DAY 1: Museum of Natural History
fantasy canyon
This stop is an extra two hours out of the way, but if you left early enough in the AM and have some spare energy, the natural rock formations in this canyon look like they belong in an abstract sculpture garden. It's only ten acres large, but if you're snap-happy with a camera you can probably spend a few hours here.
Note: To see a list of the best hikes in Utah, check out our blog post, Power Rankings: Hikes of Utah.
*Limited cell phone service; save directions before departure.
Nine Mile Canyon
Don't try to hike the length of the canyon. Despite the name, it's actually over 40 miles long. But definitely go for a drive through "the world's longest art gallery," filled with the petroglyphs, or rock art, of the Fremont people, from over a thousand years ago.
There are over 1,000 different art-sites to see. You can either start at Nine Mile Ranch to pick up a guide book, hire a tour guide, or check them out on your own. We recommend choosing 4-5 areas to explore on your own, starting with the two most popular:
Big Buffalo Panel: N39° 46' 59", W110° 08' 04"
Hunter Panel: N39° 46' 48", W110° 08' 07"
Note: To see a list of all art-sites and coordinates, check this handy guide from Climb Utah.
*Limited cell phone service; save directions before departure.
Latuda, Utah
Helper, Utah (latuda)
At risk of scaring you out of Utah, this ghost town is actually reported to be haunted by the wife of a coal-miner who died when an avalanche decimated the town in 1927. People claim to have seen the "White Lady of Latuda" wearing a white dress and wandering around the ruins. If you skip out on this one, we don't blame you.
Moab, Utah
Moab
It's not quite the Las Vegas Strip, but for what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in character. If you feel compelled to drop everything and move here, you're not alone. This little gem of a town is what the American midwest is all about.
STAY THE NIGHT IN: MOAB
For restaurant and hotel recommendations, reservations and more, check out our Customize section.
DAY 2: I got 99 arches... and one day to see them
Arches National Park, Utah
arches national park
With over 2,000 natural sandstone arches to see, the largest concentration of natural arches in the world, you might feel the need to spend a few days camping out, but you can easily see most of the highlights and some of the hidden gems in just under a day.
Inside the Park:
Park Avenue overview
At just over two miles, this short hike is a great way to stretch your legs. You won't find any famous arches here, but the huge sandstone monoliths along the trail will defy logic to the geologically uninformed.
Note: To see a list of the best hikes in Utah, check out our UV blog post, Power Rankings: Hikes of Utah.
Balanced Rock
Speaking of defying logic, how is this formation even possible? There must be a scientific explanation, but it's easier to assume it was aliens.
Double Arch, Arches National Park
Double arch (The Windows Road)
Here you can see four of the most famous arches in the park, including Double Arch, of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade fame.
Delicate Arch, Arches National Park
Delicate Arch
Hopefully you've saved your energy for this short but strenuous hike uphill to see the park's crown jewel perched above a sandstone bowl.
Note: It takes 45 to 90 minutes to get to the top. Plan to get there an hour before sunset to see the arch and stunning sunset. Stick around for the celestial light show. Bring a flashlight to find your way back.
alternate: Devil's Garden Trailhead
Looking for something less touristy? The trail is easy terrain, but it's eight miles long, so it'll take you a half-day to complete. Along the way, you'll see seven great lesser-seen arches, beautiful wild-flowers, wildlife, and a solitary, towering monolith known as the Dark Angel. For an extra treat, try to find the petroglyphs hidden west of the monolith. There's no trail - just look for a sign saying "You've Found Something Unique". If the day's still young when you're done, head to the Delicate Arch as detailed above.
STAY THE NIGHT IN: MOAB
For restaurant and hotel recommendations, reservations and more, check out our Customize section.
DAY 3: Rock n roll
Canyonlands national park
Often forgotten in the shadows of the Arches, Canyonlands is an adventurer's paradise, with far less visitors and far more terrain, about six times the size of Arches Park. It's split up into three sections: Island in the Sky and the Needles - with over 30 hiking trails combined - and the Maze - a super remote area that is one of the most dangerous hikes in the US, due to a lack of trails, water, or vantage points. Unless you're a pro-level hiker, stick to the first two sections. Better yet, with all the trails and sights to see, you're better off going with a guided jeep tour. You'll be able to cover more ground with some wheels and give your feet a day off.
Note: To see our recommendations and reserve a spot with the best guides, check out our Customize section.
Hole N The Rock, Utah
Hole 'N the Rock
It's a bit quirky but something you're unlikely to see anywhere else: a home literally built into a rock, complete with a family living inside. For a small fee, you can tour the inside of their home. Be sure to check out the market for some unique Moab souvenirs.
If this is the end of your Utah adventure:
Depart: Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
If continuing your journey to Part 4...
STAY THE NIGHT IN: ESCALANTE
For restaurant and hotel recommendations, reservations and more, check out our Customize section.