Your next road trip: 3 days in Moab – Utah
Since we’re on the topic of Utah, I figured I’d drop a little modular itinerary here—meaning, you can use it as a standalone adventure or mix and match with others if you’re planning to visit that famous park (minus the getting-lost drama).
To keep this from turning into a never-ending scroll, I’ll be sharing it in parts.
Where to Stay:
If Arches National Park is on your radar, then Moab is your spot.
Moab is a tiny desert town that feels like something straight out of another planet—Mars, maybe? Stepping foot there feels like taking a quick break from reality.
What to Do:
First things first: start a very committed relationship with your deodorant. In fact, bring it to every place without an A/C unit (bonus points if you pack some wet wipes too). This is the desert we’re talking about, and it gets HOT. Like, “the sun doesn’t need your help to k-ll” kind of hot.
With that being said:
The Arches National Park is definitely a highlight, but it’s not the only one. There’s also the scenic drive along Highway 128, rafting down the Colorado River, and another amazing the gorgeous Canyonlands National Park. So let’s break it down:
Day 1 – Arches National Park
This one’s a sunrise kind of day. And by that, I mean be inside the park by 6:30 AM kind of early. I know it sounds dramatic, but unless you’re totally okay with crowds, parking nightmares, and that general chaos that comes with popular spots – yes, you really do need to be early. Peak season hits from March to May and again from September to November, so plan accordingly.
And waking up that early means breakfast needs to be sorted out the night before. But if you’re more of like the typo of person that needs a proper breakfast and time to wake up, here are some laid-back breakfast spots to ease into your morning: Bonjour Bakery & Café, Sweet Craving Bakery + Bistro, Jailhouse Café, Moab Diner, and Love Muffin Café.
Okay, now that we have full bellies, let’s move!
The star of the show here is Delicate Arch. The trail is short (a little over 4 km or 3 miles), but it’s mostly rock. So best done early in the morning (before 10 AM) or late in the afternoon to catch the sunset. Another stunner is Landscape Arch – the longest arch in North America. And don’t miss Devil’s Garden or the Fiery Furnace trail (this last one is my personal fave – it’s a whole experience).
Getting hungry again? If you’re just looking for a quick bite, you can drive 10 minutes outside the park towards town for a quesadilla from the iconic Quesadilla Mobilla yellow food truck.
But if the sun has drained the best of you, cool off and get a sprinkle of culture at the Moab Museum. Why not, right?
And for a peaceful sunset away from the ANP crowd, check out Dead Horse Point State Park. It’s nearby, and it delivers all the stunning views – minus people.
When the sun finally sets, it’s dinner time. Desert Bistro is the place to go if you want something casual yet a bit elevated. If you’re in the mood for something more local , The Spoke On Center or Milt’s Stop & Eat will hit the spot.
Day 2 – Canyonlands National Park
This one’s a bit farther out, but still super close, actually. Just 30 minutes from Moab is a park that is, well, exactly what the name says: Canyonlands. These natural wonders were carved by water over millions of years and are just massive.
Let’s talk night skies for a second.
Canyonlands is designated an International Dark Sky Park. That means the stars here are next-level visible – even Saturn’s rings can be seen with a basic pair of binoculars under the right conditions. Natural darkness is getting rare, so nighttime experiences like these are becoming more and more attractive.
The park is split into districts:
- Island in the Sky: Perfect for short hikes and epic views.
- The Needles: A playground for long-hike lovers and backcountry explorers.
- The Maze: Super remote. Needs more planning, more time, more everything. Basically: beginner, intermediate, and advanced, in park-language.
This park has a slower rhythm—no rush, no pressure. It’s picnic basket kind of peaceful. And since it’s such a chill place, I highly recommend staying into the night. Just remember to bring red-light flashlights to avoid disturbing the local wildlife’s nightly routines.
Day 3 – Colorado River & River Road
Let’s end things on a relaxing note.
Two mellow options for your last day in Moab, but you can totally do both.
1 – Rafting the Colorado River
Start the morning floating through the canyons you’ve been hiking around all week. It’s refreshing, beautiful, and a fun way to wrap up your trip.
2 – Scenic Drive on Highway 128 (aka River Road)
This 44-mile stretch (or 70 km) is a visual masterpiece. You’ll drive past stunning geological formations, and if you time it right, the sunset colors are straight-up cinematic. Photographers, this is your moment.
The best part? This route connects you to your next destination: Bentonite Hills and Capitol Reef.
curiosa & explorando 
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