape? That’s Candlestick Tower! Doesn’t this sandstone formation look like a layered birthday cake, topped with candles? * The bottom layer is white, the middle a reddish-brown, and the top is red.

10 Minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Murphy Point Trail

The trail that leads to Murphy Point Overlook is quite easy, adding up to 3.5 miles roundtrip. While the hike itself doesn’t offer much in the way of scenery, the overlook provides a stunning view of Stillwater Canyon and the Green River.

10 Minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Buck Canyon Overlook

Here you’ll see spectacular views of Buck Canyon and the La Sal mountains. The short trail is paved, making it one of the most accessible places in the park. There’s also a rail that stands between you and the canyon, so if you are scared of heights, this overlook is perfect for you.

10 Minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

White Rim Overlook Trail

This is a great place to rest and enjoy a quick meal! There are only eight tables, so be sure to claim one if there are any available.

10 Minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Orange Cliffs Overlook

We’re now at the end of the Canyonlands National Park tour. I hope you’ve enjoyed the journey! If you enjoyed the tour, check out our other tours of nearby Arches, Bryce, Zion, and more!

10 Minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Grand View Point Overlook

We’re now at the end of the Canyonlands National Park tour. I hope you’ve enjoyed the journey! If you enjoyed the tour, check out our other tours of nearby Arches, Bryce, Zion, and more!

10 Minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included